3 Ways Studio Ghibli Inspires Storytelling
In worlds full of magic and wonder, Studio Ghibli spins tales in a way that’s different from your average movie.
Studio Ghibli uses a storytelling structure called Kishōtenketsu.
Studio Ghibli was founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, and Isao Takahaka on June 15, 1985. Although the studio is relatively young, its unique storytelling lets it stand out from all the others.
On Substack, Animation Obsessive talks about kishōtenketsu in their article “What Makes Ghibli Storytelling So Different.” Kishōtenketsu consists of the introduction (ki), development (shō), a turn or twist in plot (ten), and the conclusion (ketsu). This storytelling structure dates back to ancient Japan and the culture around storytelling. China and Korea have similar structure in their classic storytelling, however, it’s called something different for each country. In kishōtenketsu storytelling, there doesn’t always need to be a driving conflict for the plot. Studio Ghibli maximizes this in many of its movies.
Many Studio Ghibli movies follow a “slice of life” theme even if they do contain magic. For example, in Kiki’s Delivery Service the movie follows Kiki, a thirteen year old witch, in her coming of age story. In this magical movie, Kiki has no real conflict that she has to overcome. Similarly, the movie When Marnie Was There follows Anna as she takes time off from school and visits relatives in the countryside. Neither movie has a huge conflict that drives the main character. Other than some magic, these are fairly ordinary characters that people can relate to.
Now, although many Studio Ghibli movies follow more mundane plotlines, there are some that have more violence. However, whether a Studio Ghibli is following a young witch in her coming of age story or humans are fighting Gods, each movie has its own message to tell.
A lot of the time these messages relate between humans and nature.
For example, in Princess Mononoke, humans cutting down the forest to build a town go to war with the forest spirits. This might be Studio Ghibli’s most violent film, but the message this movie portrays isn’t a violent one. In fact, Radicaledward on Substack phrases the message in a great way: “Nature doesn’t belong to us. We belong to it.” Princess Mononoke shows the nature of humans and how humans fit into nature.
Studio Ghibli movies focus on a strong female character.
Although it’s becoming more popular, strong female characters aren’t portrayed as much. There is also a lack of romance between the female lead and the male lead in many movies produced by Studio Ghibli. This sets Studio Ghibli apart as Hayao Miyazaki has said “many of my movies have strong female leads — brave, self-sufficient girls that don’t think twice about fighting for what they believe with all their heart. They’ll need a friend, or a supporter, but never a savior. Any woman is just as capable of being a hero as any man.” Even in the movies where there is romance, romance doesn’t mean a lack of strength for the female characters. Romance acts as mutual support and inspiration to live.
“I’ve become skeptical of the unwritten rule that just because a boy and girl appear in the same feature, a romance must ensue. Rather, I want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where the two mutually inspire each other to live — if I’m able to, then perhaps I’ll be closer to portraying a true expression of love.” — Hayao Miyazaki
