environmental awareness in animation

Since today has been a day dedicated to environmental issues, I shall continue the series of posts with two Studio Ghibli animation films, which evolve around this topic: "Princess Mononoke" and "Ponyo".

"Princess Mononoke" (1997) is one of my favourite animation movies. It was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli and is one of those animations intended for all audiences, irrespective of age. You can watch the trailer here. Watch this short NYTimes review to get a better idea of the theme of the movie:

"Ponyo" is a 2008 animated movie with many many jellyfish! It is Miyazaki's latest work and was released in Japan in July 2008 and in US and Canada in August 2009. In Germany, it will be released at the beginning of October 2009.

I find that Ponyo carries a way too heavy Disney signature...or rather it might be a conscious return by Miyazaki to the gentler, more kid-friendly style of movies like „My Neighbor Totoro“ and „Kiki's Delivery Service“.

Like much of Miyazaki's work, „Ponyo“ carries an unsubtle environmental message: "They spoil the sea. They treat your home like their empty, black souls" decries Fujimoto, (...) who shudders at his beloved child's desire to live among the two-legged. Miyazaki, too, is keenly aware that nothing — neither children nor oceans — stays pure and innocent forever, and yet, as he glances at the world once more through a child's wide, unspoiled eyes, he seems to find hope for renewal.

Watch the trailer: