The Ghibli touch: Why this studio’s animation feels so unique

I had a phase where I ended up watching a lot of animated films, from Ghibli classics to the digital brilliance of Pixar, from the hyper-detailed frames of Makoto Shinkai’s work to the edgy, kinetic chaos of Studio Trigger. But except for a Studio Ghibli film, none of them had that magical essence I got addicted to. This studio has created something so beautiful that it created waves around the world.

For me, Studio Ghibli’s uniqueness begins with its commitment to hand-drawn, traditional animation. Currently, almost every popular animation studio has been using CGI, and everything looks impossibly polished. Ghibli, on the other hand, has visuals that feel warm, tactile, and almost human.

In my opinion, every frame reflects the hard work and dedication of the artists behind it. While other studios are chasing realism, Ghibli seems more concerned with preserving the emotional authenticity of its worlds.

The person who needs to be given credit for making this studio globally popular is Hayao Miyazaki, Ghibli’s most iconic director. Even in 2023, when the studio released The Boy and the Heron, Miyazaki and his team continued using hand-drawn animation.

Understanding what makes Ghibli magical is not complicated. In addition to the visuals, the stories are also distinct, which complements the whole vibe of the movie. The pacing of a Ghibli movie can feel almost passive when compared to the hyper-speed plots of most animated films.

For instance, in My Neighbor Totoro, nothing truly happened, as an audience we are simply observing the lives of two sisters as they explore their new countryside home, make friends with magical forest spirits, and deal with the anxiety of their mother’s illness.

It’s in this gentle pacing that Ghibli finds its power. Now compare this to studios like Pixar or DreamWorks. At no point am I trying to imply that these studios are bad because they have produced some phenomenal films. But their narratives often move at breakneck speed, with clearly defined goals, villains, and moral takeaways.

A Ghibli film, on the other hand, doesn’t always tell you what to think. It gives you space to reflect. In Spirited Away, the protagonist Chihiro doesn’t save the world or defeat an evil villain. She simply grows up a little. She learns to be brave, resourceful, and kind in an unpredictable world.

I completely believe that Studio Ghibli is for everyone because it doesn’t talk down to children or oversimplify for adults. I find that it balances fantasy and reality so effortlessly that I always feel understood and connected, no matter who I am or what stage of life I’m in.

What makes Hayao Miyazaki from Ghibli Studio different from other directors?

I believe what sets Hayao Miyazaki apart from other directors, both in animation and his stories, is his rare blend of artistry, philosophy, and emotional sincerity. While many directors begin with a script or a clearly mapped-out narrative arc, Miyazaki famously starts with sketches and lets the story unfold organically during production.

I really admire how Hayao Miyazaki is so firmly against relying on modern technology when making his films. In a world where almost every studio has gone digital, his commitment to hand-drawn animation feels like a deliberate choice, not just tradition for tradition’s sake, but a purposeful stand to keep that human touch alive.

What I find even more compelling is how he avoids the usual black-and-white storytelling. Unlike many directors who stick to clear-cut heroes and villains, Miyazaki embraces moral ambiguity.

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His characters feel real and layered, even the so-called antagonists, like Lady Eboshi in Princess Mononoke, aren’t just “bad guys.” They have empathy and complexity, which makes the stories feel richer and more thoughtful.

Finally, his portrayal of women has revolutionized the way his stories are told. Women are never shown to be damsel in distress, rather they are curious, brave, and independent. In a way, his heroines grow through quiet resilience rather than grand gestures.

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