Barbican Centre London To Host A Studio Ghibli Season This July

It was Ten Years Ago The Barbican Centre, introduced Ghibli to alot of Londoners for the  very first time. On that day those lucky people at the first screening introducing them to the magical world of the iconic Japanese animation studio, a studio thats brought some ground breaking pieces of stunning work experiencing beautiful artwork even Disney have true fans of, making Hayao Miyazaki a household name not just in his native Japan but also worldwide. To celebrate the anniversary the centre is presenting a monthly programme  presenting the studio's finest moments in rare cinematic screenings outside of Japan. The programme kicks off with a special preview screening of  studio's latest animation Arrietty(AKA 'The Borrower Arrietty').

For more information and to book the tickets please go to the Barbican Centre Website

Arrietty (U)
9 Jul 11 / 11:00 / Cinema 1
6 Jul 11 / 19:00 / Cinema 1

Miniature Arrietty and her family live under the floorboards of an ordinary house in the Toyko suburbs 'borrowing' everything they need from their human landlords, until a chance encounter threatens disastrous consequences.

Directed by veteran Studio Ghibli animator Hiromasa Yonebayashi and scripted by the master Hayao Miyazaki, this new adaptation of the classic children's novel The Borrowers is exquisitely detailed and utterly enchanting.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (PG)
9 Jul 11 / 14:00 / Cinema 1

A mesmerising blend of fantasy and science-fiction set centuries in the future, in a world almost swallowed by a polluted forest full of giant insects. Miyazaki's titular character is a courageous girl whose peaceful country is caught up in a conflict between greater powers.

Misuse of technology threatens man and nature in this story based on Miyazaki's epic-length graphic novel.

Grave of the Fireflies (12A)
9 Jul 11 / 16:15 / Cinema 1

Warning: this is no fairy-tale and has no happy ending. Based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Akiyuki Nosaka, Takahata's first Ghibli feature follows a teenage boy and his infant sister as they struggle to survive in wartime Japan.

After losing their mother and their home in a fire-bomb attack, the pair gradually withdraw from adult society and find solace in each other as tragedy moves inevitably closer. Inevitably heartbreaking, Grave of the Fireflies shows both the cruelties and joys of the characters' short lives.

Princess Mononoke (PG)
10 Jul 11 / 16:00 / Cinema 1

In Miyazaki's thematic sequel to Nausicaä, a young warrior under a demon’s curse discovers a forest where animal gods, led by their champion San - the Princess of the title -  fight a losing battle with human invaders.

Echoing John Ford westerns as much as Kurosawa with its samurai swordfights and climactic showdown this is a haunting and moving allegory for the attack of technology on nature in modern Japan.

Laputa: Castle in the Sky (PG)
16 Jul 11 / 11:00 / Cinema 1

Two children set off on a hazardous hunt for the legendary flying castle Laputa, but a gang of pirates and a sinister government agent are also chasing the airborne treasure. A rollercoaster adventure in a 19th century fantasy world, with spectacular aerial battles scenes which never obscure the film's essential innocence.

Miyazaki’s lush animation provides action and emotional integrity and is a flawless anime masterclass. 

Kiki's Delivery Service (U)
23 Jul 11 / 11:00 / Cinema 1

Kiki is a witch, complete with flying broomstick and talking cat and, as is witch tradition, she sets off to spend a year a way from home.

Her new base is a gorgeous seaside town with an array of colourful characters and Kiki sets about creating her own airborne courier service to pay her way. New in town and a little nervous, Kiki finds her witch powers ebbing away but will she overcome her fears in time to avert an event that could spell disaster for her new friends? Come along to Family Film Club and find out!   

My Neighbour Totoro (U)
30 Jul 11 / 14:00 / Cinema 1

This iconic Ghibli is rightfully one of the most popular animations ever made.

Partly inspired by Japanese storyteller Kenji Miyazawa, one of Miyazaki's favourite writers, this gentle fantasy explores the beauty and magic of 1950s rural Japan through the eyes of two young girls, who move to the country, discover the spirits of the forest and experience the magical power of nature with a wondering innocence. Sublime.

Porco Rosso (12A)
30 Jul 11 / 16:00 / Cinema 1

Miyazaki's nonchalant hero shuns society and his own courageous past, but still inspires those around him. Echoing Powell and Pressburger’s classic A Matter of Life and Death, and with stunning fantasy interlude drawn from Roald Dahl's aviation stories, Porco Rosso includes some ravishing flight scenes, allowing Miyazaki to indulge his love for vintage aircraft.

Ostensibly a romantic comedy, the film makes an effective argument for the place of storybook heroes in a darkening world, reminding us that grown-ups need their dreams as much as children.

My Neighbours the Yamadas (PG)
31 Jul 11 / 14:00 / Cinema 1

Described by Ghibli president Toshio Suzuki as a film "showing what it's like to live as a Japanese," Yamadas is a radical break from the usual Studio look. Completely digital, the film resembles a moving water-colour, with simple sketches and outrageous cartoony designs concealing ground breaking techniques in the handling of background washes.

Divided into a number of episodes revolving around an eccentric but tightly knit family, the film was adapted from a newspaper gag-strip by Hisaichi Ishii. The distinctive look was partly inspired by German born animator Frederic Back (The Man Who Planted Trees).

Spirited Away (PG)
31 Jul 11 / 16:00 / Cinema 1

For young Chihiro and her family, a mysterious tunnel and haunted town lead to the Land of Spirits, inhabited by gods and monsters and ruled by the greedy witch Yu-baba. To rescue her parents, Chihiro must surrender her name and serve in this world. Luckily she finds friends and allies, but can she win back her name and return home?

Inspired by folktales, this absorbing fantasy adventure combines Japanese, Chinese and Western design styles, reflecting the development and influences of modern Japan.

sourceFareastfilms