(My review is spoiler-free!)
Perhaps my grandest dislike in experiencing a story is boredom, a spell that turns the swift rivers of time into stone. Earwig and the Witch is not one of those tales fortunately. Not once did I stop it to liberate time, even though Earwig's arc of manipulation (she was manipulative even before she met her cruel adoptive parents), a dipping of her toes into empathy, and jumping back into manipulation was disappointing to this reviewer. Earwig's disheartening yet interesting mini-boomerang type development is moderated by her consistent display of care for others, while that is tempered by its subservience to her interests since the issue is bratty behavior rather than cruelty. I also found it interesting that Earwig's adoptive parents are alternatively distant and labour abusive to her while proving a capacity of kindness by providing her with tasty and plentiful food, as well as her own comfortable living quarters. I wonder if a theme of no one is wholly evil or good was intended? That's fascinating if so, and I think the narrative would have appealed to me more if Earwig learned to embrace her empathy, while still having flawed behavior, even as at least one guardian who loved her took her in (whether she eventually gains no less than one loving parent shall remain a secret here). The ultra-clean 3D animation aesthetic didn't take my fancy but Earwig is a funny name and I'm glad that the script pokes fun at it without turning it into a running gag (that would have ruined the moment for me). ~~~ ★ Film Details ★ Directed by: Gorō Miyazaki Screenplay by: Keiko Niwa & Emi Gunji Based on: Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones Genre: Fantasy Release Year: 2020 ~~~ My other Studio Ghibli film reviews:
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(My review is spoiler-free!)
Isao Takahata's screenplay is a bridge between adult appeal and childhood sensibility. This accomplishment is due to its treatment of adults as being prone to at least just as much fear, selfishness in the face of inconvenient responsibilities, and risky distractions as kids. The other side of the coin concerning his script's brilliance is this: it doesn't treat kids stereotypically as easily frightened, or without wise perspectives. Some other highlights: • The minimalist watercolour animation that flows from scene to scene when it serves the narrative. It's complimented by lush classical music. • A scene where someone sees troubles as physically bigger than they really are. This is accompanied by a daydream of fearlessly confront a problem as a superhero. • The film's message to be aware that family divisiveness often breeds (by simmering in seeming harmony while complaints build up unspoken; communication is left unwatered) when life seems to be going well; while bonding often happens when life punishes all members together. ~ ~ ~ ★ Film Details ★ Directed by: Isao Takahata Screenplay by: Isao Takahata Style: Short Stories that Feature a Family Based on: Nono-chan by Hisaichi Ishii Genre: Slice of Life/Comedy Release Year: 1999 ~ ~ ~ My other Studio Ghibli film reviews: |
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