Unfortunately for me, I could only find a dubbed version of this movie, so parts of the story are a little different than the Japanese version. I was hesitant to rewatch this movie because I always felt ambivalent towards it as a child. It's cute, watch it once, move on. I don't remember itching to watch this movie when my uncle took and lost my CD versions: I didn't feel much of a loss. While Kiki's Delivery Service is lighter than some Ghibli films, it has more depth than My Neighbor Totoro. There is both naivety and maturity to the story that makes it alluring and rewatchable at any age.
REWATCHING STUDIO GHIBLI III
When I think of My Neighbor Totoro, I always have warm and fuzzy feelings because I believe this is the first Studio Ghibli movie I have ever watched as a child. In Cantonese, I use this movie metonymously to represent the production company itself. Totoro is a beloved character that's been made into plushies, t-shirts, puzzles, and other merch which I probably own. Since everybody, including myself loves this character, I was afraid to rewatch this movie.
AMÉLIE MEETS RICK & MORTY
I professed earlier this year that my new favorite movie was Léon: The Professional, but that has already changed in three months! This movie was weird and unique. I was enthralled with the art, fast-paced story, and quirky characters. Night is Short, Walk On Girl is one of the best things I have watched this year.
REWATCHING STUDIO GHIBLI II
I can't help but compare Castle in the Sky to Nausicaä, which I watched and reviewed a couple of weeks ago. Because Nausicaä is still fresh in my mind, I realized how similar they are in terms of art, story, and themes; however, I can say Nausicaä is the better movie out of the two, mainly because I was not left with too many questions and plot holes. This will have minor spoilers, so beware!
MUSIC MONDAYS
I have a lot more time to discover new music during this quarantine, and music has helped me get through this time. Here are some songs I have been listening to on repeat! I hope you find something new/something you enjoy on this list.
REWATCHING STUDIO GHIBLI I
After watching the four-part documentary called "10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki" (you can watch it for free too with English subtitles here, I highly recommend it), I have a newfound respect and understanding for Miyazaki's films. I will be omitting Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle, Whisper of the Heart, and Grave of Fireflies from my list, due to the fact I have rewatched them previously, and still have a lasting impression of them. Also, I don't want to break my heart, again, watching the last movie of what I just listed. I will be rewatching Ghibli Films in the order they were released. If you are a die-hard Studio Ghibli fan, I think you know what I'm about to review...
ANIME REVIEW | APPLYING KANT TO ANIME?!
Whenever a conversation about anime strikes up, I always recommend these animes because they are some of my favorites: Soul Eater, Naruto, Blue Exorcist, Kaichou wa Maid-Sama, Kamisama Kiss, Asobi Asobase, Death Parade, Paradies Kiss, You Lie in April, and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica. I'll tailor recommendations, but these are all great. I rewatched Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica in hopes of finding something new and crying my eyes out.
TOSS A COIN TO YOUR OUTLIER
The Witcher appeared everywhere on social media and real-life: Geralt's bath scene, toss your coin to your witcher song, Jaskier and Geralt's bromance, and conversations with people. I avoided watching this show because I am not a fan of shows; I prefer movies because they're shorter and less of a commitment. Also, everyone kept comparing this show to Game of Thrones. I don't hate the latter; I'm just not a die-hard fan.