When you mention Studio Ghibli to people, they get starry-eyed, their smiles get wider, and they start talking about which of the animated movies take up the most space in their hearts. The Japanese studio is best known for their lovingly hand-drawn animations, but time changes all things and Ghibli is no exception.
The studio has released a trailer for their newest movie, Earwig and the Witch, and it’s their first project that uses computer-generated imagery (aka CGI). Set to premiere on December 30 in Japan and in 2021 in the US, the 3D animation is directed by Goro Miyazaki, who is Hayao Miyazaki’s son.
There’s a lot to be excited for (who can say no to Studio Ghibli?!), but it’s best to hold your horses. A lot of the studio’s movies create their unique atmosphere with their animation, but with CGI… things are different. Not necessarily bad. Just different. And people can’t agree whether they love it or they’d rather pass. Check the trailer out below, dear Pandas, and share your thoughts with all of us in the comment section.
Watch the trailer for Earwig and the Witch and let us know what you think, Pandas!
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Earwig and the Witch is about a selfish witch who adopts an orphan in the British countryside. Just from that description alone, you should realize it’s a Ghibli production. And yet, it lacks a certain something, doesn't it?
The director’s father, Hayao, is known as the legend behind Ghibli’s masterpieces like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Castle in the Sky, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and others.
While Goro isn’t new to the animation industry, he does have big shoes to fill. And the expectations that fall on his shoulders are immense. Goro and his father’s relationship is complex because of this. For instance, Goro had previously promised not to go into anything related to animation, but, as fate would have it, he ended up there anyway.
In a way, I think that no matter what direction Goro decided to go in with Earwig and the Witch, there would be critics because he’s not a carbon copy of his father and is off doing his own thing. Personally, I’m excited for Earwig and the Witch because the trailer just screams Studio Ghibli (even if I’m not a massive fan of CGI—I’m too much of a traditional art fan!).
Do you love the trailer? Fantastic! Feeling a tad reserved? Not to worry. Goro’s father Hayao is working on How Do You Live which will be 2D... and will probably be released in a few years.
Some Ghibli fans were very critical of the new movie and the CGI style
However, there were those who were fans, too
