T ✩ Handmaiden Of Amidala’s Comments (group member since Dec 03, 2022)

T ✩ Handmaiden Of Amidala’s comments from the Studio Ghibli group.

Tianna wrote: "You play harp? That's awesome!"

I do, and this movie is the reason why, haha

I thought the book was just okay compared to the movie. Kiki's character was a bit flat and way too eager to please - to the point of helping really shady people and never being portrayed as wrong for doing so. And I found book Tombo to be really annoying and could not figure out what Kiki saw in him

Tianna wrote: "Re-watched this with my siblings recently and was inspired to start learning Arrietty's Song on flute. It's a really pretty piece!"

This was the first song I learnt to play on my harp!

Tianna wrote: "Is it okay if I start a discussion thread under books?"

Sure go ahead

The visuals were breathtaking. The curtain surrounding the birthing room was animated so plush and hyperrealistic. Music was alright, not Hisaishi's best but "Girl Of Fire" is a beautiful tune. Kenshi Yonezu did a great job with the ending song.

I was personally let down by the story, I felt like I had seen it all before and that there were too many unanswered questions. I also wasn't a fan of the portrayal of the female characters, which was a disappointment for a studio known for their strong women.

Hi! Unfortunately as moderator I haven't been active on Goodreads recently hence why the group is a little dead!

Arrietty and From Up On Poppy Hill are my favourite movies. I also love The Wind Rises, though it is very sad so I don't watch it as often.

I'm planning on taking my sister to see it next week! Can't wait

Exactly the idea that being poor means you're automatically miserable and won't have a good life is so dumb and very obviously written by a rich upper class person lecturing to other rich upper class people.

I'm 80% in, the Napoleon hero-worship is really weird to me? Such a random figure to look up to. Maybe it's cause I'm a Brit but like...why?

https://www.tofugu.com/japan/studio-g.... fascinating article about all the Ghibli movies that were based on books and how the books themselves hold up

I'm about 50% through and pretty much nothing has happened. The description and treatment of the poor lower-class boy is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. The rich, upper class main character is continuously praised for showing basic manners and not treating him as inferior. And what's with the whole "poor people who feel inferior because they are poor will never be much of human beings"? The entire book smells of aristocracy and superiority. The story would be so much better if it was told from the point of the poor friend!

schwoomst wrote: "Alright I'm sorry guys but I'm gonna call it. I haven't really gotten anything out of this book so far and I've been skimming more than reading atp because the writing bores me a bit. Accidentally ..."

Oh dear! I'm definitely finishing it since I don't like dnfing things (though three dark crowns is definitely testing my patience rn) but keep discussing with us!

schwoomst wrote: "Tarria♪ (exam semi-hiatus) wrote: "I agree, I'm very curious as to how Miyazaki will adapt this. His movies are usually more of a big spectacle - the slower, slice-of-life type movies were Isao Tak..."

Yeah! It's not like other non-Hisaishi scores were bad either - my favourite soundtrack is Kari-gurashi Arrietty which was by Cécile Corbel. I just think they were rushed with Marnie which is why the music came out uninspired and bland. That may also be why I find it to be one of the least "Ghibli-esque" of Ghibli movies - the soundtrack is generic.

I agree, I'm very curious as to how Miyazaki will adapt this. His movies are usually more of a big spectacle - the slower, slice-of-life type movies were Isao Takahata's speciality but now he's passed. The movie has been in the works for a very long time though, so perhaps he had some influence before his death.

I just hope the musical score is good! Joe Hisaishi being back is a relief. I found the music in Ghibli's last movie, When Marnie Was There, to be sorely lacking.

21% in. I doubt English was taught as a basic subject in Japanese schools in the 1930s. I think this was a translation issue

I should've DNFed Kiki tbh. I didn't like it at all but I watched the movie afterwards which was very different and much better imo.

I'm only on chapter two at the moment. I'm impressed with the quality of the translation. I felt that the English translation of Kiki's Delivery Service was poor so this is a pleasant surprise.

The book seems to be very character-driven as opposed to plot-driven so I don't think there will be any jaw-dropping plot twists - that being said should any of us encounter a very spoilery plot point we should ask where everyone else is before discussing it, that okay?

Which do you prefer? Which movie do you think has the best dub and in which language?

Can't believe it made me romanticize living underground

Still want her bedroom to this day

I've created a group read thread for us to discuss the book in the Book Discussions folder!