Studio Ghibli discussion

Hellooooo

Heyy! Do we want to read the book in its entirety and then discuss, or should we break it into chapter discussions?

It seems pretty short so I'm okay with either!

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?

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.

Tarria♪ (exam semi-hiatus) wrote: "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 po..."

Yep!

Tarria♪ (exam semi-hiatus) wrote: "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."

I actually DNFed Kiki bc I felt the same thing so it's good to know this one is better. I'll probably start reading tonight.

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.

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'm on chapter 2. I think the uncle's letters are nice little moral lessons, but I feel like they disrupt the story a bit. I agree with Tarria, it is definitely a very character-driven story.

I'm on chapter 3.

I agree that the uncle's letters really take me out of the story. I find myself just skimming them because they feel so on-the-nose, and though there are good lessons for the children that are the target-audience of the book, I think the main story works better for that bc it's more subtle and applied.

I also think the dialogue feels very stiff and unrealistic, but idk if this is an author issue or a translator issue.

I going to be honest, I'm not sure if this writing is really doing it for me. Maybe its the translation, or the fact that its a children's book, but I feel like there isn't much substance or anything to draw me in. Not much of a plot going on.

Hoping it'll get better since I'm not that far in.

I agree completely about the book, but that just makes me more intrigued in how Miyazaki will translate this to film. I personally struggle to imagine it in film because of the lack of plot, so I'm excited to see his interpretation.

I haven't read much the past couple days because my spring classes just started (mostly just doing audiobooks rn), so let me know how far in you guys are and I'll catch up asap.

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.

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 Takahata's speciality but now he's pas..."

I haven't watched Marnie but I do know that I love Hisaishi's work so it's nice knowing that he'll be working on this!

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 deleted my e-book so I'm taking that as a sign lol

I'll still hang around and discuss if you guys decide to finish it though!

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.

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!

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!

Tarria♪ (exam semi-hiatus) wrote: "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 con..."

I saw your reading update and I couldn't think of a single reason why a line like this could be included. Hopefully the film rectifies this plotline!

I'm on the chapter about poverty, and the whole thing just rubs me the wrong way. Along with the line Tarria pointed out, there is also this gem:

"Please remember this well—it’s because in the world today, the vast majority of people are poor. So the vast majority of the people in this world are unable to live their lives in a way that is really human."

Having less money or being in poverty does NOT mean you can't live a fulfilling life. It doesn't mean you life will be "less human" than that of those with more money. The letter from the uncle refers to poor people as having pride easily wounded, essentially fragile people. Al in all, a message which is honestly kind of demeaning.

I did appreciate the lesson of treating all people with respect, even if they're different from you.

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?