Set in a future world decimated by atmospheric poisons, gigantic insects and war, Nausicaä’s eponymous princess must use her skills as both soldier and scientist in an effort to reconcile humanity with nature. One of the best science-fiction films of the 1980s, Nausicaä’s critical and commercial success in Japan eventually led to the formation of Studio Ghibli. The film also marks the first of Miyazaki’s many superb collaborations with composer Joe Hishaisi. (KK)

Although considered by many to be Studio Ghibil co-founder Takahata's best work, Only Yesterday took twenty years to be released in the U.S. Takahata dares to use Studio Ghibli’s color and technique not to depict fantasy, science fiction, or war, but to show the infinite value of an ordinary contemporary life, that of 27 year old Tokyo office worker Taeko.  Flashing back and forth between Taeko’s youth in 1966 (the start of Japan’s economic boom) and her adult life in 1982, Only Yesterday delicately captures many aspects of Japanese life both past and present. It gives a rich and quiet voice to Taeko who confronts the ghosts of her childhood on her way to visit a rural haven that she can call home. (KK)

After witnessing a traumatic battle during WWI, an Italian pilot is transformed into a creature that is part pig/part human. Undaunted by his new appearance, Porco becomes an ace bounty hunter of air pirates, while still finding time to romance the (human) ladies. “Porco Rosso was initially conceived as a short film for Japan Airlines, and its roots show in its delight with aviation and the experience of flight.” (Tasha Robinson, The Onion AV Club)

Young witch-in-training Kiki flies her broomstick to a new town to complete her studies in magic. Away from her family, Kiki finds support from a family of bakers and her loyal cat, Jiji. Gentle, sweet-natured and beautifully rendered, Miyazaki’s fantasy is perfect entertainment for youngsters and grown-ups alike. This excellent English-language version features the voice of Kirsten Dunst as the titular heroine and a particularly memorable performance by the late Phil Hartman as Jiji.

Taku and his best friend Yutaka are headed back to school for what looks like another uneventful year. But they soon find their friendship tested by the arrival of Rikako, a beautiful new transfer student from Tokyo who wants only one thing, to go back. Adapted from Saeko Himuro’s best-selling novel, this bittersweet coming of age story features strong attention to detail and a striking use of perspective. The first Studio Ghibli feature produced exclusively for Japanese television, it has not been made available on DVD in the U.S. (KK)

Takahata’s cheery adaptation of a popular newspaper manga by Hisaichi Ishii represents a dramatic break from the frequently mythical storytelling of Studio Ghibli. In order to stay true to the manga, the director uses a seductive minimalist aesthetic in portraying the life and misadventures of the disorganized Yamada family. Takahata brings these charming failures to life by leaving the majority of the frame empty, sometimes presenting only etchings or sketches, filled with soft colors that evoke watercolor painting. Ghibli’s first entirely computer-generated feature still manages to magically capture the aura and feeling of a childhood memory. (KK)