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ghiblijourno
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  Masculinity in Studio Ghibli FilmsPost Reply with Quote Edit/Delete Post Search for Posts by ghiblijourno Report Post to a Moderator        IP Address Go to the top of this page

Hey guys, I am writing my dissertation on the representation of masculinity in Studio Ghibli films - had my proposal back and was advised to look at least 4 of his movies (The Cat Returns, Princess Mononoke, Howls Moving Castle and Spirited Away).

While there is a lot of information on female representation in Ghibli films, I am struggling to find anything on male representations!

Any Ghibli fans out there would be willing to help? Any input is much appreciated Cheers

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FlareNetworkC
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Hmm... Haven't seen Cat Returns, so can't help you there.

For Mononoke, maybe you could talk about how Ashitaka's character isn't based around his masculinity, but rather his willingness to help people. Or, how Jigo's masculinity causes him to notice other character's strength and not their compassion, or how his masculinity is crucial to his motive of money and thinking he's right all the time.

For Howl, maybe talk about how even if Howl can be portrayed as a masculine and powerful wizard, he still has a very tender and emotional side, giving him added character depth.

Even though I love Spirited Away, I think the film is about Chihiro's development as a whole, so I think you might want to choose a different movie, probably Castle in the Sky or The Wind Rises are your best bets.

Good luck!


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belborges
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I think Castle in the Sky, Porco Rosso and Wind Rises are really interesting films to analyze under that perspective. Maybe you should do research on how men and masculinity are portrayed in fiction in general and then compare to how it's done in Ghibli films.

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ghiblijourno
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Thanks for your help guys, really appreciated!

Yeah I don't really know much about The Cat Returns to be honest apart from how the Baron is portrayed!

I never really thought about Castle in the Sky so I might have a look at that!

One of my supervisor is an avid fan of Ghibli and she suggested that I should look at Spirited Away and analyse Haku's character and what impact he has on Chihiro's character development.

Also, are there any scholarly articles that I can refer to, I feel like I have been reading a lot of things online and I can't find anything specific to this in regards of this subject.

I've read Susan Napier's book, some Miyazaki's writings but that's about it!

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belborges
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I think Starting Point and Turning Point are two must-read books to understand Miyazaki's thoughts on the process of making his films, maybe you should check 'em out.

There are many interviews, making of and original concepts for his films online. Same for Takahata and other directors.

This is a really, really interesting subject, I'd really appreciate to see the results of your research and the material you've collected. It's indeed a very unexplored theme in analysis of Ghibli films.

Post last edited by belborges on 01.27.2016, 08:39 AM.

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husky51
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Hello, and welcome to the Tavern, ghiblijourno...

Yes, I agree with belborges about "Starting Point" and "Turning Point", both by Hayao Miyazaki.

As for masculine representation in the Ghibli films (ok, I'm old school, lol) there are many others you might think of if you haven't already.

Paku and the Colonel Seita in "Laputa"...
Seita in "Grave of the Fireflies"...
Shun in "From Up on Poppy Hill"...
Seiji in "Whisper of the Heart"...
Hideaki Anno in "The Wind Rises"...
"Porco Rocco", even though he is represented as a pig, he is still a male character...
Taku Morisaki and Yutaka Matsuno in "Ocean Waves" (very good IMO) for their different emotions with each other and others in the story...

As bel said, I'd certainly (as I'm sure we all would) like to see the results of your research, etc...

Again, Welcome to the Tavern...


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Personally, if it were me, I would choose to stick to one director rather than the whole studio, and I would choose Miyazaki, and I would look at Ponyo, Porco Rosso, and The Wind Rises.

Porco Rosso's protagonist Porco is considered a projection of Miyazaki, and his most autobiographical character.

Ponyo's protagonist Sosuke was modeled on Hayao's son Goro.

The Wind Rises' protagonist Jiro is based on a real historical figure.

Other than these three Miyazaki films made at Studio Ghibli, the protagonists are predominantly female:

Laputa: Castle in the Sky
My Neighbor Totoro
Kiki's Delivery Service
Princess Mononoke
Spirited Away
Howl's Moving Castle


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ghiblijourno
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Hi Iblarder,

I am looking at Howl and Princess Mononke and i know they have predominantly female characters but both films, the male characters are quite significant in helping their female characters developed - same goes with the female characters helping their male counterparts. without one or the other, i dont think the narrative would flow very well. that is just my opinion though but feel free to share your thoughts on it

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foreignfilmfreak
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Ooh this sounds so cool! If your dissertation is on this subject, what field are you in? I'm in women's and gender studies so it relates to my own interests. Lots of profs here are also huge Ghibli fans!

I think you're right, especially since I think Miyazaki said something similar about the roles of his male characters. I should rewatch the films and see if I notice anything.

I've always found Jiro to stick out the most of his male protagonists.

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ghiblijourno
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thank you foreignfilmfreak yeah i was struggling to find articles/academic references on this topic because its never been done before but my supervisor thought it was original so i kinda decided to stick with it.

I'm studying journalism btw hence ghiblijourno

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If you're writing about masculinity, then your essential list would be:

-Porco Rosso, focusing on Porco.
-Princess Mononoke, focusing on Ashitaka and Kouroku.
-Howl's Moving Castle, focusing on Howl.
-Ponyo, focusing on Ponyo's father (Fujimoto).
-The Wind Rises, focusing on Jiro.

Part of the definition of each of these characters is made by his relationship with women, but each also has a character in and of himself and with his relation with men. That should be enough for your study, I think.

If you want more, however, there's also:

-Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, focusing on Lord Yupa.
-Castle in the Sky, focusing on Pazu, Pazu's boss, Dola's sons and Dola's husband.
-My Neighbor Totoro, focusing on Mr. Kusakabe.
-Grave of the Fireflies, focusing on Seita.
-My Neighbors the Yamadas, focusing on Mr. Yamada and Noburu.
-Spirited Away, focusing on Haku.
-The Cat Returns, focusing on the Baron.
-The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, focusing on the woodcutter.

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ghibliresearcher101
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I am also doing my dissertation on ghibli but not the masculinity side.

If you need theoretical research into masculinity then have a look at the research done on disney movies and try and transfer some of it across.

The books starting point and turning point have been really helpful for me so far and there is good sections on ashitaka in mononoke and spirited away.

Good luck with your research!

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Welcome to the Tavern, researcher... We are always happy to see new members...


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Haku is one of the most masculine males in Ghibli - if you ignore his soft boyish appearance.


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quote:
Originally posted by tenkensmile
Haku is one of the most masculine males in Ghibli - if you ignore his soft boyish appearance.

Hmm? What's your reasoning there?


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Without even pausing to think, I would say the opposite. Immediately Pazu, Porco and Ashitaka come to mind, as well as the dude in Earthsea whose name I forget.


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Not to mention the brother from "Grave of the Fireflies"...


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tenkensmile
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quote:
Originally posted by Kazegami
quote:
Originally posted by tenkensmile
Haku is one of the most masculine males in Ghibli - if you ignore his soft boyish appearance.

Hmm? What's your reasoning there?


Although Haku appears 12-year-old, his mental age is undoubtedly far beyond that. He knows how to motivate, take care of others and give them confidence. His feelings are firm, thoughts wise, actions decisive. He knows how to act according to situations. Objectively, he is a better guardian to Chihiro than her parents seem to be at the beginning of the film. At the end, even at the time of parting, Haku also gives Chihiro a feeling of hope and a peace of mind by reassuring that they will meet again.


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But aren't those equally feminine traits as well?

His caring side is more feminine than masculine too.

We should assume he's 100s if not 1000s of years old since he's a river spirit, hence his great wisdom.


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I think that as an, apparently, eternal spirit that is a shape changer, 'gender' for it would be somewhat meaningless, really...


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