Earlier I described When Marnie Was There as "underrated", and it got me wondering what other people think are underrated. Of course, it depends on what you look at as the standard - what's popular among Tavern members is not always the same as general audiences or critics - but I'm curious what people's impressions are. And I'd also like to see what people think is overrated.

To me, the most overrated is probably Howl's Moving Castle. This is based mainly on popular perceptions, since it's highly acclaimed even though in my view, it has a lot less going for it that many other Ghiblis. On the Tavern I think it's not so popular, but even so it's usually the one I think of as overrated.

For the most underrated, I might say Kaguya-hime. I think it did pretty well with critics, but I get the feeling it was overlooked by many people, since not only is it a later release, but it's also by Takahata, and unfortunately his films just don't get the same level of attention.

So how about everyone else?

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I'll get back to you on that when I've thought about it for a bit...

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For overrated, I'd probably say Spirited Away and Totoro. I don't dislike either by any means, but I feel that most others among Ghibli's works have more charm and feeling than these two.

Underrated... From Up on Poppy Hill, I'd say! And maybe even Whisper of the Heart.

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I would agree with Kaz that Totoro is overrated - I find the narrative a little basic compared to some of the others. I also think Whisper of the Heart is overrated, though perhaps my view is skewed by it's popularity on the Tavern. I just find it kinda sappy.

I would say Kaguya-hime is veeery underrated and I actually think Ponyo doesn't get much attention but is super cute and colourful.

I also think The Cat Returns doesn't get much hype but is very charming and features one of the most likeable Ghibli heroines.

I love all Studio Ghibli movies, so it's hard for me to choose any as overrated. I know "Spirited Away" is the most well-known, but it's also my favorite Miyazaki film and I think it deserves all of the praise it has received (as does "Totoro".

If I had to pick one that was overrated ... OK, don't hate me, but I'm going to say "Nausicaa" is a little overrated. I love it, but the ending does drag on a bit more than I'd prefer, and I don't think the soundtrack is as good as in later Ghibli films. Nausicaa herself is also a little too perfect and doesn't seem to have any flaws.

As for underrated, I can think of several, but in particular I'd say "Whisper of the Heart." Nobody (outside of anime fans) seems to have heard of it, but I think it's a wonderful story with believable characters, and I like how it gives a glimpse into daily life in Tokyo. I also really enjoyed "Ocean Waves," which is not well known.

I agree with Maenad1 that "Ocean Waves" is very under-rated. It falls semi-outside the Ghibli banner for one reason and for a second deals with a teens-at-school-romance which has been done to death as a storyline, but the story has several twists that lift it above the norm, the pacing is superb, the characters believable and the artwork is very good. The ending is also very satisfying.

Over-rated? Probably "Spirited Away", it seems it could be the only Miyazaki work ever made if you read some critics pieces.

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"An old man like me stands no chance fighting against a high school girl in her underwear" - Oshino Meme, Nekomonogatari (Kuro)

quote:

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Originally posted by Saddletank
Over-rated? Probably "Spirited Away", it seems it could be the only Miyazaki work ever made if you read some critics pieces.

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There are actually many that comes into my mind when it comes to this.. Hmmm, let me post a new comment about this list

As good as they all are, I'm going to say that I think 'Howl's Moving Castle" was over-rated and "Ocean Waves" was under-rated.

That being said, my opinion may change at any time...

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For underrated, probably Kaguya. It's an amazing film but seems not to get the recognition it deserves. It's long been a problem that non-Miyazaki entries aren't considered in the same league. I actually consider Kaguya better than many of Miyazaki's films.

Overrated could be Spirited Away, only because its widespread recognition has resulted in many people thinking it's the only Ghibli film worth watching.

Totoro could also be overrated. It's the first Ghibli I ever watched, so I have a deep personal connection with it, but I'll admit the story sort of drags in places. It's great that the totoro images have become synonymous with the studio, but I don't think this particular movie represents their peak work.