Earwig And The Witch Review
As Bob Dylan going electric, Earwig And The Witch received with a chorus of protest from a few members of Studio Ghibli fan base when the first trailer released. To many people, the adored tradition that is handcrafted 2D Japanese animation crossing the cartoon picket lines into the 21st century (and in the 3D dimension) with a full CGI feature film was a sacrilege. Perhaps it's enough to erase the smile off Totoro's face?
In reality, Ghibli has been tinkering with computer-generated animated animation for many years The first fully CG-animated TV show was released the year 2014. (Sanzoku not Musume Roneya) The company has also been adding small CG improvements to the traditional techniques in films going as long in the year 1997. Princess Mononoke in 1997.
This is more of an evolution than a revolution. The studio's debut feature in the span of seven years is different from anything they've made before and the initial impression is definitely disturbing. The backgrounds are well painted — the company's love of nature remains unaltered The animation of the characters is plastic and doll-like that is more like the beginning of CGI as opposed to the modern Pixar quality. If it feels a bit designed for TV, it's probably because it was originally created for the Japanese channel called NHK General TV, before getting an theatrical release.
It's clear that it's designed at kids more than adults, however it has just enough spark to draw all attention.
However, director Goro Miyazaki, who has kept the spirit of the studio burning following a pause caused by the semi-retirement of the father of his son, Hayao however offers a familiar sense of imagination and vibrant color to this exciting new world. Much like the other films from Ghibli prior to it (Howl's Moving Castle and Arietty) It's the adaptation a well-loved English children's story that is, in this instance, that of the Diana Wynne Jones book of the same name. similar to the previous films, it focuses heavily on the familiar characters such as the precocious kid as well as the quiet spellcaster, the sarcastic cat (see Kiki's Delivery Service, Whisper Of The Heart).
The enthralling tale of an orphan being taught by a witch and dreaming of her missing mother clearly is designed at children more than grown-ups, however there's just the right amount of zing and an appearance from that sarcastic chattering cat to capture all the attention. The story may not please fans of the traditional however Earwig is a compelling tale with enough charm to make it recognized as Ghibli.
