Studio Ghibli Released A Trailer For Their First-Ever 3D CGI Movie “Earwig And The Witch” And People Are Torn About It
When you mention Studio Ghibli to people, they get starry-eyed, their smiles get wider, and they start talking about which of the animated movies take up the most space in their hearts. The Japanese studio is best known for their lovingly hand-drawn animations, but time changes all things and Ghibli is no exception.
The studio has released a trailer for their newest movie, Earwig and the Witch, and it’s their first project that uses computer-generated imagery (aka CGI). Set to premiere on December 30 in Japan and in 2021 in the US, the 3D animation is directed by Goro Miyazaki, who is Hayao Miyazaki’s son.
There’s a lot to be excited for (who can say no to Studio Ghibli?!), but it’s best to hold your horses. A lot of the studio’s movies create their unique atmosphere with their animation, but with CGI… things are different. Not necessarily bad. Just different. And people can’t agree whether they love it or they’d rather pass. Check the trailer out below, dear Pandas, and share your thoughts with all of us in the comment section.
Watch the trailer for Earwig and the Witch and let us know what you think, Pandas!
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Image credits: GKIDS Films
Earwig and the Witch is about a selfish witch who adopts an orphan in the British countryside. Just from that description alone, you should realize it’s a Ghibli production. And yet, it lacks a certain something, doesn’t it?
The director’s father, Hayao, is known as the legend behind Ghibli’s masterpieces like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Castle in the Sky, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and others.
While Goro isn’t new to the animation industry, he does have big shoes to fill. And the expectations that fall on his shoulders are immense. Goro and his father’s relationship is complex because of this. For instance, Goro had previously promised not to go into anything related to animation, but, as fate would have it, he ended up there anyway.
In a way, I think that no matter what direction Goro decided to go in with Earwig and the Witch, there would be critics because he’s not a carbon copy of his father and is off doing his own thing. Personally, I’m excited for Earwig and the Witch because the trailer just screams Studio Ghibli (even if I’m not a massive fan of CGI—I’m too much of a traditional art fan!).
Do you love the trailer? Fantastic! Feeling a tad reserved? Not to worry. Goro’s father Hayao is working on How Do You Live which will be 2D… and will probably be released in a few years.
Some Ghibli fans were very critical of the new movie and the CGI style
However, there were those who were fans, too
For me, Studio Ghibli isn't about hand-drawn animation - it's about the content, the storytelling, the pacing, and the emotional tone of their wonderful films. They've earned my loyalty, and I intend to give ‘Earwig And The Witch’ a fair hearing before judging it.
I agree. I do understand and partially share everyone's concern, but I don't think it will necessarily be bad. I, honestly, find this whole thing interesting, a little bit of experimentation is always welcome in art, regardless of the results. Even if this one turns out bad, it can still open the doors to other various potential. Besides that, I get why Goro Miyazaki made such a decision. Having said that, I do prefer the classic 2d animation for cartoons, and if 3d, then get the SquareEnix team. ♡
Goro Miyazaki is more prone to use CGI as he worked on projects miles away different from the original Studio Ghibli content, except "Tales From Earthsea" (that was nicely done). The son of Hayao has collaborated with Level 5/Bandai Namco on the two PS games "Ni No Kuni" and produced in 2014 an anime series based on the works of Pippi Longstockings' creator: he of course isn't his father but can give the typical Studio Ghibli's touch the fans want. Regarding the movie itself: the whole thing seems has suffered from the Covid too as Studio Ghibli wasn't able in licensing the Unreal 5 Engine (and the needed crew to handle it) so they opted for a more "cheaper" solution and anyway in Japan they got the funds to air it as a tv-movie only. So doesn't matter if it's good or bad the CGI, they had to work with what they had in-house. The problem is that is set to release in theaters in the West. I would have gone with the direct-to-video/streaming option.
Baron Simone Von Bianco yes
Baron Simone Von Bianco lol
Baron Simone Von Bianco good
Baron Simone Von Bianco Good response!
Baron Simone Von Bianco what
kleenex55 no
Agreed. I am not a big fan of the anime art style but have watched Ghibli on the recommendation of a really big fan in my life. I love the storytelling, I find them hard to watch otherwise (not for fault of the animators. I may not like the art style, but I can appreciate the work and passion that goes into it) While still in the similar art style, the CG makes it more palatable for me. I am kinda actually excited for it.
C. Mayo ?
True but it is also beautifully drawn...
I think the main problem is, that this kind of cheap animation tends to appeal more to toddlers, whereas the traditional Ghibli productions appeal to adults as well.
I grew up in the time of dinosaurs - Cinderella, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp. I have literally watched animation evolve over time, and frankly some of it really stunk. Cannot wait for this to come out. Just turned 70, BTW.
Meh. This doesn't look good. All the magic and the wonderment of Ghibli's style is gone, and it just looks like a bad 2007 anmiated movie.
So for you the magic and wonderment in Ghibli movies only comes from the animation style and not from the story(telling) and details and characters?
Actually what you are referring to is a book: storytelling, details and characters. Animation style is important in animation.
It needs both
Shelp good
Shelp love
Shelp like
For me, Studio Ghibli isn't about hand-drawn animation - it's about the content, the storytelling, the pacing, and the emotional tone of their wonderful films. They've earned my loyalty, and I intend to give ‘Earwig And The Witch’ a fair hearing before judging it.
I agree. I do understand and partially share everyone's concern, but I don't think it will necessarily be bad. I, honestly, find this whole thing interesting, a little bit of experimentation is always welcome in art, regardless of the results. Even if this one turns out bad, it can still open the doors to other various potential. Besides that, I get why Goro Miyazaki made such a decision. Having said that, I do prefer the classic 2d animation for cartoons, and if 3d, then get the SquareEnix team. ♡
Goro Miyazaki is more prone to use CGI as he worked on projects miles away different from the original Studio Ghibli content, except "Tales From Earthsea" (that was nicely done). The son of Hayao has collaborated with Level 5/Bandai Namco on the two PS games "Ni No Kuni" and produced in 2014 an anime series based on the works of Pippi Longstockings' creator: he of course isn't his father but can give the typical Studio Ghibli's touch the fans want. Regarding the movie itself: the whole thing seems has suffered from the Covid too as Studio Ghibli wasn't able in licensing the Unreal 5 Engine (and the needed crew to handle it) so they opted for a more "cheaper" solution and anyway in Japan they got the funds to air it as a tv-movie only. So doesn't matter if it's good or bad the CGI, they had to work with what they had in-house. The problem is that is set to release in theaters in the West. I would have gone with the direct-to-video/streaming option.
Baron Simone Von Bianco yes
Baron Simone Von Bianco lol
Baron Simone Von Bianco good
Baron Simone Von Bianco Good response!
Baron Simone Von Bianco what
kleenex55 no
Agreed. I am not a big fan of the anime art style but have watched Ghibli on the recommendation of a really big fan in my life. I love the storytelling, I find them hard to watch otherwise (not for fault of the animators. I may not like the art style, but I can appreciate the work and passion that goes into it) While still in the similar art style, the CG makes it more palatable for me. I am kinda actually excited for it.
C. Mayo ?
True but it is also beautifully drawn...
I think the main problem is, that this kind of cheap animation tends to appeal more to toddlers, whereas the traditional Ghibli productions appeal to adults as well.
I grew up in the time of dinosaurs - Cinderella, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp. I have literally watched animation evolve over time, and frankly some of it really stunk. Cannot wait for this to come out. Just turned 70, BTW.
Meh. This doesn't look good. All the magic and the wonderment of Ghibli's style is gone, and it just looks like a bad 2007 anmiated movie.
So for you the magic and wonderment in Ghibli movies only comes from the animation style and not from the story(telling) and details and characters?
Actually what you are referring to is a book: storytelling, details and characters. Animation style is important in animation.
It needs both
Shelp good
Shelp love
Shelp like