The Cinematheque and the Vancity Theatre Co-Host 14 Film Studio Ghibli Retrospective in Vancouver

The Cinematheque and the Vancity Theatre have teamed up to present a rare opportunity for fans of all ages to watch the screenings of 17 Studio Ghibli movies in Vancouver. This exclusive event begins on December 7, running until January 3, providing lots of time for those wishing to check out this retrospective of films to do so.

The Cinematheque Press Release

Castles in the Sky: Miyazaki, Takahata, and the Masters of Studio Ghibli
December 7-9, 12-17, 22-23, 26-30
January 2-3
All Ages Welcome

VANCOUVER — The Cinematheque and the Vancity Theatre are pleased to co-host a major retrospective of films produced by Studio Ghibli, Japan's world-renowned anime studio. Screenings are open to all ages, and include Castle in the Sky, My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

All Ghibli films presented at The Cinematheque are the original Japanese-language versions with English subtitles; Vancity Theatre will screen English-dubbed versions. The Cinematheque presentation includes two rare titles — Only Yesterday and The Ocean Waves — never released in North America. All films (with the exception of The Ocean Waves) will be presented in new 35mm prints.

http://thecinematheque.ca/castles-in-the-sky-miyazaki-takahata-and-the-masters-of-studio-ghibli

SCREENING AT THE CINEMATHEQUE:

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
In a devastated, poisoned, post-apocalyptic world, a brave young princess named Nausicaä struggles to prevent two nations from destroying themselves and the planet.

Castle in the Sky (1986)
A young girl falls out of the sky and into the arms and life of a young mining engineer. Together they search for a legendary floating island in the sky, the site of a long-dead civilization promising enormous wealth and power to those who can unlock its secrets.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
A resourceful young apprentice witch and her wisecracking black cat set up a delivery service for a bakery — via flying broom.

The Ocean Waves (1993)
Rare, never released in North America! Taku and best friend Yutaka head back to school for another year, but find their friendship tested by the arrival of beautiful and temperamental Rikako. When Taku joins her on a trip to Tokyo, the school erupts with rumours, and all three friends are forced to come to terms with their changing relationships.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)
Two young girls move with their father to a house in the country while their mother is in hospital. They soon discover that the surrounding forests are home to a family of Totoros, gentle but powerful creatures who live in an ancient camphor tree and are seen only by children.

Princess Mononoke (1997)
While defending his village from a demonic boar-god, a young warrior is afflicted with a curse that grants him super-human power but will eventually prove fatal. In search of a cure, he journeys deep into the sacred Great Forest, where he meets San, a young girl raised by wolf-gods.

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
A shy teenage girl meets a handsome and mysterious wizard, but is transformed into an old woman by a jealous witch. Embarking on an incredible adventure to lift the curse, she finds refuge in a magical moving castle, and soon finds herself fighting to protect both the wizard and herself from a dangerous, destructive war of sorcery that imperils their world.

Spirited Away (2001)
Wandering through an abandoned carnival site, a young girl stumbles into a dream-like spirit world, where a tyrannical witch puts her to work in a strange bathouse for the gods. Encountering a vast menagerie of characters, she must find the strength and smarts to escape her surroundings and return to her family.

Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Young, aspiring writer Shizuku discovers that the name Seiji appears before hers on the checkout card of each book she has been reading. Through a series of unlikely and magical incidents, she comes to meet and establish a connection with Seiji, a boy who dreams of becoming a famous violin maker in Italy.

The Cat Returns (2002)
A schoolgirl saves the life of an unusual cat, and suddenly her world is transformed beyond anything she ever imagined. The Cat King rewards her good deed with a flurry of presents, including a very shocking proposal of marriage to his son! She embarks on a journey to the Kingdom of Cats, where her eyes are opened to a whole other world and her destiny is uncertain.

Pom Poko (1994)
The construction of a huge new Tokyo suburb threatens the forest home of a group of magical raccoon dogs, who embark on a guerrilla campaign to haunt the construction site. Their efforts culminate in a spectacular night-time spirit parade, with thousands of ghosts, dragons, and other magical creatures descending on the city.

Porco Rosso (1992)
Set between the World Wars, the film follows bounty hunter Marco, a world-weary flying ace cursed with the head of a pig. He meets an innocent, energetic 17-year-old girl who aspires to be an airplane designer, and the two are catapulted into high-flying conflict involving air pirates, the Italian army, and an egotistical American flying ace.

Only Yesterday (1991)
Rare, never released in North America! Bored twentysomething Taeko, realizing she's at a crossroads in her life, heads for the countryside. The trip dredges up forgotten childhood memories which unfold in flashback, and Taeko wonders if she has been true to the dreams of her childhood self.

My Neighbours the Yamadas (1999)
With visual design unlike anything else from Studio Ghibli, the film — illustrated in a series of rough sketches and outlines, filled with soft colors that evoke watercolour painting — follows the irresponsible, slovenly, and lazy Yamada family and their unassuming way of life.

For Vancity Theatre screenings, please check their website.

— SCREENINGS —

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Friday, December 7 - 6:30pm
Saturday, December 8 - 8:50pm
Wednesday, December 12 - 6:30pm

Castle in the Sky
Friday, December 7 - 8:45pm
Saturday, December 8 - 6:30pm
Sunday, December 9 - 8:30pm

Kiki’s Delivery Service
Saturday, December 8 - 4:30pm
Sunday, December 9 - 6:30pm
Thursday, December 13 - 8:00pm

The Ocean Waves (14A)
Wednesday, December 12 - 8:45pm
Thursday, December 13 - 6:30pm
Sunday, December 16 - 4:30pm

My Neighbour Totoro
Friday, December 14 - 6:30pm
Saturday, December 15 - 9:00pm
Sunday, December 16 - 6:30pm
Monday, December 17 - 6:00pm

Princess Mononoke (14A)
Friday, December 14 - 8:15pm
Saturday, December 15 - 6:30pm
Sunday, December 16 - 8:15pm
Monday, December 17 - 3:30pm

Howl’s Moving Castle
Saturday, December 22 - 4:00pm
Sunday, December 23 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, December 26 - 8:00pm

Spirited Away
Saturday, December 22 - 6:30pm
Sunday, December 23 - 8:45pm
Wednesday, December 26 - 2:00pm
Friday, December 28 - 1:00pm

Whisper of the Heart
Saturday, December 22 - 8:50pm
Wednesday, December 26 - 4:20pm
Thursday, December 27 - 2:15pm

The Cat Returns
Wednesday, December 26 - 6:30pm
Thursday, December 27 - 4:30pm

Pom Poko
Thursday, December 27 - 6:15pm
Saturday, December 29 - 4:00pm

Porco Rosso 
Thursday, December 27 - 8:30pm
Saturday, December 29 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, January 2, 2013 - 8:30pm

Only Yesterday 
Saturday, December 29 - 8:20pm
Sunday, December 30 - 2:30pm
Thursday, January 3, 2013 - 6:30pm

My Neighbours the Yamadas 
Wednesday, January 2, 2013 - 6:30pm
Thursday, January 3, 2013 - 8:45pm

$10.50 Adult Single Bill
$9.00 Senior/Student Single Bill

$12.50 Adult Single Bill
$11.00 Senior/Student Single Bill
ALL AGES WELCOME 

The Cinematheque
1131 Howe Street, Vancouver
24hr Film Infoline: 604 688 FILM

Vancity Theatre Press Release

CASTLES IN THE SKY: THE MASTERS OF STUDIO GHIBLI
Dec. 14 - Jan. 3

The Vancity Theatre and The Cinematheque are pleased to co-host a major restrospective of the films Studio Ghibli, the world renowned anime studio founded in Tokyo in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki.

All Ghibli films presented at the Vancity Theatre will be screened in 35mm in the English-language versions. (All films at the Cinematheque will screen in Japanese language prints with subtitles.)

These wonderful film are open to all ages. Princess Mononoke is classified 14A, all other titles are rated G or PG. The Vancity Theatre offers a special rate of $7 for youth under 19.

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MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO

	Best Animated Film of All Time"- Time Out Magazine
	Whenever I watch it, I smile, and smile, and smile" - Roger Ebert

Fri. Dec 14, 6:30pm; Fri. Dec 21, 5:00pm; Sun. Dec 23, 3:50pm; Mon. Dec 24, 2:00pm; Fri. Dec 28, 2:00pm Japan, 1988, 35mm, 86 min. English Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Voiced by Dakota and Elle Fanning, Tim Daly Related links: Review | Trailer | Buy Tickets

Two little girls and their father move into a beautiful old house in the countryside to be near their mother, who is seriously ill in hospital. Largely left to fend for themselves, Mei and her big sister Satsuki encounter a strange and beautiful world of forest sprites named ’Totoros’. Miyazaki’s most beloved film is simply magical and magically simple.

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NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND(Kaze no tani no Naushika)

	"A joy to watch."- New York Times

Sat. Dec 15, 3:00pm; Sun. Dec 16, 4:00pm Japan, 1984, 35mm, 117 min., English Directed by: Hayao Miyazake Cast: Voice cast includes: Alison Lohman, Shia LaBeouf, Edward James Olmos, Chris Sarandon Related links: Official Website | Trailer | Buy Tickets

Miyazaki’s first film as writer-director (based on his own successful manga) is an extradinarily rich fantasy film, an eco-allegory set in a feudal, toxic future and a spirited adventure movie. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaa, the people of the Valley of the Wind are engaged in a perpetual conflict with powerful insects called "ohmu", guardians of a poisonous (and spreading) jungle.

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SPIRITED AWAY

	Enchanted and enchanting… fast and funny; weird and wonderful. Mostly wonderful." - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

Sat. Dec 15, 5:20pm; Mon. Dec 17, 6:30pm; Thu. Dec 20, 5:30pm; Mon. Dec 31, 2:00pm Japan, 2001, 35mm, 125 min., English, Classification: PG Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Voices: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, David Ogden Stiers, Michael Chiklis, John Ratzenberger Related links: Review | Trailer | Buy Tickets

Chihiro and her parents are en route to a new home when they drive through a mysterious tunnel and enter a deserted town. When her folks start gorging on food and transform into a pair of pigs, Chihiro discovers this place is not quite as empty as she had imagined. This is a place of spirits, gods, monsters and witches.

	Picks up a resonance, weight and complexity that makes it all but Shakespearean… No other word for it: a masterpiece." - Tony Rayns, Time Out
	SIX STARS (exception must be made for the excepional). Spirited Away is a feast of wonderment, a movie classic and a joy that will enrich your existence until you too are spirited away. I don’t expect ever to love a film more." - Nigel Andrews, Financial Times

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PONYO

	You’ll be planning to see Ponyo twice before you’ve finished seeing it once... It offers up unforgettable images [...] images that use the logic of dreams to make the deepest possible connection to our emotions, and to our souls."- Kenneth Turan, NPR

Sun. Dec 16, 2:00pm; Wed. Dec 19, 6:30pm; Mon. Dec 24, 3:45pm; Sat. Dec 29, 4:15pm Japan, 2008, 35mm, 101 min., English, Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Voices: Cate Blanchett, Liam Neeson, Matt Damon Related links: Review | Trailer | Buy Tickets

Miyazaki’s strange and beguiling fantasy film about a sea spirit – it’s an odd eco fable about the terrible power of the sea, but illustrated with such beauty and imagination it transports us entirely into another world. Rated G, this is suitable for children of all ages.

	Miyazaki knows the secret language of children; he dives deep into the pool of childhood dreams and fears and, through his animagic, takes children down to where they can breathe, and feel, and be free." Richard Corliss, Time

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PRINCESS MONONOKE (Mononoke-hime)

	Complex, superbly rendered, and wildly eccentric - even by Miyazaki’s own standards."- J Hoberman, Village Voice

Sun. Dec 16, 6:15pm; Tue. Dec 18, 6:30pm Japan, 1997, 35mm, 134 min., English, Classification: 14A Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Voices: Billy Crudup, Billy Bob Thornton, Minnie Driver, Claire Danes, Gillian Anderson. Related links: Review | Trailer | Buy Tickets

Set during the Muromachi Period (1333-1568) of Japan, Princess Mononoke is the tale of a mystical fight between humans and the Animal Gods of the forest. Aimed at a slightly older audience than most Ghibli fare (it is classified 14A), this epic folk tale shows the influence of Akira Kurosawa (a Miyazaki-fan himself) and of John Ford too. The film was the most successful ever at the Japanese box office (prior to Titanic), and named the film of the year in Japan’s equivalent to the Academy Awards

	A symphony of action and images, a thrilling epic of warriors and monsters, forest creatures and magical spells, with an underlying allegory about the relationship of man and nature.” - Roger Ebert

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CASTLE IN THE SKY (Laputa: Castle in the Sky)

	"Frequently astounding." Richard Harrington, Washington Post

Sat. Dec 22, 12:00pm; Sun. Dec 23, 5:45pm Japan, 1986, 35mm, 124 min., English Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Voices: Anna Paquin, James Van Der Beek, Cloris Leachman Related links: Trailer | Buy Tickets

An island in the sky? The story of a young boy who sees a girl floating down from the sky. He comes to her aid in her flight from sky pirates, the army and secret agents. An adventure story influenced by Treasure Island and Gulliver’s Travels, Castle in the Sky is dynamic, imaginative family entertainment with valuable lessons about technology and ignorance.

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PORCO ROSSO

	Smooshes fantasy and history into a pastel-pretty yarn as irresistible as his feminism." - Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times

Sat. Dec 22, 4:10pm; Sun. Dec 23, 2:00pm Japan, 1992, 35mm, 94 min., English Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Voices: Michael Keaton, Cary Elwes, Susan Egan, David Ogden Stiers Related links: Review | Trailer | Buy Tickets

Pigs will fly! This cockeyed tribute to Humphrey Bogart and Ernest Hemingway features an anti-fascist flier (who happens to look like a pig) tracking sky pirates over the Adriatic in the 1930s. An exhilarating romp with a melancholy undertow - and amazing flying machines!

	Teems with Miyazaki’s personal passions […] rendered with the utmost detail and beauty. As stirring as Casablanca, and as sophisticated as Only Angels Have Wings, it’s a sublime chivalric fable." Nick Bradshaw, Time Out

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KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE (Majo no takkyûbin)

	Astonishing in its visual splendor and delightfully entertaining, this magical family film about a little witch-in-training, from Japan’s celebrated animator Hayao Miyazaki, is not to be missed." - LA Times

Wed. Dec 26, 2:00pm; Wed. Jan 2, 4:15pm; Thu. Jan 3, 2:00pm Japan, 1989, 35mm, 103 min., English Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Voices: Kirsten Dunst, Debbie Reynolds, Phil Hartman, Janeane Garofalo Related links: Trailer | Buy Tickets

In keeping with tradition, 13-year-old witch Kiki dusts off her broom and flies away from home for a year of independence and self-discovery in the big city. Her only companion is her beloved black cat, Jiji.

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HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE

	A stunning example of a pure, disorienting dream logic that cinema provides all too rarely."- Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York

Thu. Dec 27, 4:30pm; Sat. Dec 29, 2:00pm Japan, 2004, 35mm, 119 min., English Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Voices: Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Blythe Danner, Emily Mortimer, Jean Simmons Related links: Official Website | Review | Trailer |Buy Tickets

Teenager Sophie is cursed by the Witch of Waste and finds herself trapped in the body of an old woman, and is unable to tell her mother or anyone else what has happened. She finds help of sorts with the wizard Howl, living as a servant in his astonishing walking castle.

Sophie is an innocent who must prove her resourcefulness, courage and conviction in a bewildering, alien world

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POM POKO (Heisei tanuki gassen ponpoko)

	Pompoko is a delightful, often uproariously funny film, at once childishly irreverent and thoughtfully mature. Being a Ghibli work, it is beautifully rendered and technically impeccable, with a great number of memorable set pieces."- Tom Mes, Midnight Eye

Thu. Dec 27, 2:15pm; Sun. Dec 30, 3:30pm Japan, 1994, 35mm, 119 min., English Directed by: Isao Takahata Cast: Voices: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Clancy Brown, JK Simmons Related links: Official Website | Review | Trailer |Buy Tickets

Imagine Watership Down, Studio Ghibli-style. Instead of rabbits, we have raccoons. And not just any raccoons - these critters have magical powers of transformation. As their habitat is stripped and paved by the encroaching humans, the good-natured but rather undisciplined forest creatures embark on a campaign of disruption and distraction.

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THE CAT RETURNS (Neko no ongaeshi)

	An enchanting, magical fable with a twisted vein of surrealism." - Neil Smith, BBC

Fri. Dec 28, 3:45pm; Sun. Dec 30, 5:45pm; Mon. Dec 31, 4:20pm Japan, 2002, 35mm, 75 min., English Directed by: Hiroyuki Morita Cast: Voices: Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, Judy Greer, Elliot Gould, Tim Curry Related links: Trailer | Buy Tickets

Schoolgirl Haru bravely saves a cat’s life - and finds herself summoned to the Kingdom of the Cats for her pains, where she is to become the wife of the Cat Prince! When she refuses, she starts sprouting whiskers and furry ears.. What’s a girl to do?

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WHISPER OF THE HEART (Mimi wo sumaseba)

	"A beautiful film." - David Jenkins, Time Out

Wed. Jan 2, 2:00pm; Thu. Jan 3, 4:00pm Japan, 1995, 35mm, 111 min., English Directed by: Yoshifumi Kondo Cast: Voices: Brittany Snow, Cary Elwes, David Gallagher, Courtney Thorne Smith Related links: Trailer | Buy Tickets

A lovely change of pace from Studio Ghibli, this is a teenage first-love story, set in a realistically observed modern day Tokyo. Bookish schoolgirl Shizuku meets her soul mate with a little help from a portly cat.

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