Four Fun and Educational Ghibli Movies, Best Choice for Spending Your Time Productively.

Leisure time is a privilege provided to most students, yet the manner in which they choose to spend this time varies greatly, often influenced by their productivity, personal interests, and perspectives. While many students consider studying to be the most beneficial use of their time, there are alternative pursuits that can offer both educational value and entertainment.

Watching Ghibli films is one example. Ghibli films have garnered global acclaim for their ability to captivate audiences of all ages. No matter of gender, race, or age everyone is able to enjoy the films without burden. These films tackle themes that are not only engaging but also instructional, which makes them an ideal choice for students who are trying to acquire knowledge and get amused at the same time. This article recommends four Ghibli films that can serve as both enjoyable and educational for students wishing to make the most of their leisure time.

First and foremost, Kiki’s Delivery Service stands out as one of the most impactful Ghibli films viewers rate. The plot is about a young witch named Kiki who is in her quest to become a mature and proficient witch and embarks on an adventure to a coastal village. Initially, Kiki uses her broomstick to navigate her ways, but she eventually loses her ability to fly, causing her to get significantly distressed. This film shows the efforts to regain her confidence and overcome this challenge. This story conveys a vital lesson for growing students which is perseverance in the face of adversity. Many students, particularly those at Chadwick International, encounter various challenges in their academic and personal journeys. Whether struggling with a complex math problem, writing assignment, or overcoming obstacles in extracurricular activities, students would be able to succeed not from avoiding difficulty but from the persistence to continue despite setbacks. The film inspires viewers to keep on working towards their goals, reinforcing the value of resilience in overcoming life's hard situations.

Another recommendation is Castle in the Sky. The story focuses on a girl named Sheeta and a boy named Pazu as they support each other to protect a mysterious pendant that holds the key to the floating castle of Laputa. As they are pursued by corrupt military agents led by the villainous Colonel Muska, Sheeta and Pazu use their collaboration to protect their pendant. Despite being young and inexperienced, Sheeta and Pazu manage to outsmart the military agents through clever schemes, such as hiding the pendant in a fake crystal to trick their enemies. For students, Castle in the Sky underscores the significance of collaboration in achieving common goals. In both academic and extracurricular settings, students are often required to work together. Hence, this film can provide an instructive lesson to students l on the importance of high-quality teamwork, creativity, and mutual support.

Thirdly, Howl’s Moving Castle offers an enchanting exploration of love and makes it a film that deeply resonates with students. The story follows Sophie, a young girl who is cursed to be the form of an old woman. Then, Sophie finds out the solitary scheme to cease the war between the two major kingdoms is to break the deep curse of Howl. Thus, by Sophie and Howl sharing a strong bond of love with each other, Sophie is able to break the curse of Howl. This narrative shows the indivisible power of love that can be used to aid problems. Students in Chadwick International could learn about the importance of love by watching this film since love is a crucial factor that fosters empathy and understanding towards one another. Showing love leads to stronger and more supportive relationships. It can lead to active listening and generate a space for diverse perspectives. Therefore, students would be able to create a more inclusive and compassionate academic atmosphere, where people feel free to express ideas and ask questions without fear.

Lastly, Spirited Away also contributes to films that can be very meaningful for many. Spirited Away is about a girl called Chihiro who gets abandoned in a Spirit World when her parents are transformed into pigs after eating food only for spirits. She stayed at the Spirit World, working in a bathhouse as a job, and met Haku. Haku kept on supporting Chihiro and Chihiro was able to get her name back and return to the Human world. Before leaving, Haku tells her that they both share a deep bond with each other and will somehow meet each other again in the Human World later, but they won’t remember each other. This can teach students a lesson about identities. Identities can help students increase their self-confidence and motivation.

Students at Chadwick would be able to reflect on themselves and boost their academics by acknowledging their identities.  It can help them work harder in academics. For example, a student who is confident in their environmental background such as culture, religion, or race may feel more comfortable participating in discussions, asking questions, or expressing their ideas, leading to better engagement with their studies.

Thus, watching Ghibli films can be beneficial especially for students because it can develop students’ mindsets, perspectives, and personal benefits. Hence, I would like for students in our community to spend time watching Ghibli films both for their development and entertainment.