I had a great time watching some old Ghibli films.
I'm still at it. I'm in a Ghibli spree because I love how all of their movies are founded in quality and attention to detail.
Today, it was Castle in The Sky and Whisper of The Heart.
I went into Castle in The Sky with low expectations because it was their first film (released in 1986). But just two minutes in, I realized I was wrong to doubt them. The people who formed Ghibli knew what they were doing from the start. It was an incredible action-packed fantasy story with a strong emotional core. Old film? It didn't matter one bit. Serves me right for judging something by its age.
I watched Whisper of The Heart right after and I didn't think it could beat Castle in The Sky. I was wrong. They were different types of stories, sure, but that didn't stop it from being amazing. I'm mesmerized once again, and I'm so happy for it. There is a particular happiness in finding great stories like these.
It really was that great. It surprised me a lot. It's called "Whisper of The Heart" because the two main characters listen to their heart and pursue their creative passions despite the risks. One chases the art of crafting violins, and the other the art of writing. Yes, writing. I did not expect that to be there. It shocked me to my core because they portrayed the struggles that come with it so well.
Watching Shizuku trying so hard to form that first draft made me relate hard. I've been there and I've done that. I could feel her experience, even if it was fictional, in my own bones. It's been a long time since I finished a novel but that doesn't matter. It's hard to forget the hardship that comes with it.
So, if you were to ask me which one was better, I couldn't answer. And I don't care. I loved both. I'm going to bed happy tonight.