Studio Ghibli at SIFF

As they did in June, SIFF is showing ten Studio Ghibli films, most of them in both English and Japanese, between February 15-21. Scroll the bottom of the post for discounts and a chance for free tickets!

If you are not familiar with this work, this is a wonderful opportunity to repair that tragic failure. I think all but one of the films are fine for children, most of them are brilliant for children, and nearly all of them are simply brilliant.

Small children will adore My Neighbor Totoro, Pom Poko, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Porco Rosso. Those over age 9 or so will love Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and The Cat Returns. Those over 12 will enjoy Castle in the Sky, Howl's Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke - although these may be frightening or too violent for some younger children. I'm not sure if younger audiences would appreciate Whisper of the Heart, but I love that film. Grave of the Firefies has some very grim content and may only be suitable for adult audiences.

I can recommend all of these films for adult audiences, even those that young children would enjoy.

The films are available on DVD, but you should take this opportunity to see them on the big screen.
 

For information or to order tickets visit their web site.

Here's something new: a promo code (GHILBI13) that Seattle Schools Community Blog readers can use to get a discount of $3 off the general admission ticket price of $11. Sorry, this discount does not include matinee screenings. You can use the promo code when you order your tickets over the phone, online or at the box office.

Here's something else new: we have two pairs of tickets to give away to the first people who can answer these Studio Ghibli trivia questions:

What was Prince Ashitaka's answer when Lady Eboshi asked him "What exactly are you here for?"

and

In Kiki's Delivery Service, what kind of pie did Madame bake?