Studio Ghibli still represents the peak of animated film, as far as i'm concerned. remarkable pacing, captivating worlds & artstyle, and adventurous. my favorites are:
- [Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausica%C3%A4_of_the_Valley_of_the_Wind_(film))
<br/> deconstruction of the "magical girl" genre. starts out slow and mysterious, then accelerates through some ambitious twists as you and the characters begin to learn what's *really* happening in the world. watch it if you're a softie who likes bittersweet (but satisfying) endings.
<br/> unbelievably over-the-top, tropey, and a bit low-budget, but Studio Trigger leans into these things and makes something that's _so absurd_ you can't forget it.
<br/> a short exploration into making sense of death and finding purpose when you have nothing to anchor to. will make you cry.
- Nichijou
<br/> short, hilarious and sometimes over-the-top skits which build on eachother over time. good, simple fun. it's a crowded genre but Nichijou is the best in class.