There's something about the way the directors of Studio Ghibli write women. And, although my favorites are overwhelming by Hayao Miyazaki, there are more people that go into making these characters. Their females are tough, and vulnerable, and caring, and loyal, and they're something that I think people have looked up to for nearly three decades now. It's been a long time coming. I can't tell you why I like every female character because that would be a long list, but here are some of my favorites and why.
Sophie from "Howl’s Moving Castle"
What more can I say? "Howl’s Moving Castle" is my favorite movie, and it’s just as much this powerful protagonist as it is any of the other lovable characters. Sophie may come off as harsh, but that’s because she doesn’t take other peoples’ excuses. She’s loyal and hardworking,
Her story is much different in the book that the movie is inspired by, but just as good and I would definitely recommend it.
San from "Princess Mononoke"
The girl living with the wolf gods of the forest is, like the rest of the movie, crude and ruthless. She fights relentlessly against humans, trying to protect the natural world she feels she belongs to. She believes in right and wrong, and she shows us that “fight like a girl” really means something.
Kaya also from "Princess Mononoke"
Prince Ashitaka’s younger sister wastes no time protecting her sisters; when one falls while running from a demon, she stands her ground with her blade out like a young warrior. It’s always a heartwarming moment, and I love her for it, despite being such a minor character.
Chihiro from "Spirited Away"
Perhaps the most annoying female character in Studio Ghibli History, I have a soft spot for Chihiro. From her hilarious, falling down the stairs moment to when she finds her voice and courage several times.
Lin also from "Spirited Away"
I'll admit, a lot of my love for her comes from the fact that her English-dub voice actress is Megara from Hercules (and is also in Porco Rosso!) But this character is more than that. She grows to really care for Chihiro and her sass knows no limits.
Shizuku from "Whisper of the Heart"
I loved this character because she was a writer, but she's also one of the more blatantly emotionally vulnerable characters and no one shames her for it. I really loved this movie because it was just about two teenagers, but it felt like more to me.
That's such an abbreviated list, but even saying all the female characters were my favorite would be denying my love for all the male and genderless characters. Studio Ghibli makes some of the best movies ever, and it's because their characters come to life on the screen. (It's also because Joe Hisaishi does the best soundtracks, but you know.)
Who is your favorite?
