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Studio Ghibli - Colour Palette Analysis


Film Feature By Chris Olson

This year seems to be loaded with Studio Ghibli goodies - with the release of When Marni Was There, in cinemas on June 10th, screening in both Japanese and English, with a star-studded English-speaking cast including Kiernan Shipka, Hailee Steinfeld, Kathy Bates, Ellen Burstyn, Catherine O'Hara and John C. Reilly.

The film will be released as part of the Studio Ghibli Forever season, a complete retrospective of the animation house's work, which includes ONLY YESTERDAY, a first-ever English language dub of the 1991 film, that has been produced to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the studio's masterpiece, featuring the voices of Daisy Ridley (Star Wars) and Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire). ONLY YESTERDAY will be in UK cinemas for the first time this Friday 3rd June.

StudioCanal have revealed a set of seven images designed exclusively by Roxy Radulescu of MOVIES IN COLOR to celebrate Studio Ghibli's retrospective season.

The images and analysis highlight the animation powerhouse's exquisite and impactful use of colour in their animation across films such as Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, Laputa: Castle in the Sky and new film When Marnie Was There.


Studio Ghibli colour palette

Color Palettes by Roxy Radulescu of Movies In Color: www.moviesincolor.com

When Marnie Was There Natural settings are highlighted in both palettes for when Marnie Was There. Each still’s location is vibrantly represented. From the yellows and bright greens in the forest to the bright blues and turquoises of the seascape, there is a clear intention to let the environment take centre stage.


Color Palettes by Roxy Radulescu of Movies In Color: www.moviesincolor.com

Princess Mononoke Based on primary colors, this still from Princess Mononoke feels bold and eye-catching. By putting the character of San front and centre and setting a mood with the fiery bold background, this still effectively communicates emotion through its palette.

Here are a selection of the other Color Palettes by Roxy Radulescu of Movies In Color: www.moviesincolor.com

Only Yesterday is released for the first time in English-dub format starring Daisy Ridley and Dev Patel this Friday June 3rd. Celebrate Studio Ghibli and see the classics on the big screen this summer with the Studio Ghibli Forever retrospective - in cinemas across the country from April 29th till July 28th.

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