The Representation of Women in Film by Disney and Studio Ghibli
The Representation of Women in Film by Disney and Studio Ghibli
INTRO
Anime and Disney both have many films lead by women. But which produces the most accurate portrayal of women? Both are enormously famous companies with films known the world over. In this essay, I am going to look at the similarities and differences between the female characters in both Disney and Studio Ghibli. Looking at the treatment of the women in the films and how the stories are affected by the traits of the women leading them. How Disney films have an extremely standard and set routine for female characters. Whereas Anime, or more specifically, Studio Ghibli, characters are created purely on the basis of how the character can enhance the story. I think Disney films, as well as Anime films; can be seen as important feminist studies because, often, they are extremely reflective of the social opinions. It is extremely interesting to discover how, in a western world where women are now seen by most as the equal of men, there is still a massive popularity for such sexist, misogynistic films. How in the current social climate of equality, is this still acceptable? What is it that Anime does so differently to Disney to make it be looked at, critically, as its superior? There are the obvious answers, such as the recent hype and interest surrounding Anime and of course, the different time in which the Disney films I will be focusing on were created. But, why is it that Anime rarely makes women out as sex objects or as helpless, perfect beings and instead chooses to depict them as strong, able women? Rather than the typical Disney character which are usually depicted as damsels in distress, always with a handsome male prince, rushing to save them.
DISNEY
While Disney characters may seem light hearted, many people, especially children, do learn everything about beauty from characters such as Snow White (1937) or Cinderella (1950). Disney films’ female characters are always created
INTRO
Anime and Disney both have many films lead by women. But which produces the most accurate portrayal of women? Both are enormously famous companies with films known the world over. In this essay, I am going to look at the similarities and differences between the female characters in both Disney and Studio Ghibli. Looking at the treatment of the women in the films and how the stories are affected by the traits of the women leading them. How Disney films have an extremely standard and set routine for female characters. Whereas Anime, or more specifically, Studio Ghibli, characters are created purely on the basis of how the character can enhance the story. I think Disney films, as well as Anime films; can be seen as important feminist studies because, often, they are extremely reflective of the social opinions. It is extremely interesting to discover how, in a western world where women are now seen by most as the equal of men, there is still a massive popularity for such sexist, misogynistic films. How in the current social climate of equality, is this still acceptable? What is it that Anime does so differently to Disney to make it be looked at, critically, as its superior? There are the obvious answers, such as the recent hype and interest surrounding Anime and of course, the different time in which the Disney films I will be focusing on were created. But, why is it that Anime rarely makes women out as sex objects or as helpless, perfect beings and instead chooses to depict them as strong, able women? Rather than the typical Disney character which are usually depicted as damsels in distress, always with a handsome male prince, rushing to save them.
DISNEY
While Disney characters may seem light hearted, many people, especially children, do learn everything about beauty from characters such as Snow White (1937) or Cinderella (1950). Disney films’ female characters are always created