Take your favourite movie and imagine it without any music. Before long, you’ll realise that there’s a gaping hole in the ups and downs of the storyline. We’ve come a long way since orchestras used to perform scores live to a cinema audience, but music is still just as integral to the way the silver screen makes us feel *all* the emotions. This spring, ACMI Cinemas is showcasing two film programs that really prove it.
Focus on Joe Hisaishi
With its nostalgic Japanese origins, Studio Ghibli has captured the attention (and hearts) of millions of viewers around the world. Behind the whimsical melodies of the anime is mastermind composer Joe Hisaishi. He’s worked super closely with Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki and director and actor Takeshi Kitano for years, as well as created a soon-to-be-released Hollywood feature, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.
If you’re keen to learn more about this musical maestro, don’t miss ACMI’s three-week-long film program dedicated to Hisaishi’s decades-spanning career. It features Studio Ghibli classics like Spirited Away and The Wind Rises, and the action-packed drama Our Time Will Come. Can’t decide on one? Explore his best work in the Joe Hisaishi Music Video Showcase.
Kids Flicks with Feelings
They may feature fun animal friends and childhood adventures, but there’s nothing juvenile about Studio Ghibli pictures. Big adventures, beautiful relationships and evocative soundtracks by Joe Hisaishi are some of the best ways to introduce your little one to how emotional intelligence plays a big role in our interactions with the world.
ACMI invites families to special viewings of Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo, where each session begins with an engaging discussion about what filmmakers and composers want the audience to feel when they’re watching.
You can catch Focus on Joe Hisaishi (from September 25) and Kids Flicks with Feelings (from September 26) at ACMI Cinemas. Tickets start from $14 and $9 respectively, and you can purchase yours via the ACMI website.
