12. Feeling Smug When You Spot A Connection Within The Studio Ghibli Universe
Every good Studio Ghibli fan should now know that there are quite a few crossovers in the Studio Ghibli universe, but that still doesnt stop that smug sense of satisfaction when pointing them out to a newcomer or noticing a new one yourself. The most obvious one being the presence of the Susuwatari (Soot Sprites or Dust Bunnies, depending on who you ask) in both My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away. The small, black balls of soot have functionary roles in both films, not to mention they are absolutely adorable! Along with spotting this there are also things like the Squirrel foxes in both Nausicaa and Castle in the sky, the appearance of the Baron in Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns, and the resemblance between characters such as Ponyo and Mei from My Neighbour Totoro. All of this leads to the conclusion that these events occur in the same universe but perhaps at different times or in different realities, which just adds to the glory of Ghibli for many of the Studios fans. Another connection, that could be taken as tribute, is the portrait of Dolas younger self in her bedroom, which many fans have theorised could be a painting of Nausicaa. Who knows?! With Ghibli it seems the possibilities are endless.
TV and Film fanatic with too much time on her hands and a penchant for fast food and handsome men, not necessarily in that order.
Self proclaimed 'funny one' among family and friends.
