11 Years Ago, Ghibli Released Its First & Only TV Series – And It Has a 100% Tomatometer
Everyone knows Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, but the studio's only TV project based on Astrid Lindgren's book has been undeservedly overlooked.
Ghibli has been creating amazing stories with unique characters for over 40 years. Totoro, Howl and others are beloved by children and adults alike. As early as the 1980s, Ghibli spoke out against the senselessness of war, and advocated for the protection of natural resources.
At the same time, the studio is only known for its feature films, which is understandable – in its entire history, only one TV series has been filmed within the walls of Studio Ghibli.
But what a series it was: Ronja, the Robber's Daughter earned the unconventional love of viewers, receiving a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
What Is Ronja, the Robber's Daughter About?
In the enchanted forest there is a castle where the bandit chief Mattis, his merry robbers, his wife Lovis and his daughter Ronja live. The girl learned early not to be afraid of forest spirits and animals from the thicket.
More frightening than all the spirits, she was told, were the evil robbers from the gang of Borka, Mattis' old enemy. However, Ronja made friends with Birk, Borka's son.
Ronja, the Robber's Daughter Is a Perfect Pick for Kids of Any Age
Goro Miyazaki, son of the great Hayao, based the series on the book by Swedish storyteller Astrid Lindgren. Ronja, the Robber's Daughter is a fairy tale with a breathtaking atmosphere and a wise moral.
Although the book is largely naive, its plot is quite serious.
It is Romeo and Juliet without the romantic line. In the war between two gangs of robbers, no one is right or guilty, there are no clear villains, and the characters must constantly choose between loyalty to family and true friendship.
The story is told without violence and with humor. The bandits rob but do not kill, and Ronja and Birk turn out to be wiser than stubborn adults.
Ronja, the Robber's Daughter Is a Contemplative and Relaxing Work
Goro Miyazaki carefully reproduces both the atmosphere and the plot of the original source. The series is not only an accurate adaptation, but a literal one. All the digressions are attempts to show moments that Lindgren left off screen.
The development of the plot is often interrupted by everyday scenes and memories – Ronja often wanders through the forest and chats with the robbers.
Astrid Lindgren's fairy tale has become a meditative, contemplative anime perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in a fairy tale atmosphere and relax.
Where to Watch Ronja, the Robber's Daughter?
Ronja, the Robber's Daughter is available to stream in Amazon Prime Video.
