Since its founding in 1985, Studio Ghibli has been a dominant force in the anime industry, reshaping the medium through unforgettable classics like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro. Its hand-drawn art and storytelling approach have helped propel the anime industry through critical acclaim and global recognition.
The studio’s co-founders, Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, are two defining directors whose artistic vision has brought numerous timeless classics to life. They have shaped Ghibli’s unique voice and created standards for what fans can expect from the studio. Of their many creations, one short film has flown under the radar for far too long.
Ghibli’s Iblard Jikan Is Unlike Anything Else by the Studio
Released in 2007 and directed by Naohisa Inoue, Iblard Jikan is a short film that runs for 30 minutes. The short film is made up of eight segments that cycle through detailed, impressionistic paintings made by Inoue himself. Along with a musical composition by Kiyonori Matsuo, Iblard Jikan is unlike anything else from Studio Ghibli.
The short film doesn’t tell a story in the traditional sense. There are no named characters, no dialogue, and it doesn’t even follow a plot. Iblard Jikan simply drifts through gorgeous artwork with serene, ambient music, making it a slow, meditative piece. Much like viewing paintings in a gallery, each scene is designed to be enjoyed by absorbing each landscape.
Whereas Miyazaki and Takahata tell their stories through motion, a strong emotional undercurrent, and an in-depth plot, Iblard Jikan takes an unconventional approach. Through music, stillness, and art, Inoue shares the beauty of creation and invites viewers into the fantasy world of Iblard, where they can get a glimpse of their peaceful realm.
Iblard Jikan Puts Ghibli’s Artistic Mastery on Display
Naohisa Inoue had envisioned the world of Iblard long before releasing his atmospheric short film. Years earlier, his art had inspired other Ghibli works such as the 1995 film directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, Whisper of the Heart. Inoue’s floating landscapes and surreal cities shaped scenes in the Ghibli film, offering a sense of whimsical, fantastical wonder.
Today, Iblard Jikan can be found on the Internet Archive, where fans can experience firsthand a glimpse into the daily lives of Iblard’s inhabitants. With its musical score, the short film invites viewers to relax and perhaps take time to reflect. Through its colorful and imaginative art, Inoue’s short film created an experience that can’t be replicated by any other Ghibli film.
Iblard Jikan is a hidden gem in the studio’s catalog and is far too overlooked. Despite not sharing a story in the standard format, its beauty is worth experiencing. Anime fans who appreciate Ghibli’s ability to create slow, reflective works might find that the tranquility and artistry provided by Iblard Jikan is unmatched.
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