If you want to watch the TRUE version of this video, it's on Nebula! nebula.tv/videos/nerdsync-this-studio-ghibli-movie-might-crush-your-dreams-and-thats-good
I just watched the video on nebula, and then the follow up video with both Scott and Emily in it. Definitely worth watching, it brought tears to my eyes many times even though I have not watched the movie, and there was basically no reason for me to be crying... except for the theme.... I am an aspiring artist, I'd like to call myself a writer, painter, musician, martial artist.... but I came to terms with the fact that I'm just a teacher. And that's what hit me from this video, the fact that sometimes you just have to come to terms with your abilities (or lack there of), be happy with it, take a break if you need to, and just keep doing what you love! Amazing video for sure guys, thank you very much!
I know on your new 'Velma' video you comment about this having bad viewership. I just want to point out why this video may not have done as well as others. For those of us who are not quite as emotionally stable (read: depressed), a video like this is a tough watch. This is in my 'watch later', but I'm not ready for it yet.
My partner and I watched this when we were 5 months into dating. At the end of it, he told me "I love you" for the first time. Such a wonderful moment. Because of this, while I was at a jetty in Florida, I heard a street performer from across the water singing Country Roads at sunset. I immediately started crying happy tears.
Whisper of the Heart is my all time favourite Ghibli movie, mostly for the way it shows with how it FEELS to be a creative person, both the highs and the lows. Some days the ideas spill out of you and you can't write or draw them quick enough, and some days you're staring at a blank sheet of paper for hours wondering what the point even is. This movie always inspires me to go out and create, and I'll always love it for that as an artist myself.
This movie in particular touches two common themes, well, one of them atleast. Love and self-realization. Both characters have ideas and beliefs, but they're also emotionally interested in eachother.
“What is a poet? An unhappy man who hides deep anguish in his heart, but whose lips are so formed that when the sigh and cry pass through them, it sounds like lovely music.... And people flock around the poet and say: 'Sing again soon' - that is, 'May new sufferings torment your soul but your lips be fashioned as before, for the cry would only frighten us, but the music, that is blissful.” ― Soren Kierkegaard Idk if this quote has anything to do with the subject matter. Since I imagine, Soren talks about much heavier stuff in this quote than suffering from passion. His life is not an enviable one. But whenever the subject of artists suffering passes my ears, I think back to this quote.
One of my favourite manga of all time, Blue Period, deals with a lot of similar ideas as Whisper of the Heart. It's about a high school student who's lived most of his life without effort, without needing to work or commit himself to anything, but without passion for anything. But the series follows him as he discovers a love of art and painting, and all the joys and beauty and friendship and pain and anxiety and worthlessness that can make someone feel. Not just in his own life, but in the lives of other artists around him, artists who feel they have talent in nothing else, artists who aren't allowed to express themselves in any other way, artists who love art and artists but don't feel like they belong in that world. It captures so well how painful and disheartening creation can be, and why that makes even simple compliments or recognition so meaningful. Great video as always.
I thought it was the opposite. That he was disappointed in being constantly called talented or told that he was a genius when the only reason he made it that far was his hard work. I was under the impression he felt his good grades were the result of discipline not smarts. This continues with him and his art, he’s self depreciating, he believes he can do art not because of talent. but because he believes in hard work. Every time he feels like he’s bad at something, he studies it to improve.
The movie is the most realistic thing about kids just having dreams but also having responsibilities to do such as school. Yes we all wanted to do something big but we were inexperienced. I still have this habit to rush through things, but this movie reminds me to take my time and practice a lot! Like this quote from the movie: "You're wonderful. There's no need to rush. Please take your time to polish your talent."
Straight up Whisper of the Heart is one of the best movies I’ve seen, on the basis that it’s a movie made FOR artists I’m glad I’m seeing it get more love because it’s been very under appreciated for decades
This was my favorite Ghibli film for a long time, I loved the “mundanest” of it. There’s no life or death adventure, there’s no magic or heroes, yet it captured me so much; it helped me accept and appreciate the day to day, to know that I’ll have to do house chores, work, and do all the boring human things, but there will me space for other things that excite me, and that’s just life.
My college roommate and I watched this together in our art school basement dorm room, a low quality, illegally downloaded sub. It has stuck with me ever since! While my appreciation for Kiki's Delivery Service grows by the year, something about Whisper of the Heart brings an ache these days, a longing for those days of 'potential' that felt so limitless. Thanks for the great video!
I remember having bootleg DVDs of most of the Ghibli films as a kid. They had very low quality picture, bitcrushed 8-bit audio, Engrish subtitles, and were dubbed to either Mandarin or Cantonese (even though they were Japanese films and I didn’t speak Mandarin or Cantonese despite being Chinese myself).
That was achingly beautiful. You and Emily almost made me cry. As an artist going through something as well, I'm going to put this film on my list to watch. Thank you for sharing such a precious part of yourselves to us.
This is the movie that made me heal. Looked at my own work at pieces of raw jewels that only need to be kept cutting and polishing.. Might look rough, but it’s still a gem
"Passion is suffering. And maybe it's time we stop romanticizing that suffering." Bruh got me good with that one. Whenever I'm not actively working on my art, working to improve, making new pieces, practicing, watching videos to learn, I feel that my moments of relaxation are wasted. I wonder all the time if I'll regret "wasting" so much time enjoying unproductive things when I'm older and not much time left. It's been so hard to allow myself the space to just play video games or watch a new show. I'll remember this quote when I'm pushing myself back to the grind. Also I have apparently seen this movie and only remember bits of it. I loved it, but I don't remember her writing or the cats AT ALL.
I believe Whisper of the Heart is sooo underated. It is an amazing movie with such a simple story on the outside but it holds so much meaning. The romance is also really cute and it doesnt seem oushed. I loved everything about this movie and it is definently my favourite Ghibli movie.
This movie really did resonate with me. I could see myself in Shizuku. Not my younger, curious and passionate self but more my 22 years old self who really struggled with putting out work that made her feel satisfied. Watching Whisper of the Heart always motivates and sometimes makes me realise that getting better is a progress but also that there is no reason to get better or be perfect at what you do as long as it makes you happy and feel purposeful within your own being.
This video really hit me. I have a friend who is a digital artist, she went to school to be a concept artist with the goal being to work in the games industry. With everything going on with AI, she's worried about the future of that type of art. But digital art is all she knows how to do and it's all she wants to do. Now she's looking into alternate paths she could take, so she can still make the art she loves, even if digital artists end up getting replaced. She's not given up on becoming a concept artist, but she's facing it head on, that things will probably have to be different from what she envisioned for herself. You video reminded me of her struggle and dedication to get passion. She could look to get work in other fields, but art is what she loves. She loves sharing it and she can't see herself ever giving it up.
I remember when this video was just uploaded. I was an aspiring writer (and still am) who was having trouble with story-making. More specifically self-confidence and perfectionism. Wondering if I'll ever be good enough and regret the time I spend on this. I wasn't in a great head space at the time as well, but I won't get into that mess. To make a long story short, when I watched your video essay on Whisper Of The Heart, it really hit in places I didn't know I had. It filled me with enough energy to get me through the week and make me feel better about myself. A year later, whenever I feel down about my writing skills, I go back to this video to hear your voice again. Thank you for a year's worth of confidence boosting.
I love the story of Whisper of the Heart as a whole, but the part I love the most revolves around Mr. Nishi and The Baron. Mr. Nishi's story is both literally and figuratively that of passion as he keeps the memories of the past alive through his antique shop. He can fix and polish his antiques as many times as he needs as we see when he works on the beautiful clock...but he can't "fix" the stories associated with them. The clock tells a story of a love that can never be...The Baron and Baroness tell of a love that once was and a future that could never be...yet life moves on though we may always retain the memories. Mr. Nishi clearly married since Seiji and his father wouldn't be around if he didn't. Yet he can't let go of the memory of Louise as his heart yearns to be reunited with her, even if only in death as is implied during the scene where the fire in the fireplace dies out. You would think that Mr. Nishi would think of the wife he married during this time of vulnerability, but she's never mentioned. That's what makes it so beautiful that Shizuku entering the room shifts the mood: Mr. Nishi is sighing in near total darkness, a reflection of his heart and mind; then Shizuku brightens his life by giving him new purpose. He has been nurturing Seiji all this time, but having left for Italy, Mr. Nishi is all alone. Shizuku gives him the opportunity for him-and old man-to nurture again, renewing his purpose.
I almost cried twice watching this video so I had to take a break. I’ve never heard of this movie before but hearing you talk about it hits really hard. I’ve been writing a poetry book since my sophomore year of high school (I’m now on my final semester for my undergraduate degree) and it’s been hard to be confident in what I write. I show people my work expecting it to be hated but when it’s positive I’m confused. I can’t say I’ve fully gotten over this but as I get older my want to show people my work has grown and I hope one day people can read my stories. I want to write to the world, telling them that they’re not alone. That no matter where you come from, your gender identity, sexuality , race and etc. what ties us together is the human experience and as a person of color. I wanna put that energy out there , that we’re not alone and we can hear you. Edit: This video was amazing , we love you Scott 💙
From one struggling artist to another, I can't tell you how much I needed this, Scott. I'm always searching for another artist in my life to support me the way Seiji and Shizuku support each other, the way you and Emily do, but it's comforting to know I can come back to this video now whenever I need that encouragement.
I watched this movie when I was Shizuku's age. I was just like her. My nose was always in a book and I loved stories. I dabbled with writing a little bit, but this movie threw me onto a path that changed my life forever. After watching this movie, I jumped into writing and it became my whole life. I was up at all hours, I ignored my schooling, I did everything I could to make sure I had all I could to make sure I could get into my choice college for creative writing. I absolutely would not be who I am today without this movie.
I full-chest ugly-sobbed during Emily’s segment - as the partner of a TH-camr, I felt it with my whole heart 😭🥹 Thank you for this video, both of you!!
Clicked on this expecting some fun Ghibli facts to go with my breakfast, and half an hour later am straight up crying into a batch of burned pancakes and feeling too many feelings about being an artist in my thirties who just shifted to part-time work and making less.
I was not ready for the gravitas of this interspective reflection. So good and thank you both for being authentically yourselves. I know you know that your fan base is always here to support you, but it can never be stated enough! Keep on going 😀
Whisper of the Heart has always been in my top 5 for Ghibli films, and it always bounces up and down in that list depending on how deeply the itch to create has taken me. It's become such a creative primer for me that Seiji and Shizuku doing "Country Roads" actually gets me set for creating. Its just managed to slot itself into my brain in such a way as to say "You can make the thing, dont worry or doubt, it will come as it comes, simply trust in what you can do, and it will be done."
I think we're all afraid to dedicate ourselves so fully to something that we consider part of our identity in many ways, and of how people might react to it. There's a fear that somehow I *am* the art I make... after all, artists work so hard to create and the process isn't easy so showing it to others is like baring a little piece of your soul. There's an intense vulnerability there that I feel every time I've worked on a piece for dozens of hours. Once I showed my art to someone who had only started drawing a year previous... they were super nervous about their art; they hated it, talked themselves down despite how much I genuinely loved it, and I realised that what they were feeling upon comparing their art to mine was exactly how I felt when comparing my art to others, and I realised how that feeling had never gone away for me. I've long since reached a level of art that 18 year old me would have been satisfied with as being amazing, but I'm not satisfied. The feeling never goes away! You're always one step ahead of someone and one step behind someone else - seeing that my art, even if I hate it, has and does inspire others to create their own art is all I need to not give up. It's an endless journey, you'll never reach the level of skill you want to be at, and the joy has to come despite the suffering in being satisfied that despite how much your brain rebels, you did it anyway.
Oh Scott, my heart man. I swear I couldn't stop smiling throughout the whole video. But as so as Emily's piece came, I couldn't stop crying and it just didn't stop. You are truly talent and I'm always thrilled whenever a new video drops. I can't wait to see the Scooby sacks video. My heart goes out to both of you!❤❤
a.) I'm so happy you both have each other b.) I'm kind of envious of Emily being able to find alternate routes for her expression and creativity. I'm 40 now and tried desperately in various eras of my life to find something else I was even remotely good at in a consistent way and always fail. It always gets imbalanced, I get fired or just disappoint a lot of people who think I'm way more capable than I actually am. But here I am stuck with a skillset and passion that in the context of capitalism feels like a curse more times than a calling. From the outside, it looks like that hustle culture you mentioned (which I have admittledy played into before) but in reality it's my incapability to find application outside of this musical pursuit. I might not be sufficient at my "passions" but I am far less capable in everything else, I'm not as smart as a lot of people assume I am and I have grown to admire those who have been able to find a way to enjoy their creative expression in more ways than I have. It's like we joke about in music - "If you can see yourself doing anything else, do that instead, because this industry isn't gonna be worth it." c.) I also admire Scott's work and pursuit of his creative voice and it has most definitely driven various aspects of my pursuits...all that being said, I think my greatest appreciation of Scott's work is somewhat of a byproduct in that he's shown me how much power there is in changing, evolving and being transparent with anyone watching that you can be a person today that grew out of the person you were the months or years before. It's inspired me to make some of my biggest moves personally and professionally in the past few years and I truly believe I'm a better person for it. I hope this inspired energy ricochets through many others in similar situations. Also, great video, the hype of catching up (in reverse order) leading up to this was well worth it. 💙
This is so interesting to watch, as someone who does care deeply about the things I make and about art, but who also has pretty severe mental health issues. I often find that my depression doesn't care about my goals, dreams, or yes, even my passion. A symptom of depression is literally being sapped of passion or motivation or just an ability to care about things. It also really amps up the intense self criticism most artists already have. That has forced me to let specific forms of art go completely because its too psychologically painful or impossible to do them (like writing) and embrace others that usually help my mental health . But most of all it's really taught me that my wellbeing kind of _has_ to come above everything else. Like, it isn't an enlightened #selfcare work-life balance decision that i'm making, it's my body and brain literally forcing me to stop and take care of myself and often, to go through weeks and months and years where all my energy goes into that and none if it can go into art. It's really affected my self esteem as an artist (I struggle to even call myself that) and made it hard for me to see anything I make as valuable because I'm not grinding or throwing my all into it like 'everyone else'. I'm opening a word document after 8 months and writing 500 words and closing it again because that's all my brain can manage. So it's interesting to see this video about the pains of throwing yourself into art because you can never see yourself not doing it, as someone who actively feels pain when I _do_ do it and feels like they've lost a part of themselves because of that. But also, there's a weird gratitude in knowing that I can't really neglect my health or wellbeing for my art because my health is basically a house on fire that needs constant putting out. My personhood and wellbeing comes above everything else, even art. I've been forced to see things that way because if I ever defined myself as a Writer first, I can't do that anymore because I can't write. I also felt _incredibly_ seen by the whole 'everyone around you tells you you're skilled at X but you think they must be lying because of how 'obviously' awful you are'.
Whisper of the Heart is a masterpiece that hits all the emotional notes it tries to and doesn't. I cried at the moments that I was intended to and cried on moments I wasn't intended to, it felt too real. It's an out of the world piece of heart!
this video really came like a slap to the face. Lately I've been wondering if I really do love art, because it seems to bring me only pain and anxiety, and yet I can't stop. It's the most defining character trait I have and fills my life with meaning and feelings I can barely describe. I create because I HAVE to, otherwise its like I'm going to explode. Passion really is suffering
Whisper of the heart and From up on poppy hill are my comfort studio ghibli movies. I absolutely adore them because of how realistic everything is in these movies
I feel it has a lot to do with which place you are in life at the moment. If you are happy and things are going better than before, you'll love this movie. But if there's something you can't get past, some regret or something completely out of your control, in recent past, it might hurt a little watching this movie till the end
This movie has veen on my watchlist ever since your video came out. I finally watched it and I loved it, but I may have loved your video even more. I was also late diagnosed with ADHD. To be honest it has been a severe struggle my whole life but I never knew what it was because I have never been an unruly hyperactive little boy. I am a musician and when I get caught in, it will consume me. I play with other people and the amount of time I will spend getting my guitar to sound exactly right when recording Can come at the cost of my social life, the other things I do to de-stress and wind down, household chores, even eating. Many nights I have realized that at 2:00 in the morning I have not eaten almost all day, especially with ADHD medication being an appetite suppressant. The amount of time it can take me has often been the source of frustration for the other musicians I have to work with. It is really easy to get lost in hyper focus. It's hard to take a step back. With ADHD, It can seem near impossible because even when you do take a step back, it's still probably all you can think about. I love your videos. I watch every single one of them. I did not really have an interest for Scooby-Doo, but your videos are sincere, funny, well made, and even tho I joined for the comic stuff, every one of your videos is a blast to watch. I appreciate you making videos about the things you like and enjoy. When an artist creates for themselves instead of just doing whatever will get the most views, it really shows. I prefer to engage in art that is genuine, and yours definitely is. It keeps me coming back, and I will be watching your videos as long as you are making them. I know in some of your videos that came out after this one you talked about how it was disheartening that this video didn't perform as well as you liked. I hope that you can't find solace in the fact that because of this video you introduced me to a movie that I genuinely connected with, and then you made a video about it that I also genuinely connected with. I am fairly certain this is my favorite video that you have made. I connect with it deeply. Thank you so much for making videos. I really enjoy them. PS: It's always a treat whenever Sparta and Emily show up and Emily's bonus cat was also very nice. Thank you again. 🧡
the "the fairy and the dwarven king" part of the video was just masterfully done. I can't help replaying it so the words would be imprinted in my mind.
God, I'm fucking sobbing. I'm an extremely creative person, it's literally the only quality I have that I'm confident in, and it's not only destroyed at least two relationships I've attempted, but it's been a constant source of pain for me, between my intense depression that makes it difficult to find motivation for anything beyond the initial writing, and my dad's extremely limited view of what being creative and the creative industry is like, not to mention what goes on in my own head. It's so difficult to describe what this video has done to me, all I can really say is that to an extent, I feel both better and worse about it. And that feels appropriate.
What a beautiful concept most people think a boy is the main character or should be in every movie but what is the boy truly looking towards this may shock many
Thank you so much for this video, Scott. Some of your best work yet. I finally finished it over the course of a week, watching in 15-20 minute chunks. I watched part of it at 11pm at night while working to hit some deadlines, wearing wrist splints because I've worn my body out. I listened to part in one ear while caring for me two-year-old son. He watched a small bit of it with me and was excited to see a cat on-screen. I finally finished it with the sound off, reading the subtitles, because now the two-year-old is asleep on me and has pinned my arm so I can't get my headphones. I know this isn't the intended viewing experience, sorry about that, but I say this to let you know that I appreciate the message of making sure I'm not pushing myself too far. I think the biggest frustration with the creative process for me is that I'm juggling so many things all the time that I'm always left feeling like there's not enough time to work of the rejuvenative personal projects. I spend all day rushing around, working, caring for my children, cooking, doing housework, all the while lost in thought about the amazing art I *would* be making if only I had the time. Then, irony of ironies, when I finally carve out a minute for some personal time, more often than not I'm too exhausted to turn on that creative side of my brain. I need to make stuff to stimulate my brain and feel satisfied, but I just can't make it happen. A while ago I complained to a few other TH-camr friends, I said I feel frustrated because I never manage to make the stuff I'm excited about. One friend really put things into perspective for me by pointing out just how much creative stuff I do each day. Somehow hearing it from someone else really put things into perspective for me. If I could, I'd disappear into my art all day every day. I'd drop all the way down that rabbit hole and probably never come out again. That's not an option for me at the moment, so in the meantime, I think I need to treat my creative hunger like actual hunger: make sure I get enough to feel satisfied and healthy, make sure I don't overindulge OR starve myself. Balance is hard! So thank you for this video, it really helped. I can comfortably say that the effort you put into your videos really pays off. You are making some of the best stuff on TH-cam, both in terms of production value and storytelling, and it's a real shame that the algorithm values speed and quantity over actual quality. Know, though, that your effort, while definitely not always healthy, is always appreciated. You're the TH-camr I want to be when I grow up! (I'm half a decade older than you and nowhere near as accomplished, but, then, it's not a race, is it?)
The more I watch your videos, the more I love all of what you do. The part by Emily was also a fantastic addition, and she delivered it so beautifully. I'm always so glad to see your videos pop up on my feed, because I know it'll be thought-provoking and thoughtful all at once :)
Scott, I needed this video. I have needed a lot of your videos, recently. Your respectful, insightful exploration of Bob Ross, the enthusiastic foray into D&D, and all of your comic book videos that take such considerate care with history and cultural impact. You have a lot to say, and you say it well. I've been catching up on your back catalogue. It has brought me peace. Art is my therapy. A joke a tell people when explaining my hobbies, but also a bitter truth. I craft a lot. During manic episodes when I don't sleep, I am crafting. I quell panic attacks by crafting. I express myself through crafting. I tell people I love them by making them things. But my relationship to art is still a contentious one sometimes. Then I began watching your videos, and I have never felt so spiritually peaceful with calling myself an artist. So for what it's worth, your dedication to your own art has weight. Respect, from one artist to another.
Whispers of the heart it’s probably my favorite Ghibli movie (my confort movie for sure at least) and I have struggled for a really long time to put into words why, I’m still not sure if I’m able to describe it in a way that makes sense to someone besides me, but this has helped me to understand both my relationship with the movie and a little of myself, so thank you very much for this Scott, your work it’s incredible ❤
Woah this hit hard man. With all movies and series that the staff at studio Ghibli has created, Whisper of the Heart always clicked with me on a fundamental sense, well other films do too. Like how Porco Rosso just beckons on my manhood, while Spirited Away calls upon the artistry within me. While Nausicaa calls upon the craft of world building. But Whisper of the Heart, it just hits me right in the heart, the passion for the craft itself. It's the act of the craft rather than being enthralled by the art itself. Well I do enjoy being enthralled by art but the feeling of being enthralled in the process is truly a high you can't forget and crave for. And like any drug that enduces such trance, when the comedown hits, when you awake from the enthrallment... It does leave you fatigued mentally, physically and spiritually. I feel as that this story captured that aspect of artistry accurately and so does Kiki in a sense of a different craft, but a craft nonetheless.
I remember how excited I was to see a fansub of this when it was first out in Japan at an anime club (aww the days when Ghibli films had no English releases...) And the true tragedy was it was Yoshifumi Kondō's first film as director, and he did a brilliant job and there was hope he would lead the younger Ghibli generation (even if he was only ten years younger than Miyazaki and 15 younger than Takahata, they were already looking for new directors to help out) but he died suddenly two or so years later of a sudden aneurysm (which so scared Miyazaki that that's when he announced his retirement--for the first of several times.) Also fascinating to compare it to its source--a very 80s shoujo manga.
Whisper of the Heart is such an amazing movie. I don’t think anything I say about the movie could ever do it justice. I’ve never related to a fictional character more than Shizuku. I can empathize with her on like every level. I wanted to give her a hug whenever she was sad because she thought her writing wasn’t good enough. And the messages of the movie were so sweet as well. I’m also glad that they didn’t go the predictable route with the end and have Shizuku’s story be perfect. It was flawed, but still nice because of Shizuku’s dedication to her story. I think that gives the message that you can’t expect your first try at something to be perfect, but you can always keep working to get better. Honestly, to say this movie is heartwarming would be an understatement. It’s heart-MELTING. We need more movies like this from Hollywood.
As a person who is trying to be a writer, EVERYTIME I come back to this movie it hits harder than the last time I watched it. But god I love it for that.
Hands down, Whisper of the Heart is my all-time favourite Ghibli movie. It got me through the last decade of my life, including extreme burnout from college. It's so underrated and I always recommend it to people when they want to get into Ghibli films.
Interesting gender point: Seiji is not asked to choose between or balance domestic duties and his passion. In a macro sense, that might actually not be a good thing (as per your vid), but it spins off into interesting possibilities for discussion about male and female roles, and the difference between internal and intrinsic needs and wants being 'sacrificed' and compromising on external expectations, and the role of invisible supporters in facilitating other people's art, and how, historically, one group of people were afforded far more opportunities to go all-in or to find balance than others. I think you touch on that a bit when discussing supporting Emily.
Thank you this rings so true. I'm a musician in my spare time and a software engineer for a living. It's really hard to find a work-life balance. Bouts of inspiration followed by severe burnout and having to justify time lost. As a younger musician, I had severe performance anxiety. I also found myself in my earlier working career being critical of those who did not put the effort I put into my work (somewhat of toxic a mindset). Now in my mid-30s with a family, I have anxiety about starting new projects outside of my professional life. Because I know if I do start I'll get wrapped up and my family life will suffer. Having given my wife notice I recently locked myself in my office for almost a full week to achieve a professional goal that had a deadline.
This is why Whisper of the Heart and Only Yesterday are my two favorite films by the Studio. The older I get, the quiet and gentle films become more important to me. 😌
As someone with ADHD I've always felt like Scott's videos "get" my brain. They have a clear through-line but also jump in every tangential direction just like I would. And I know EXACTLY what its like to be so all-consumed by the creative endeavor being pursued to forgo sleep. To never think its good enough, just one more step I tend to tell myself. Right now I am sitting and sewing a hemline of a dress. At 8:30pm. Having not eaten dinner. I'm really happy that you guys are working on respecting your needs and your own creativity. I'm going to go get a sandwich and big glass of water.
Okay. I have to comment again to say I really, really love Emily's piece. I feel so similarly about art and creating. I'm definitely not ready to share my voice with other people, but creating is such a core part of who I am, even in small ways, and I felt really seen by Emily's take on her own expressions of creativity.
i’m happy Emily is doing well- I watched her videos all the time when I was younger she was one of the first people to make me appreciate animation as a legitimate art form. I was randomly sitting here trying to remember her channel, found it, found her tumblr and that led me to this video. I hope both of you are doing well!
Oh wow, thank you for sharing such kind words, especially after all this time! I'm proud to have played a tiny part in helping folks understand and appreciate animation as an art!
Whisper of the heart had been my comfort movie and favorite ghibli film for years. I really enjoyed your video, it has given me a new perspective to take when next I watch this movie again. I loved getting some background on country roads and how it's creation as well as its rise to popularity. I really appreciate you and Emily sharing a glimpse of your lives as creative and how the theme of giving your all for your creative endeavors has affected you each and your concerns/encouragement for eachother. I love getting raw emotions glimpses of the lives of other creatives. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with us. Video was absolutely wonderful and I am sharing with all my friends ^^
Thanks for the heads up on the nebula cut! muting this and playing it in the background (gotta preserve that watch-time) and switching over now you wonderful nerd!
I know you're broken up about this video not getting as many views, but.... I have ADHD and have always wanted to chase my music and writing and art and every craft and I'm dating an autistic writer and this video made me cry in a way a TH-cam video never did. You and Emily's experience hits close to home and the perspective the movie provides is absolutely stunning. It's so affirming to know that it's okay for me to not want to chase the hours and hours of practice and failure that my craft requires to be good, and that I don't have to commit to suffering just to make it happen and share it on a huge stage. Thank you for making this.
Man, Emily's section nearly had me in tears... But ALSO. Dude, I just want you to know that the main reason I watch your stuff and enjoy doing so is when you're talking about things that you love and are passionate about. Do what you love, because I enjoy what you have to say about these things in the way that only you can. Don't feel too pressured into doing what people are telling you to. Keep doing what you do best, for yourself.
This is the first time Ive heard someone talk about being so entirely engrossed in your art that you dont spend much time with your SO- it just felt so completely relatable to my sister and I. She's the closest person to me in my entire life and Ill never find another like her. I know Ill never find someone else who understands me as much as I in turn understand her and despite still living together sometimes it just happens like this. Where we'll go days with barely any interaction at all as we are both creatives and get fully engrossed in our own personal creative endeavors and sometimes I find myself becoming lonely and missing her even though she's always right there.
Whisper of the Heart is my favourite Studio Ghibli movie. The best thing this movie does for its audience is inspiration. It shows that putting your hard work and passion out there can lead to great things.
Whisper of the Heart was one of the Studio Ghibli that just hit me to the core. I first watched it in a time where I was suffering in great anxiety in my own work and if i did or will contribute anything beneficial to people. As a person who always see their own work as "not good enough" seeing Shizuku's dream sequence of looking for that one thing that will make her writing excel and stand out....and when she did grasp it and it turned out to be dull...her scream. Chilling stuff.
My favorite nerd sync video. i adore how sincere this was. Whisper Of the Heart is so important to me and your guy's reflections were beautiful, thank you!!
I love Whisper of the heart it's by far one of my favorite Ghibli films. It makes me sad that not many people know about it and it's not as popular as the rest. I actually have a baroness figure from the movie and I love her. I don't know what it says about me that my two favorite Ghibli films are Keys delivery service and Whisper of the heart but I feel like in a way they have a similar message. I also have adhd so I to understand that you wanting to create despite yourself. My current hyperfixation is crocheting and I quite literally hurt myself doing it, but I can't stop my brain won't let me.
And I love that in the end, they watch the sun rise together. It keeps it real for me since they haven’t completed all their dreams or defeated a villain. Heck they aren’t even old. The sun rises everyday, the night always ends. There’s always love and hope throughout life and through every season.
I think you (and Emily) would really enjoy Atrocity Guides new video. It’s about a couple that has been working together on the same animated work for FOURTY years. I enjoyed this video! Thank you for sharing your passion
I found you through your recent video on Velma and instantly fell in love with the pace, humor and insight you create your videos with so I got really interested when you mentioned this video. I never watched Whisper of the Heart and yet I realize I saw so many screencaps and gifs of it without knowing what it is and now I will definitely give it a watch! I'm honestly impressed by your craftsmanship and the way you made it's so pleasant and interesting to listen to, I felt like I watched 3 different videos in one with the amount of messages and information you managed to convey! I'm in love! Maybe it's a little TMI, but you definitely made me tear up a couple of times because I relate to so many moments in this video, especially as an artist who's been experiencing burnout for more than a year now and recently made the decision to move away from posting art on social media since it only made my mental health degrade. Making art is my passion, I have so many ideas, so many big things I want to make and yet its either lack of energy or time, and often it's both. Making art is definitely my suffering but I'm trying to work on it, trying not to let the feelings consume me and make an effort to create again while also not isolating myself from the world, because I feel like then it feels the worst - when something you are passionate about fails you and then you have nothing else, and no one else to turn to. I don't know if keeping a good balance between working, staying healthy, staying in touch with people and also pursuing your passions is really possible, but it's something worth at least trying, even if it's hard, even when sometimes it seems impossible and we fail. I think it can be harmful to get lost in your passions like Shizuku, but it's can be equally as harmful to only stick to work and reject anything that doesn't feel productive, like Shiho. Anyways, thank you for posting the video, great quality, I regret I only found you now but I will sure be binging your content :]
As an artist, this is one of my favorite Ghibli films. Something you should know about me is that I'm NOT a Miyazaki fan. Not in the slightest. I stand for many things he's against and vice versa, we'd probably kill each other if we met IRL lol. But the message of this movie is really powerful for anyone who's serious about creating content, I can definitely get behind that.
Just saw the Nebula version. Scott, believe me when I say that as someone who's been watching since you did videos about wacky comic trivia while wearing a bad suit, your videos for the last three years have hit me in a place others rarely do. Please understand that you are a ray of sunshine in others lives who makes others realize that they're not alone in doing what makes - or sometimes doesn't make - them happy.
Emily's piece really hit me hard. As a stay-at-home-dad to two beautiful and happy kids... i often wonder when i'm going to create my magnum opus. Will I, ever? ugh.
This is such a well made video, made me watch the movie and I loved it. Emily’s part made me kind of emotional, definitely feel the same as her as in my path of creative fulfillment. Thank you for this, it made me feel affirmed ❤️
When I first watched it, I bawled. And my parents watched it with me, and I think it was one of the first times they realized the kinda stuff I deal with creating art. I love the movie, but it’s one I'll have to wait a while to watch again
This video is great. Honestly, whisper of the heart is so underrated, but it's up there with only yesterday as one of my favourite studio ghibli films. As a child, I loved the cat returns, and then I watched whisper of the heart, and I was so disappointed, and I just didn't get it. Nothing happened, and I just didn't like it. Now, when I watch this movie, I get it so much. I know intimately what it's like to be an artist and love an artist. And the anguish which comes with both. I honestly really feel for Shiho in this movie. I know what it's like to consistently have to choose your family over your passion and feel bitter that other can pursue their passion unimpeded. This movie is so thoughtful, and it's so lovely that the fairy tale I loved as a child [the cat returns] is the work that shizuku finally makes. I love her art, and I think that's what these movies are going for.
As someone who always wanted to be a creative person but never really felt I had the talent or the courage to finally put all the ideas I have onto paper, this hit me really hard. Maybe there's nothing wrong with keeping that creativity to yourself sometimes. I don't feel like I have to impress anyone else anymore at my age. Maybe one day I'll find the courage to take that step but for now, I'm happy to keep it to myself and work on it.
Scott and Emily, I just came to say thank you. I watched this video when it was released, and it was the last push I needed to start a deep dive into Studio Ghibli. A friend and I have watched one most Fridays for a month or so. We started with Kiki's Delivery Service, then Howl's Moving Castle, and then this week I picked Whisper of the Heart. It was a beautiful and moving experience, and the next morning, I put this video on again. Now, 36 hours after watching the movie and 24 after rewatching your video, I have cranked out 1800 words of Young Justice fanfiction. It's not much, but it's the first serious trickles of creativity I've felt since getting burnt out in my last year of film school. That was almost 4 years ago now. The writing was slow and stuttering and it might all be garbage, but it's a start. Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me find that inspiration again.
This really hit home for me as someone who’s going to college to become an animator, whenever I try to do something creative it’s hard because I become so critical of anything I do and feel likes it’s not good enough even if someone tells me it’s good, I feel like I need to watch this film now and just want to say you did a fantastic job with this video and I hope it gets more attention that it deserves ❤
Oh my God, my heart. Listening to Emily is exactly the energy that I receive from my husband, Jimmy. He would probably rather jump off a bridge than being on camera or writing a book, BUT, without his support, his carrying me throughout my endeavors, writing my novel, working on the theater, everything I do for my passion, he will move Heaven an Earth to ensure I can do it, he is that quiet partner, the wind in my sails, and this only pushes me to ensure that every effort I can make toward ensuring he's happy, even in the smallest things, I will do it.
I usually never leave comments, but the pure honesty displayed in this video, made me realise how we (especially us creatives) make things as people, to people, and I wanted the maker(s) of this project to know, that I recognise all the work, and effort, and courage, and insecurity and yes - passion, - it took to create it. I see myself in all this, which means what you worked hard to put out into the world, reached somebody, and for that I'm thankful.
I didn't realize this was a NerdSync video for ages cause of the title- I tend to avoid super vague clickbaity titles on video essays but I'm glad I noticed who it was from
one ofy favorite movies and I feel like one that's often overlooked in the studio Ghibli universe. it's just such a realistic look at life and how it happens and those last five minutes! ugh! her line about not wanting to be a burden that they work together is just so much joy. it seems sappy but in one of those best ways possible because it shows her growth.
If I'm not watching this video as much as your other videos, it's not because it's bad, it's because it's so good, shit gets me emotional and I don't wanna get emotional like that often
This is a beautiful video. I've recently been feeling so guilty that all my friends around me are constantly working and having side hustles, but this helps me realize that's it's okay to take things slow.
I love your video essays so much I can’t even put into words. The time, the dedication, the way you always make talking about stories their own stories in way, if you get what I mean lol. I don’t always have time to watch videos when they come out, life is hectic and just gets in the way the sometimes, but I know that I always have your videos to fall back on. Whether as comfort, an interest in the topic at hand, to fall asleep to, or just as background noise, I’m glad your videos are here. I just wish more people could find these and appreciate them the way I and your many other subscribers do bc you really deserve it for all the hard work you put into them.
Thank you so much for this video. I got recommended this movie at a low point, getting rejected from an opportunity I was so greatly hoping to get, and the news had broken me to the point where I had a bit of a breakdown. I am an artist, a freelance creator, and all the words that you and your partner spoke made me feel understood like nobody had. I had been working to that point where I neglected self care (eating sleeping, hygiene, and any social interaction) for weeks because I accepted too many projects because I felt “if I can do all of these and improve very fast I can be worthy” and getting the rejection made everything feel for naught. The funny thing is, a few years ago I got a commission from someone to paint the characters of this movie and I watched the movie and enjoyed it but I definitely didn’t understand it. Maybe because that was the beginning of my career as an artist, but now the message you showed me through this video feels so topical, like it’s just for me. I might be hitting my “breaking” point where I decide not to suffer for my art as much. I can maybe make time to see another person for one day and not feel crippling guilt for not working and constantly honing my craft. And rejection doesn’t mean I’m doomed to fail because just having potential and getting better is enough. Life is more than just the thing you do. It’s difficult because my value is so much equated with the content I produce. Even though I know it isn’t, it’s something I deeply believe. Sorry I rambled so much but I just wanted to say thank you for this video, the amazing way you worded it and for making me love this movie again.
Emily almost made me cry. I got my degree in Creative Writing 10 (almost 11) years ago and I've barely written a word since. Everyone always asks me about my writing and my responses are noncommittal murmurs, mostly. But a while ago I decided it didn't matter if I don't write as long as I create in some way. I still struggle with burnout, but I think I'm much happier than the intense depression "not being a writer" used to put me in.
This video really hit for me. I’m a creative (actor, musician and stage combat) and for the last 6 months I spent all of my free time working a second job instead of pursuing any of my creative passions. I had an injury at the second job and thought about how absolutely miserable I’d been toiling 14 hour days for 12 day work weeks and being to exhausted to do anything spiritually fulfilling and decided I’d had enough. I’m going to have budget more wisely, but this year I’m going to be creatively fulfilled. I’m going to let myself make art and be vulnerable and not let societal expectations keep me from being that. So thanks Scott. As another member of the recently-30 club, we’re going to have a great year.
This is one of my favourite videos you've ever done. It's personal and poignant at the same time. Really appreciate the story you told and the parts of yourselves you poured into this. I too have moved away from my creative tendencies and miss that part of myself. Thanks so much for showing me another way to feel and deal. Keep up the great work. Sorry its taken me so long to watch this but I'm so glad I did.
Whisper of the Heart have special place on my heart, get it? I recall seeing this the first time and I love the simplistic yet relatable story. The characters's relationship was adorable, how they expressed each doubts about their skills and focusing on the future.
If you want to watch the TRUE version of this video, it's on Nebula! nebula.tv/videos/nerdsync-this-studio-ghibli-movie-might-crush-your-dreams-and-thats-good
I always get 5 minutes into a video before I realise, "Oh, wait, this is on Nebula!"
your guitar playing and singing isn't really cringe. you're really smart AND a joy to listen to.
I just watched the video on nebula, and then the follow up video with both Scott and Emily in it. Definitely worth watching, it brought tears to my eyes many times even though I have not watched the movie, and there was basically no reason for me to be crying... except for the theme.... I am an aspiring artist, I'd like to call myself a writer, painter, musician, martial artist.... but I came to terms with the fact that I'm just a teacher. And that's what hit me from this video, the fact that sometimes you just have to come to terms with your abilities (or lack there of), be happy with it, take a break if you need to, and just keep doing what you love! Amazing video for sure guys, thank you very much!
Ok.
I know on your new 'Velma' video you comment about this having bad viewership. I just want to point out why this video may not have done as well as others. For those of us who are not quite as emotionally stable (read: depressed), a video like this is a tough watch. This is in my 'watch later', but I'm not ready for it yet.
My partner and I watched this when we were 5 months into dating. At the end of it, he told me "I love you" for the first time. Such a wonderful moment. Because of this, while I was at a jetty in Florida, I heard a street performer from across the water singing Country Roads at sunset. I immediately started crying happy tears.
That’s adorable
That's an "I love you" with value I'm sadly dumb and always said I love you at the worst possible moments
This makes me so happy.
Lmao 😂
Bruh when I was 5 i couldn't walk Home properly
Whisper of the Heart is my all time favourite Ghibli movie, mostly for the way it shows with how it FEELS to be a creative person, both the highs and the lows. Some days the ideas spill out of you and you can't write or draw them quick enough, and some days you're staring at a blank sheet of paper for hours wondering what the point even is.
This movie always inspires me to go out and create, and I'll always love it for that as an artist myself.
This movie in particular touches two common themes, well, one of them atleast.
Love and self-realization.
Both characters have ideas and beliefs, but they're also emotionally interested in eachother.
“What is a poet? An unhappy man who hides deep anguish in his heart, but whose lips are so formed that when the sigh and cry pass through them, it sounds like lovely music.... And people flock around the poet and say: 'Sing again soon' - that is, 'May new sufferings torment your soul but your lips be fashioned as before, for the cry would only frighten us, but the music, that is blissful.”
― Soren Kierkegaard
Idk if this quote has anything to do with the subject matter. Since I imagine, Soren talks about much heavier stuff in this quote than suffering from passion. His life is not an enviable one. But whenever the subject of artists suffering passes my ears, I think back to this quote.
One of my favourite manga of all time, Blue Period, deals with a lot of similar ideas as Whisper of the Heart. It's about a high school student who's lived most of his life without effort, without needing to work or commit himself to anything, but without passion for anything. But the series follows him as he discovers a love of art and painting, and all the joys and beauty and friendship and pain and anxiety and worthlessness that can make someone feel. Not just in his own life, but in the lives of other artists around him, artists who feel they have talent in nothing else, artists who aren't allowed to express themselves in any other way, artists who love art and artists but don't feel like they belong in that world. It captures so well how painful and disheartening creation can be, and why that makes even simple compliments or recognition so meaningful. Great video as always.
Blue period is amazing.
Blue Period is worth the read if you’re an artist yourself; especially an art student
Lol I just mentioned Gunjo by YOASOBI. It’s based on Blue Period. It’s one of the most beautiful and inspiring songs I’ve heard in recent years.
I thought it was the opposite. That he was disappointed in being constantly called talented or told that he was a genius when the only reason he made it that far was his hard work. I was under the impression he felt his good grades were the result of discipline not smarts.
This continues with him and his art, he’s self depreciating, he believes he can do art not because of talent. but because he believes in hard work. Every time he feels like he’s bad at something, he studies it to improve.
Beautifully written. I have been wanting to read/watch Blue Period since the anime released.
The movie is the most realistic thing about kids just having dreams but also having responsibilities to do such as school. Yes we all wanted to do something big but we were inexperienced. I still have this habit to rush through things, but this movie reminds me to take my time and practice a lot! Like this quote from the movie:
"You're wonderful. There's no need to rush. Please take your time to polish your talent."
Straight up Whisper of the Heart is one of the best movies I’ve seen, on the basis that it’s a movie made FOR artists
I’m glad I’m seeing it get more love because it’s been very under appreciated for decades
Same and it was my first Ghibli movie! I got the storyboard to study art and film! It also helped me reflect as I've been struggling and Journaling.
This was my favorite Ghibli film for a long time, I loved the “mundanest” of it. There’s no life or death adventure, there’s no magic or heroes, yet it captured me so much; it helped me accept and appreciate the day to day, to know that I’ll have to do house chores, work, and do all the boring human things, but there will me space for other things that excite me, and that’s just life.
My college roommate and I watched this together in our art school basement dorm room, a low quality, illegally downloaded sub. It has stuck with me ever since! While my appreciation for Kiki's Delivery Service grows by the year, something about Whisper of the Heart brings an ache these days, a longing for those days of 'potential' that felt so limitless. Thanks for the great video!
I remember having bootleg DVDs of most of the Ghibli films as a kid.
They had very low quality picture, bitcrushed 8-bit audio, Engrish subtitles, and were dubbed to either Mandarin or Cantonese (even though they were Japanese films and I didn’t speak Mandarin or Cantonese despite being Chinese myself).
그와중에 불법다운로드라니....양심 어디..? 제작자들이 심혈을 기울여만든 영화를 그런식으로 보는건 예의가 아닌데 ㅋ..
That was achingly beautiful. You and Emily almost made me cry. As an artist going through something as well, I'm going to put this film on my list to watch. Thank you for sharing such a precious part of yourselves to us.
This is the movie that made me heal. Looked at my own work at pieces of raw jewels that only need to be kept cutting and polishing.. Might look rough, but it’s still a gem
Thank you, so so much. Also Emily made me cry……so much.
"Passion is suffering. And maybe it's time we stop romanticizing that suffering." Bruh got me good with that one. Whenever I'm not actively working on my art, working to improve, making new pieces, practicing, watching videos to learn, I feel that my moments of relaxation are wasted. I wonder all the time if I'll regret "wasting" so much time enjoying unproductive things when I'm older and not much time left. It's been so hard to allow myself the space to just play video games or watch a new show. I'll remember this quote when I'm pushing myself back to the grind. Also I have apparently seen this movie and only remember bits of it. I loved it, but I don't remember her writing or the cats AT ALL.
this video and the message within it could not have come at a more relevant time, this immediately shot up the list of my favorite video essays
In light of this other definition of "passion," the statement "graphic design is my passion" takes on a whole new meaning.
I believe Whisper of the Heart is sooo underated. It is an amazing movie with such a simple story on the outside but it holds so much meaning. The romance is also really cute and it doesnt seem oushed. I loved everything about this movie and it is definently my favourite Ghibli movie.
This movie really did resonate with me. I could see myself in Shizuku. Not my younger, curious and passionate self but more my 22 years old self who really struggled with putting out work that made her feel satisfied. Watching Whisper of the Heart always motivates and sometimes makes me realise that getting better is a progress but also that there is no reason to get better or be perfect at what you do as long as it makes you happy and feel purposeful within your own being.
This video really hit me.
I have a friend who is a digital artist, she went to school to be a concept artist with the goal being to work in the games industry.
With everything going on with AI, she's worried about the future of that type of art. But digital art is all she knows how to do and it's all she wants to do.
Now she's looking into alternate paths she could take, so she can still make the art she loves, even if digital artists end up getting replaced.
She's not given up on becoming a concept artist, but she's facing it head on, that things will probably have to be different from what she envisioned for herself.
You video reminded me of her struggle and dedication to get passion. She could look to get work in other fields, but art is what she loves. She loves sharing it and she can't see herself ever giving it up.
I remember when this video was just uploaded. I was an aspiring writer (and still am) who was having trouble with story-making. More specifically self-confidence and perfectionism. Wondering if I'll ever be good enough and regret the time I spend on this. I wasn't in a great head space at the time as well, but I won't get into that mess. To make a long story short, when I watched your video essay on Whisper Of The Heart, it really hit in places I didn't know I had. It filled me with enough energy to get me through the week and make me feel better about myself. A year later, whenever I feel down about my writing skills, I go back to this video to hear your voice again. Thank you for a year's worth of confidence boosting.
I love the story of Whisper of the Heart as a whole, but the part I love the most revolves around Mr. Nishi and The Baron. Mr. Nishi's story is both literally and figuratively that of passion as he keeps the memories of the past alive through his antique shop. He can fix and polish his antiques as many times as he needs as we see when he works on the beautiful clock...but he can't "fix" the stories associated with them. The clock tells a story of a love that can never be...The Baron and Baroness tell of a love that once was and a future that could never be...yet life moves on though we may always retain the memories.
Mr. Nishi clearly married since Seiji and his father wouldn't be around if he didn't. Yet he can't let go of the memory of Louise as his heart yearns to be reunited with her, even if only in death as is implied during the scene where the fire in the fireplace dies out. You would think that Mr. Nishi would think of the wife he married during this time of vulnerability, but she's never mentioned. That's what makes it so beautiful that Shizuku entering the room shifts the mood: Mr. Nishi is sighing in near total darkness, a reflection of his heart and mind; then Shizuku brightens his life by giving him new purpose. He has been nurturing Seiji all this time, but having left for Italy, Mr. Nishi is all alone. Shizuku gives him the opportunity for him-and old man-to nurture again, renewing his purpose.
I almost cried twice watching this video so I had to take a break. I’ve never heard of this movie before but hearing you talk about it hits really hard. I’ve been writing a poetry book since my sophomore year of high school (I’m now on my final semester for my undergraduate degree) and it’s been hard to be confident in what I write. I show people my work expecting it to be hated but when it’s positive I’m confused. I can’t say I’ve fully gotten over this but as I get older my want to show people my work has grown and I hope one day people can read my stories. I want to write to the world, telling them that they’re not alone. That no matter where you come from, your gender identity, sexuality , race and etc. what ties us together is the human experience and as a person of color. I wanna put that energy out there , that we’re not alone and we can hear you. Edit: This video was amazing , we love you Scott 💙
From one struggling artist to another, I can't tell you how much I needed this, Scott.
I'm always searching for another artist in my life to support me the way Seiji and Shizuku support each other, the way you and Emily do, but it's comforting to know I can come back to this video now whenever I need that encouragement.
Holy crap. WOTH was ALREADY one of my favorite Ghibli films, but there's just SO much more to it than I'd considered. Thanks for this!
I watched this movie when I was Shizuku's age. I was just like her. My nose was always in a book and I loved stories. I dabbled with writing a little bit, but this movie threw me onto a path that changed my life forever. After watching this movie, I jumped into writing and it became my whole life. I was up at all hours, I ignored my schooling, I did everything I could to make sure I had all I could to make sure I could get into my choice college for creative writing. I absolutely would not be who I am today without this movie.
I full-chest ugly-sobbed during Emily’s segment - as the partner of a TH-camr, I felt it with my whole heart 😭🥹 Thank you for this video, both of you!!
Clicked on this expecting some fun Ghibli facts to go with my breakfast, and half an hour later am straight up crying into a batch of burned pancakes and feeling too many feelings about being an artist in my thirties who just shifted to part-time work and making less.
I love Whisper of the Heart. Whenever I need help with motivation I watch it and Howl's Moving Castle. Always works.
I was not ready for the gravitas of this interspective reflection. So good and thank you both for being authentically yourselves. I know you know that your fan base is always here to support you, but it can never be stated enough! Keep on going 😀
Whisper of the Heart has always been in my top 5 for Ghibli films, and it always bounces up and down in that list depending on how deeply the itch to create has taken me. It's become such a creative primer for me that Seiji and Shizuku doing "Country Roads" actually gets me set for creating. Its just managed to slot itself into my brain in such a way as to say "You can make the thing, dont worry or doubt, it will come as it comes, simply trust in what you can do, and it will be done."
I think we're all afraid to dedicate ourselves so fully to something that we consider part of our identity in many ways, and of how people might react to it. There's a fear that somehow I *am* the art I make... after all, artists work so hard to create and the process isn't easy so showing it to others is like baring a little piece of your soul. There's an intense vulnerability there that I feel every time I've worked on a piece for dozens of hours.
Once I showed my art to someone who had only started drawing a year previous... they were super nervous about their art; they hated it, talked themselves down despite how much I genuinely loved it, and I realised that what they were feeling upon comparing their art to mine was exactly how I felt when comparing my art to others, and I realised how that feeling had never gone away for me. I've long since reached a level of art that 18 year old me would have been satisfied with as being amazing, but I'm not satisfied. The feeling never goes away! You're always one step ahead of someone and one step behind someone else - seeing that my art, even if I hate it, has and does inspire others to create their own art is all I need to not give up. It's an endless journey, you'll never reach the level of skill you want to be at, and the joy has to come despite the suffering in being satisfied that despite how much your brain rebels, you did it anyway.
Oh Scott, my heart man. I swear I couldn't stop smiling throughout the whole video. But as so as Emily's piece came, I couldn't stop crying and it just didn't stop. You are truly talent and I'm always thrilled whenever a new video drops. I can't wait to see the Scooby sacks video. My heart goes out to both of you!❤❤
a.) I'm so happy you both have each other b.) I'm kind of envious of Emily being able to find alternate routes for her expression and creativity. I'm 40 now and tried desperately in various eras of my life to find something else I was even remotely good at in a consistent way and always fail. It always gets imbalanced, I get fired or just disappoint a lot of people who think I'm way more capable than I actually am. But here I am stuck with a skillset and passion that in the context of capitalism feels like a curse more times than a calling. From the outside, it looks like that hustle culture you mentioned (which I have admittledy played into before) but in reality it's my incapability to find application outside of this musical pursuit. I might not be sufficient at my "passions" but I am far less capable in everything else, I'm not as smart as a lot of people assume I am and I have grown to admire those who have been able to find a way to enjoy their creative expression in more ways than I have. It's like we joke about in music - "If you can see yourself doing anything else, do that instead, because this industry isn't gonna be worth it." c.) I also admire Scott's work and pursuit of his creative voice and it has most definitely driven various aspects of my pursuits...all that being said, I think my greatest appreciation of Scott's work is somewhat of a byproduct in that he's shown me how much power there is in changing, evolving and being transparent with anyone watching that you can be a person today that grew out of the person you were the months or years before. It's inspired me to make some of my biggest moves personally and professionally in the past few years and I truly believe I'm a better person for it. I hope this inspired energy ricochets through many others in similar situations. Also, great video, the hype of catching up (in reverse order) leading up to this was well worth it. 💙
This is so interesting to watch, as someone who does care deeply about the things I make and about art, but who also has pretty severe mental health issues. I often find that my depression doesn't care about my goals, dreams, or yes, even my passion. A symptom of depression is literally being sapped of passion or motivation or just an ability to care about things. It also really amps up the intense self criticism most artists already have. That has forced me to let specific forms of art go completely because its too psychologically painful or impossible to do them (like writing) and embrace others that usually help my mental health . But most of all it's really taught me that my wellbeing kind of _has_ to come above everything else.
Like, it isn't an enlightened #selfcare work-life balance decision that i'm making, it's my body and brain literally forcing me to stop and take care of myself and often, to go through weeks and months and years where all my energy goes into that and none if it can go into art. It's really affected my self esteem as an artist (I struggle to even call myself that) and made it hard for me to see anything I make as valuable because I'm not grinding or throwing my all into it like 'everyone else'. I'm opening a word document after 8 months and writing 500 words and closing it again because that's all my brain can manage. So it's interesting to see this video about the pains of throwing yourself into art because you can never see yourself not doing it, as someone who actively feels pain when I _do_ do it and feels like they've lost a part of themselves because of that. But also, there's a weird gratitude in knowing that I can't really neglect my health or wellbeing for my art because my health is basically a house on fire that needs constant putting out. My personhood and wellbeing comes above everything else, even art. I've been forced to see things that way because if I ever defined myself as a Writer first, I can't do that anymore because I can't write.
I also felt _incredibly_ seen by the whole 'everyone around you tells you you're skilled at X but you think they must be lying because of how 'obviously' awful you are'.
Whisper of the Heart is a masterpiece that hits all the emotional notes it tries to and doesn't. I cried at the moments that I was intended to and cried on moments I wasn't intended to, it felt too real. It's an out of the world piece of heart!
this video really came like a slap to the face. Lately I've been wondering if I really do love art, because it seems to bring me only pain and anxiety, and yet I can't stop. It's the most defining character trait I have and fills my life with meaning and feelings I can barely describe. I create because I HAVE to, otherwise its like I'm going to explode. Passion really is suffering
Only a Scott video is going to go into the Etymology of a word, and drop a sick Giles Corey reference.
Whisper of the heart and From up on poppy hill are my comfort studio ghibli movies. I absolutely adore them because of how realistic everything is in these movies
I feel it has a lot to do with which place you are in life at the moment. If you are happy and things are going better than before, you'll love this movie. But if there's something you can't get past, some regret or something completely out of your control, in recent past, it might hurt a little watching this movie till the end
This movie has veen on my watchlist ever since your video came out. I finally watched it and I loved it, but I may have loved your video even more.
I was also late diagnosed with ADHD. To be honest it has been a severe struggle my whole life but I never knew what it was because I have never been an unruly hyperactive little boy.
I am a musician and when I get caught in, it will consume me. I play with other people and the amount of time I will spend getting my guitar to sound exactly right when recording Can come at the cost of my social life, the other things I do to de-stress and wind down, household chores, even eating. Many nights I have realized that at 2:00 in the morning I have not eaten almost all day, especially with ADHD medication being an appetite suppressant. The amount of time it can take me has often been the source of frustration for the other musicians I have to work with. It is really easy to get lost in hyper focus. It's hard to take a step back. With ADHD, It can seem near impossible because even when you do take a step back, it's still probably all you can think about.
I love your videos. I watch every single one of them. I did not really have an interest for Scooby-Doo, but your videos are sincere, funny, well made, and even tho I joined for the comic stuff, every one of your videos is a blast to watch. I appreciate you making videos about the things you like and enjoy. When an artist creates for themselves instead of just doing whatever will get the most views, it really shows. I prefer to engage in art that is genuine, and yours definitely is. It keeps me coming back, and I will be watching your videos as long as you are making them.
I know in some of your videos that came out after this one you talked about how it was disheartening that this video didn't perform as well as you liked. I hope that you can't find solace in the fact that because of this video you introduced me to a movie that I genuinely connected with, and then you made a video about it that I also genuinely connected with. I am fairly certain this is my favorite video that you have made. I connect with it deeply.
Thank you so much for making videos. I really enjoy them.
PS: It's always a treat whenever Sparta and Emily show up and Emily's bonus cat was also very nice. Thank you again. 🧡
the "the fairy and the dwarven king" part of the video was just masterfully done. I can't help replaying it so the words would be imprinted in my mind.
God, I'm fucking sobbing. I'm an extremely creative person, it's literally the only quality I have that I'm confident in, and it's not only destroyed at least two relationships I've attempted, but it's been a constant source of pain for me, between my intense depression that makes it difficult to find motivation for anything beyond the initial writing, and my dad's extremely limited view of what being creative and the creative industry is like, not to mention what goes on in my own head. It's so difficult to describe what this video has done to me, all I can really say is that to an extent, I feel both better and worse about it. And that feels appropriate.
What a beautiful concept most people think a boy is the main character or should be in every movie but what is the boy truly looking towards this may shock many
The Giles Corey and Passion of the Christ references were fantastic, especially given that the Giles Corey line probably wasn't even scripted!
Thank you so much for this video, Scott. Some of your best work yet.
I finally finished it over the course of a week, watching in 15-20 minute chunks. I watched part of it at 11pm at night while working to hit some deadlines, wearing wrist splints because I've worn my body out.
I listened to part in one ear while caring for me two-year-old son. He watched a small bit of it with me and was excited to see a cat on-screen.
I finally finished it with the sound off, reading the subtitles, because now the two-year-old is asleep on me and has pinned my arm so I can't get my headphones. I know this isn't the intended viewing experience, sorry about that, but I say this to let you know that I appreciate the message of making sure I'm not pushing myself too far.
I think the biggest frustration with the creative process for me is that I'm juggling so many things all the time that I'm always left feeling like there's not enough time to work of the rejuvenative personal projects. I spend all day rushing around, working, caring for my children, cooking, doing housework, all the while lost in thought about the amazing art I *would* be making if only I had the time.
Then, irony of ironies, when I finally carve out a minute for some personal time, more often than not I'm too exhausted to turn on that creative side of my brain. I need to make stuff to stimulate my brain and feel satisfied, but I just can't make it happen.
A while ago I complained to a few other TH-camr friends, I said I feel frustrated because I never manage to make the stuff I'm excited about. One friend really put things into perspective for me by pointing out just how much creative stuff I do each day. Somehow hearing it from someone else really put things into perspective for me.
If I could, I'd disappear into my art all day every day. I'd drop all the way down that rabbit hole and probably never come out again. That's not an option for me at the moment, so in the meantime, I think I need to treat my creative hunger like actual hunger: make sure I get enough to feel satisfied and healthy, make sure I don't overindulge OR starve myself.
Balance is hard! So thank you for this video, it really helped.
I can comfortably say that the effort you put into your videos really pays off. You are making some of the best stuff on TH-cam, both in terms of production value and storytelling, and it's a real shame that the algorithm values speed and quantity over actual quality.
Know, though, that your effort, while definitely not always healthy, is always appreciated. You're the TH-camr I want to be when I grow up! (I'm half a decade older than you and nowhere near as accomplished, but, then, it's not a race, is it?)
The more I watch your videos, the more I love all of what you do. The part by Emily was also a fantastic addition, and she delivered it so beautifully. I'm always so glad to see your videos pop up on my feed, because I know it'll be thought-provoking and thoughtful all at once :)
Scott,
I needed this video.
I have needed a lot of your videos, recently. Your respectful, insightful exploration of Bob Ross, the enthusiastic foray into D&D, and all of your comic book videos that take such considerate care with history and cultural impact. You have a lot to say, and you say it well. I've been catching up on your back catalogue. It has brought me peace.
Art is my therapy. A joke a tell people when explaining my hobbies, but also a bitter truth. I craft a lot. During manic episodes when I don't sleep, I am crafting. I quell panic attacks by crafting. I express myself through crafting. I tell people I love them by making them things. But my relationship to art is still a contentious one sometimes. Then I began watching your videos, and I have never felt so spiritually peaceful with calling myself an artist. So for what it's worth, your dedication to your own art has weight. Respect, from one artist to another.
Whispers of the heart it’s probably my favorite Ghibli movie (my confort movie for sure at least) and I have struggled for a really long time to put into words why, I’m still not sure if I’m able to describe it in a way that makes sense to someone besides me, but this has helped me to understand both my relationship with the movie and a little of myself, so thank you very much for this Scott, your work it’s incredible ❤
Woah this hit hard man.
With all movies and series that the staff at studio Ghibli has created, Whisper of the Heart always clicked with me on a fundamental sense, well other films do too. Like how Porco Rosso just beckons on my manhood, while Spirited Away calls upon the artistry within me. While Nausicaa calls upon the craft of world building.
But Whisper of the Heart, it just hits me right in the heart, the passion for the craft itself. It's the act of the craft rather than being enthralled by the art itself. Well I do enjoy being enthralled by art but the feeling of being enthralled in the process is truly a high you can't forget and crave for. And like any drug that enduces such trance, when the comedown hits, when you awake from the enthrallment... It does leave you fatigued mentally, physically and spiritually. I feel as that this story captured that aspect of artistry accurately and so does Kiki in a sense of a different craft, but a craft nonetheless.
I remember how excited I was to see a fansub of this when it was first out in Japan at an anime club (aww the days when Ghibli films had no English releases...) And the true tragedy was it was Yoshifumi Kondō's first film as director, and he did a brilliant job and there was hope he would lead the younger Ghibli generation (even if he was only ten years younger than Miyazaki and 15 younger than Takahata, they were already looking for new directors to help out) but he died suddenly two or so years later of a sudden aneurysm (which so scared Miyazaki that that's when he announced his retirement--for the first of several times.) Also fascinating to compare it to its source--a very 80s shoujo manga.
Whisper of the Heart is such an amazing movie. I don’t think anything I say about the movie could ever do it justice. I’ve never related to a fictional character more than Shizuku. I can empathize with her on like every level. I wanted to give her a hug whenever she was sad because she thought her writing wasn’t good enough. And the messages of the movie were so sweet as well. I’m also glad that they didn’t go the predictable route with the end and have Shizuku’s story be perfect. It was flawed, but still nice because of Shizuku’s dedication to her story. I think that gives the message that you can’t expect your first try at something to be perfect, but you can always keep working to get better.
Honestly, to say this movie is heartwarming would be an understatement. It’s heart-MELTING. We need more movies like this from Hollywood.
As a person who is trying to be a writer, EVERYTIME I come back to this movie it hits harder than the last time I watched it. But god I love it for that.
Hands down, Whisper of the Heart is my all-time favourite Ghibli movie. It got me through the last decade of my life, including extreme burnout from college. It's so underrated and I always recommend it to people when they want to get into Ghibli films.
I hope you are comfy under your weighted blanket and with your kitty cat
Interesting gender point: Seiji is not asked to choose between or balance domestic duties and his passion. In a macro sense, that might actually not be a good thing (as per your vid), but it spins off into interesting possibilities for discussion about male and female roles, and the difference between internal and intrinsic needs and wants being 'sacrificed' and compromising on external expectations, and the role of invisible supporters in facilitating other people's art, and how, historically, one group of people were afforded far more opportunities to go all-in or to find balance than others. I think you touch on that a bit when discussing supporting Emily.
Love hearing the origin of Country Road
I love this video so much. But more importantly, I'm so happy that you and Emily have each other ❤️
Thank you this rings so true. I'm a musician in my spare time and a software engineer for a living. It's really hard to find a work-life balance. Bouts of inspiration followed by severe burnout and having to justify time lost. As a younger musician, I had severe performance anxiety. I also found myself in my earlier working career being critical of those who did not put the effort I put into my work (somewhat of toxic a mindset). Now in my mid-30s with a family, I have anxiety about starting new projects outside of my professional life. Because I know if I do start I'll get wrapped up and my family life will suffer. Having given my wife notice I recently locked myself in my office for almost a full week to achieve a professional goal that had a deadline.
Loving the content since you've been talking about comics in that old studio
This is why Whisper of the Heart and Only Yesterday are my two favorite films by the Studio. The older I get, the quiet and gentle films become more important to me. 😌
As someone with ADHD I've always felt like Scott's videos "get" my brain. They have a clear through-line but also jump in every tangential direction just like I would. And I know EXACTLY what its like to be so all-consumed by the creative endeavor being pursued to forgo sleep. To never think its good enough, just one more step I tend to tell myself. Right now I am sitting and sewing a hemline of a dress. At 8:30pm. Having not eaten dinner.
I'm really happy that you guys are working on respecting your needs and your own creativity.
I'm going to go get a sandwich and big glass of water.
Okay. I have to comment again to say I really, really love Emily's piece. I feel so similarly about art and creating. I'm definitely not ready to share my voice with other people, but creating is such a core part of who I am, even in small ways, and I felt really seen by Emily's take on her own expressions of creativity.
i’m happy Emily is doing well- I watched her videos all the time when I was younger she was one of the first people to make me appreciate animation as a legitimate art form. I was randomly sitting here trying to remember her channel, found it, found her tumblr and that led me to this video. I hope both of you are doing well!
Oh wow, thank you for sharing such kind words, especially after all this time! I'm proud to have played a tiny part in helping folks understand and appreciate animation as an art!
Whisper of the heart had been my comfort movie and favorite ghibli film for years. I really enjoyed your video, it has given me a new perspective to take when next I watch this movie again.
I loved getting some background on country roads and how it's creation as well as its rise to popularity.
I really appreciate you and Emily sharing a glimpse of your lives as creative and how the theme of giving your all for your creative endeavors has affected you each and your concerns/encouragement for eachother. I love getting raw emotions glimpses of the lives of other creatives. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with us.
Video was absolutely wonderful and I am sharing with all my friends ^^
Thanks for the heads up on the nebula cut! muting this and playing it in the background (gotta preserve that watch-time) and switching over now you wonderful nerd!
An entire segment about John Denver in this Studio Ghibli video? More likely than you think
I know you're broken up about this video not getting as many views, but....
I have ADHD and have always wanted to chase my music and writing and art and every craft and I'm dating an autistic writer and this video made me cry in a way a TH-cam video never did. You and Emily's experience hits close to home and the perspective the movie provides is absolutely stunning. It's so affirming to know that it's okay for me to not want to chase the hours and hours of practice and failure that my craft requires to be good, and that I don't have to commit to suffering just to make it happen and share it on a huge stage.
Thank you for making this.
Man, Emily's section nearly had me in tears...
But ALSO. Dude, I just want you to know that the main reason I watch your stuff and enjoy doing so is when you're talking about things that you love and are passionate about.
Do what you love, because I enjoy what you have to say about these things in the way that only you can. Don't feel too pressured into doing what people are telling you to.
Keep doing what you do best, for yourself.
This is the first time Ive heard someone talk about being so entirely engrossed in your art that you dont spend much time with your SO- it just felt so completely relatable to my sister and I. She's the closest person to me in my entire life and Ill never find another like her. I know Ill never find someone else who understands me as much as I in turn understand her and despite still living together sometimes it just happens like this. Where we'll go days with barely any interaction at all as we are both creatives and get fully engrossed in our own personal creative endeavors and sometimes I find myself becoming lonely and missing her even though she's always right there.
Whisper of the Heart is my favourite Studio Ghibli movie. The best thing this movie does for its audience is inspiration. It shows that putting your hard work and passion out there can lead to great things.
Emily's essay on Scott was a real declaration of love. Love of their life together, and love of what will come. Do what works best for each of you!
Whisper of the Heart was one of the Studio Ghibli that just hit me to the core. I first watched it in a time where I was suffering in great anxiety in my own work and if i did or will contribute anything beneficial to people. As a person who always see their own work as "not good enough" seeing Shizuku's dream sequence of looking for that one thing that will make her writing excel and stand out....and when she did grasp it and it turned out to be dull...her scream. Chilling stuff.
My favorite nerd sync video. i adore how sincere this was. Whisper Of the Heart is so important to me and your guy's reflections were beautiful, thank you!!
I love Whisper of the heart it's by far one of my favorite Ghibli films. It makes me sad that not many people know about it and it's not as popular as the rest. I actually have a baroness figure from the movie and I love her. I don't know what it says about me that my two favorite Ghibli films are Keys delivery service and Whisper of the heart but I feel like in a way they have a similar message.
I also have adhd so I to understand that you wanting to create despite yourself. My current hyperfixation is crocheting and I quite literally hurt myself doing it, but I can't stop my brain won't let me.
This is one of my girlfriend's favorite films and I'm so glad she got me to read it. It's one of the most resonant coming of age stories ever
And I love that in the end, they watch the sun rise together. It keeps it real for me since they haven’t completed all their dreams or defeated a villain. Heck they aren’t even old. The sun rises everyday, the night always ends. There’s always love and hope throughout life and through every season.
I think you (and Emily) would really enjoy Atrocity Guides new video. It’s about a couple that has been working together on the same animated work for FOURTY years.
I enjoyed this video! Thank you for sharing your passion
I found you through your recent video on Velma and instantly fell in love with the pace, humor and insight you create your videos with so I got really interested when you mentioned this video. I never watched Whisper of the Heart and yet I realize I saw so many screencaps and gifs of it without knowing what it is and now I will definitely give it a watch!
I'm honestly impressed by your craftsmanship and the way you made it's so pleasant and interesting to listen to, I felt like I watched 3 different videos in one with the amount of messages and information you managed to convey! I'm in love!
Maybe it's a little TMI, but you definitely made me tear up a couple of times because I relate to so many moments in this video, especially as an artist who's been experiencing burnout for more than a year now and recently made the decision to move away from posting art on social media since it only made my mental health degrade. Making art is my passion, I have so many ideas, so many big things I want to make and yet its either lack of energy or time, and often it's both. Making art is definitely my suffering but I'm trying to work on it, trying not to let the feelings consume me and make an effort to create again while also not isolating myself from the world, because I feel like then it feels the worst - when something you are passionate about fails you and then you have nothing else, and no one else to turn to.
I don't know if keeping a good balance between working, staying healthy, staying in touch with people and also pursuing your passions is really possible, but it's something worth at least trying, even if it's hard, even when sometimes it seems impossible and we fail. I think it can be harmful to get lost in your passions like Shizuku, but it's can be equally as harmful to only stick to work and reject anything that doesn't feel productive, like Shiho.
Anyways, thank you for posting the video, great quality, I regret I only found you now but I will sure be binging your content :]
As an artist, this is one of my favorite Ghibli films.
Something you should know about me is that I'm NOT a Miyazaki fan. Not in the slightest. I stand for many things he's against and vice versa, we'd probably kill each other if we met IRL lol. But the message of this movie is really powerful for anyone who's serious about creating content, I can definitely get behind that.
Exagerating much?
"Passion is suffering" is so true, the word for passion literally has the word "suffering" in it where I'm from (Germany)
Just saw the Nebula version. Scott, believe me when I say that as someone who's been watching since you did videos about wacky comic trivia while wearing a bad suit, your videos for the last three years have hit me in a place others rarely do. Please understand that you are a ray of sunshine in others lives who makes others realize that they're not alone in doing what makes - or sometimes doesn't make - them happy.
Scott you sweet, beautiful man! stop making me cry with your videos. I can't keep feeling such BIG FEELINGS and crying watching my phone on the train
Emily's piece really hit me hard. As a stay-at-home-dad to two beautiful and happy kids... i often wonder when i'm going to create my magnum opus. Will I, ever? ugh.
This is such a well made video, made me watch the movie and I loved it. Emily’s part made me kind of emotional, definitely feel the same as her as in my path of creative fulfillment. Thank you for this, it made me feel affirmed ❤️
When I first watched it, I bawled. And my parents watched it with me, and I think it was one of the first times they realized the kinda stuff I deal with creating art. I love the movie, but it’s one I'll have to wait a while to watch again
Thanks for the amazing video Mr. Scott. I cried and laughed. Again thank you.
This video is great. Honestly, whisper of the heart is so underrated, but it's up there with only yesterday as one of my favourite studio ghibli films.
As a child, I loved the cat returns, and then I watched whisper of the heart, and I was so disappointed, and I just didn't get it. Nothing happened, and I just didn't like it. Now, when I watch this movie, I get it so much. I know intimately what it's like to be an artist and love an artist. And the anguish which comes with both. I honestly really feel for Shiho in this movie. I know what it's like to consistently have to choose your family over your passion and feel bitter that other can pursue their passion unimpeded. This movie is so thoughtful, and it's so lovely that the fairy tale I loved as a child [the cat returns] is the work that shizuku finally makes. I love her art, and I think that's what these movies are going for.
As someone who always wanted to be a creative person but never really felt I had the talent or the courage to finally put all the ideas I have onto paper, this hit me really hard. Maybe there's nothing wrong with keeping that creativity to yourself sometimes. I don't feel like I have to impress anyone else anymore at my age. Maybe one day I'll find the courage to take that step but for now, I'm happy to keep it to myself and work on it.
Scott and Emily, I just came to say thank you. I watched this video when it was released, and it was the last push I needed to start a deep dive into Studio Ghibli. A friend and I have watched one most Fridays for a month or so. We started with Kiki's Delivery Service, then Howl's Moving Castle, and then this week I picked Whisper of the Heart. It was a beautiful and moving experience, and the next morning, I put this video on again. Now, 36 hours after watching the movie and 24 after rewatching your video, I have cranked out 1800 words of Young Justice fanfiction. It's not much, but it's the first serious trickles of creativity I've felt since getting burnt out in my last year of film school. That was almost 4 years ago now. The writing was slow and stuttering and it might all be garbage, but it's a start. Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me find that inspiration again.
This really hit home for me as someone who’s going to college to become an animator, whenever I try to do something creative it’s hard because I become so critical of anything I do and feel likes it’s not good enough even if someone tells me it’s good, I feel like I need to watch this film now and just want to say you did a fantastic job with this video and I hope it gets more attention that it deserves ❤
Oh my God, my heart. Listening to Emily is exactly the energy that I receive from my husband, Jimmy. He would probably rather jump off a bridge than being on camera or writing a book, BUT, without his support, his carrying me throughout my endeavors, writing my novel, working on the theater, everything I do for my passion, he will move Heaven an Earth to ensure I can do it, he is that quiet partner, the wind in my sails, and this only pushes me to ensure that every effort I can make toward ensuring he's happy, even in the smallest things, I will do it.
I usually never leave comments, but the pure honesty displayed in this video, made me realise how we (especially us creatives) make things as people, to people, and I wanted the maker(s) of this project to know, that I recognise all the work, and effort, and courage, and insecurity and yes - passion, - it took to create it. I see myself in all this, which means what you worked hard to put out into the world, reached somebody, and for that I'm thankful.
I didn't realize this was a NerdSync video for ages cause of the title- I tend to avoid super vague clickbaity titles on video essays but I'm glad I noticed who it was from
one ofy favorite movies and I feel like one that's often overlooked in the studio Ghibli universe. it's just such a realistic look at life and how it happens and those last five minutes! ugh! her line about not wanting to be a burden that they work together is just so much joy. it seems sappy but in one of those best ways possible because it shows her growth.
If I'm not watching this video as much as your other videos, it's not because it's bad, it's because it's so good, shit gets me emotional and I don't wanna get emotional like that often
This is a beautiful video. I've recently been feeling so guilty that all my friends around me are constantly working and having side hustles, but this helps me realize that's it's okay to take things slow.
I love your video essays so much I can’t even put into words. The time, the dedication, the way you always make talking about stories their own stories in way, if you get what I mean lol. I don’t always have time to watch videos when they come out, life is hectic and just gets in the way the sometimes, but I know that I always have your videos to fall back on. Whether as comfort, an interest in the topic at hand, to fall asleep to, or just as background noise, I’m glad your videos are here. I just wish more people could find these and appreciate them the way I and your many other subscribers do bc you really deserve it for all the hard work you put into them.
Thank you so much for this video. I got recommended this movie at a low point, getting rejected from an opportunity I was so greatly hoping to get, and the news had broken me to the point where I had a bit of a breakdown. I am an artist, a freelance creator, and all the words that you and your partner spoke made me feel understood like nobody had. I had been working to that point where I neglected self care (eating sleeping, hygiene, and any social interaction) for weeks because I accepted too many projects because I felt “if I can do all of these and improve very fast I can be worthy” and getting the rejection made everything feel for naught. The funny thing is, a few years ago I got a commission from someone to paint the characters of this movie and I watched the movie and enjoyed it but I definitely didn’t understand it. Maybe because that was the beginning of my career as an artist, but now the message you showed me through this video feels so topical, like it’s just for me. I might be hitting my “breaking” point where I decide not to suffer for my art as much. I can maybe make time to see another person for one day and not feel crippling guilt for not working and constantly honing my craft. And rejection doesn’t mean I’m doomed to fail because just having potential and getting better is enough. Life is more than just the thing you do. It’s difficult because my value is so much equated with the content I produce. Even though I know it isn’t, it’s something I deeply believe. Sorry I rambled so much but I just wanted to say thank you for this video, the amazing way you worded it and for making me love this movie again.
Emily almost made me cry. I got my degree in Creative Writing 10 (almost 11) years ago and I've barely written a word since. Everyone always asks me about my writing and my responses are noncommittal murmurs, mostly. But a while ago I decided it didn't matter if I don't write as long as I create in some way. I still struggle with burnout, but I think I'm much happier than the intense depression "not being a writer" used to put me in.
This video really hit for me. I’m a creative (actor, musician and stage combat) and for the last 6 months I spent all of my free time working a second job instead of pursuing any of my creative passions. I had an injury at the second job and thought about how absolutely miserable I’d been toiling 14 hour days for 12 day work weeks and being to exhausted to do anything spiritually fulfilling and decided I’d had enough. I’m going to have budget more wisely, but this year I’m going to be creatively fulfilled. I’m going to let myself make art and be vulnerable and not let societal expectations keep me from being that.
So thanks Scott. As another member of the recently-30 club, we’re going to have a great year.
This is one of my favourite videos you've ever done. It's personal and poignant at the same time. Really appreciate the story you told and the parts of yourselves you poured into this. I too have moved away from my creative tendencies and miss that part of myself. Thanks so much for showing me another way to feel and deal. Keep up the great work. Sorry its taken me so long to watch this but I'm so glad I did.
Whisper of the Heart have special place on my heart, get it?
I recall seeing this the first time and I love the simplistic yet relatable story. The characters's relationship was adorable, how they expressed each doubts about their skills and focusing on the future.
I love this moment ☺️ 40:38 - 41:04
(And the rest of the video too!)