"Earwig and the Witch" is a children's fantasy novel written by Diana Wynne Jones. The story revolves around Earwig, a young orphan girl who is cunning and resourceful. She is known for her ability to manipulate people and situations to her advantage. Earwig ends up being adopted by a mysterious couple, Bella Yaga and Mandrake. They turn out to be witches who bring her to their home, which is filled with magical beings and strange creatures. Despite their efforts to control her, Earwig remains determined to find her own way and use her wit to outsmart the witches.
Despite their efforts to control her, Earwig remains determined to find her own way and use her wit to outsmart the witches. The main idea of the story is the power of independence and resourcefulness. Earwig's character teaches young readers the importance of being self-reliant and using their intelligence to navigate difficult situations.
GKIDS Acquires Studio Ghibli’s Goro Miyazaki-Directed ‘Earwig And the Witch’
GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights to Studio Ghibli’s Earwig and the Witch, directed by Goro Miyazaki (From Up on Poppy Hill, Tales from Earthsea) and produced by studio co-founder Toshio Suzuki, with planning on the feature from his father and Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro).
Based on the children’s novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones (Howl’s Moving Castle), Earwig and the Witch marks Studio Ghibli’s first entirely 3DCG animated feature. The film follows the titular Earwig, who grew up in an orphanage and never knew her mother had magical powers. Her life takes a new turn when a strange family takes her in, and she is forced to live with a selfish witch.
“Nowadays, in our country, there are many adults and few children. It must be tough for these children, so few of them having to deal with so many adults,” Miyazaki said of the film. “It was while I was thinking about this that I got to know Earwig. And I realized, ‘That’s it!’ How does Earwig deal with the annoying adults? Please watch Earwig and The Witch to find out. She may be cheeky, but I sincerely hope that our adorable Earwig will encourage children and cheer up adults.”
The feature is an official selection for the 2020 Cannes Film Festival and is set to air on NHK in Japan Winter 2020. GKIDS will release the film theatrically in North America in early 2021. Check out the poster below.
“Nowadays, in our country, there are many adults and few children. It must be tough for these children, so few of them having to deal with so many adults,” Miyazaki said of the film. “It was while I was thinking about this that I got to know Earwig. And I realized, ‘That’s it!’ How does Earwig deal with the annoying adults? Please watch Earwig and The Witch to find out. She may be cheeky, but I sincerely hope that our adorable Earwig will encourage children and cheer up adults.”
She shows that being small and seemingly powerless does not mean one cannot overcome obstacles and thrive. The novel also explores themes of identity and belonging. As Earwig learns about her own magical abilities and unravels the secrets of her past, she begins to understand who she is and where she comes from. This journey of self-discovery and acceptance serves as an important message for readers of all ages. Overall, "Earwig and the Witch" is a charming and whimsical tale that entertains and inspires. Diana Wynne Jones' storytelling is filled with humor and clever twists that keep readers engaged until the very end. It is a great read for children looking for an empowering and magical adventure..
Reviews for "The Importance of Family in Peruse Earwig and the Witch"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Peruse Earwig and the Witch". The animation style was very off-putting for me, and the storyline was confusing and lacked depth. The characters didn't have enough development, and I found it hard to connect with any of them. Overall, it just wasn't enjoyable for me and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Michael - 1 star - I had high hopes for "Peruse Earwig and the Witch", but it fell short in every aspect. The animation was choppy and unappealing, and the plot felt incredibly rushed and disjointed. The characters were forgettable and lacked any depth or charm. It was a major disappointment and I regret watching it.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Peruse Earwig and the Witch" was a complete letdown for me. The animation style was strange and didn't work well with the storyline. The plot itself was weak and lacked coherence, leaving me feeling confused and unengaged. The characters were underdeveloped and uninteresting. I had high expectations, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver.
4. Jason - 2 stars - I was unimpressed with "Peruse Earwig and the Witch". The animation style didn't appeal to me and the story felt incredibly predictable. The characters lacked depth and the overall plot felt unoriginal. I didn't find it particularly enjoyable or memorable, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
5. Samantha - 2 stars - "Peruse Earwig and the Witch" didn't meet my expectations. The animation style was odd and the storyline was lackluster. I found it hard to connect with the characters and found their development to be shallow. The pacing was off, and the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, it was a disappointing watch.