Reportedly, Miyazaki Hayao, the founder of Studio Ghibli, has expressed dissatisfaction with this trend. Given the renown of his artwork, these imitations are undeniably acts of copyright infringement, blatantly disrespectful to the original artistic vision.
As a fan, I find this phenomenon rather complicated. On one hand, it is heartwarming to see so many viewers across the globe admire the Ghibli style. The converted images are undeniably adorable, demanding attention and affection as if they tell stories without words. Yet, on the other hand, I feel a strong sense of indignation. The careless usage of such a cherished style feels thoughtless, almost as if the emotional connections we have with the originals are being trivialized by creators who fail to grasp their depth and significance.
Studio Ghibli's images, crafted with care and intention, are meant to embody certain characters and philosophies. This becomes especially clear when observing creations like the "fake Ghibli Lord of the Rings." While superficially appealing, these adaptations lack the profound essence of Miyazaki's work, reducing something sacred to a fleeting trend.