A Short Film by Studio Ghibli

If you have two minutes to kill and want to see a somewhat unlikely collaboration between one of anime’s most critically acclaimed companies and one of science fiction’s most enduring franchises, I’d like to point out a short film on Disney+ called Grogu & the Dust Bunnies that may have flown under the radar of many people. Starring everyone’s new favorite Star Wars character, the adorable Mandalorian Grogu, the film pairs him with the trademark “Soot Sprites” from Studio Ghibli / Hayao Miyazaki films such as My neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away to comedic effect (they are also knows as Susuwatari or Makkuro kurosuke, and dust bunnies would fit as a name as well). There’s not much to really say here other than you’ll likely get a chuckle from this light-hearted animated romp.

“Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies is a hand drawn animated short by Studio Ghibli. Whilst washing, Grogu notices that he is being followed by a group of adorable dust bunnies.”

Grogu & the Dust Bunnies is seemingly hand-drawn and has the overall style of a japanese ink painting. It’s not necessarily an Ukiyo-e style, but something akin to a quick calligrapher’s sketch. Don’t expect any earth-shattering plot here, the film is designed to make the viewer smile and hopefully relax a bit, and with my family it definitely did as such.

If you are a fan of Star Wars or Studio Ghibli, there’s really no reason whatsoever to not watch this. I mean, worst case scenario you’re out two minutes, I waste more time on stupid clickbait articles on Facebook all the time. With the Star Wars: Visions series in full effect, I’d love to see Ghibli do a longer film for the franchise, but fore now this really fits their whole vibe. Do yourself a favor and check this out as soon as you can!