When Lucasfilm and Studio Ghibli unite, the world is a better place. On Friday, Lucasfilm released a 3-minute short in collaboration with Studio Ghibli called Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies. When Star Wars Visions dropped last year, it was a surprise when Studio Ghibli, arguably the most popular and successful anime studio ever, was not involved. Better late than never. Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies was an absolute treat that was really cute and a delight.
Studio Ghibli has a minimalistic way of telling great stories. Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies is a hand-drawn anime that shows Grogu floating in a meditative state on a background of Japanese Washi paper. While spinning in place above water, a group of dust bunnies enters from the left, bouncing off of Grogu and seemingly splashing into the water. Grogu sneezes and also falls into the water. The dust bunnies were also seen in two other Ghibli movies, My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. Grogu, now awake, starts to walk away, but the dust bunnies follow. Grogu quickens his pace, as do the dust bunnies.
The dust bunnies are actually called Susuwatari. The dust bunnies play with Grogu but then offer him a pink lotus flower, also known as a Padma flower which symbolizes purity, rebirth, and strength. Grogu accepts the gift with a bow, and the short concludes with the dust bunnies surrounding Grogu. Finally, an Ensō appears, symbolizing eternity, infinity, wholeness, and unity.
Adding to the innocence that Grogu and the dust bunnies exude is the music of Ludwig Göransson. Göransson uses themes from The Mandalorian but rearranges them so that it sounds childlike. It’s a decision that seems obvious but is brilliant and totally works.
In a very divided world, symbols of unity, strength, and wholeness are needed now more than ever. Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies is magical. It’s quite short but says a lot in those 3 minutes. The further collaboration in anime confirms Star Wars’ connection to eastern philosophy and religion. One can only hope this isn’t the end of this beautiful friendship.
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