Legend of Zelda Studio Ghibli-style movie trailer is so beautiful I want to cry

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is undoubtedly beguiling without the Unreal Engine 5 treatment. Still, while Link always charms us no matter the aesthetics, there’s something truly breathtaking about this Legend of Zelda meets Studio Ghibli trailer. When I said I wanted to cry because of how beautiful it is, I wasn’t lying. The trailer is a work of art.

Only 31 seconds in length, the movie trailer delivers more than any GTA VI rumour or so-called leaks have to date. While GTA gamers are livid after a string of unfortunate misfires and non-starts, Zelda fans are living the dream, even if it’s only through fan-made projects rather than official ones.

Don't forget to watch the just-as-beautiful Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom trailer!

The stunning work of the 4K trailer is credited to RwanLink, a Youtuber with the “heart of [a] true Zelda fan” through and through. Fans have longed to see a collaboration between Studio Ghibli and Nintendo for years, though the chance of that happening dwindles with each passing day, not that fans are too disheartened. “As a fan of both Zelda and Ghibli, I always wanted to see a collaboration with both studios... I don't think we'll ever get it, but luckily we have Rwan covering us. This looks so beautiful!” said @gerwiggin in response to the video.

According to Rwan, this awe-inspiring trailer started out as a “fun side project in August” that has grown into a much bigger work of art, with over “30 characters” for the full movie. Fortunately, this teaser is going to grow into something more substantial, with that something releasing on 21 November – thank goodness we haven’t got long to wait, because I need this fan-made film like I need a cup of tea on a cold, rainy day. It’s non-negotiable.

Alongside all the praise directed at Rwan, and rightly so, we must also praise the Unreal Engine for allowing such talented creatives a space to bring their passions to life. First, we were given the joy of being able to play the original NES game thanks to a remaster on Unreal Engine 4, and now we get to see what Link and friends would look like if Studio Ghibli took the reins.

It is a great day to be a Zelda fan, and an even greater day to be a Legend of Zelda and Studio Ghibli fan.