There are very few things in my life that can bring my greater joy than Ghibli’s movies, especially those created by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. In this short post, I would like to profess my admiration for his genius and explain the main reasons to my obsession with his animated features. In future posts, I will write about a few of his most prominent works, Spirited away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke for example. Though some of his films can be better and more popular than others, he never made a single bad film. In general, as long as a film has a Miyazaki tag on it, you can safely say it will not disappoint. No two Miyazaki’s movies are the same and no movies are like those by Miyazaki. His filmography is amazingly impressive, with settings range from medieval Japan to earth post-apocalypse and including everything from an eastern gods’ bathhouse to a western wizard’s flying castle. During his over fifty five years in the business, he’s always fresh and innovative.
The vivid and magical world of Miyazaki
Every Miyazaki film is a dream-like fantasy, with gods, dragons, magical goldfish, tiny humans, wizards/ witches and curses that turn people into pigs. However, the reason why his creations feel so genuine and believable, despite all their supernatural elements, is because of Miyazaki’s source of inspiration for his films. More than anyone, the great director understands that in order to construct an imaginary world, you need to start from the real world. Hence, he bring problems and people from our daily lives into the films and build from them. Animation to Miyazaki is like a book to an author. In both cases, the former is the canvas on which its author project he or her perception of the world. Though this could be used to describe the relationship between many many artists and their works, it is especially true about Miyazaki. His films are his statements to the world and the means through which he sends his messages to millions of people. He is an artist in the the most noble sense.
Another thing that adds to the realistic vibe of a Miyazaki’s film is the attention to detail in background and character designs. One can pause the film at any moment and still feel the movement on the screen. Every character, including minor ones who are rarely noticed by the audience, is drawn with a specific position that correlate with his or her task, all in accordance with the situation of the scene. Miyazaki often goes to great lengths to make sure each part in a scene is drawn perfectly, down to the smallest elements in the background. Looking at the picture below of a scene in Howl’s Moving Castle, we can only imagine how painstaking the process must have been to create such a wonder.
Themes
Throughout Miyazaki’s career, there are a few important themes that recur many times in his films. With each of his creation, Miyazaki gives audience a new way to look at these topics.
Environment
Many Miyazaki’s films are about mankind’s relations with nature. In Princess Mononoke, San blames humans for destroying her forest while in Ponyo, Fujimoto, who used to be human, now lives underwater and hates humans for polluting the sea. Most horrifying, in Naucisaa of the Valley of the Wind, the world is barely habitable with a poisonous jungle. Miyazaki uses his films to educate his audience about the need to protect the environment, constantly reminding people the dire consequences of contaminating our own home.
War
Miyazaki is also famous for being a man of peace. When Spirited Away won the 75th Academy Award in 2003, he boycotted the ceremony in protest of the bombing in Iraq. In adapting Howl’s Moving Castle to the screen, he shifted from the original novel, focusing on the contrast between war and peace, Howl’s detestation for wars and his former teacher’s, Suliman, obstinacy in sending him to one. In The Wind Rises, Miyazaki further enforced his peace-loving stand by emphasizing Jiro Hirokoshi’s regrets for having designed the Zero, a famous Japanese aircraft in WW2.
Identity
Miyazaki’s animated features usually have very young protagonists, many of whom are still in their childhood. In Spirited Away, Yubaba takes her subordinates’ name to control them. Like in the case of Haku, once Yubaba’s workers forget their real name, an identification of who they are, they completely become hers. Kiki’s Delivery Services, one of Miyazaki’s early films at Studio Ghibli, is basically a coming-of-age story of girl’s transition to adulthood, depicting her struggles in finding her position in life, confidence and acceptance.
All in all, the world of Miyazaki is a must-see. If you are acquainted with his works, revisit him as soon as possible. If you haven’t seen any of his films, then this is urgent. Set aside some time this week, get some popcorn and enjoy a ride through Miyazaki’s wonderland. Any film would do, but preferably Spirited Away first. Trust me, it’s probably one of the best experience in your life.
A sleepy conscience 