“Each cell of (Miyazaki’s) movies is a painting you’d want to hang on the wall.” –Kathleen Kennedy, Executive Producer, “Ponyo” English language version
Today I’ll conclude my look at Miyazaki’s films, and consider what makes him such a great animator.
Whisper of the Heart (1995; adapted by Miyazaki). Based on a comic by Aoi Hiragi, “Whisper of the Heart” is unique for Miyazaki in that it’s set in modern-day Tokyo and is not a fantasy. This is another coming of age story with some Germanic influences and a gorgeous violin soundtrack. It follows teens Shizuku and Seiji as they determine who they are and who they want to be, all the while dancing around a flirtation with one another. But it’s not one of Miyazaki’s strongest, so it’s better for those who are already fans. I have a special soft spot for it even as I recognize its flaws.
Princess Mononoke (1997; written and directed by Miyazaki): After making “Princess Mononoke” Miyazaki went into retirement; luckily for us, that proved to be temporary. If it had been his last film, Miyazaki would have gone out strong: this is Miyazaki’s best high fantasy story. It chronicles the struggle between industry and the environment, reaching an unexpected yet very intelligent conclusion. Prince Ashitaka is cursed after defending his home from a mysterious monster, and he must travel to distant lands to find the cure. On his way he encounters the powerful spirits of the forest, and their human “princess” San, called Mononoke by the neighboring human village. Superb film, but its violence makes it more appropriate only for teenagers and adults.
Spirited Away (2001; written and directed by Miyazaki): With “Spirited Away,” Miyazaki proved to the world that a few years’ retirement had only made him stronger. This film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and boy, does it deserve it. I fell in love with Miyazaki’s work after watching this film (and I even named my dog after its lead character). Perfect for any age, “Spirited Away” is a fantasy about 10-year-old Chihiro, a girl from the modern day who must defy a witch in the spirit world to save her parents from an evil spell. While searching for a way to find her parents Chihiro must work in a bath house for the gods. She makes friends with her fellow employees and the witch’s protegee, all the while growing from the brat she started the movie as to the decisive heroine she becomes.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004; adapted and directed by Miyazaki): It’s hard for me to objectively judge this film, because the novel by Diana Wynne Jones upon which it’s based is my favorite book of all time. Sophie Hatter is turned into an old woman by a jealous witch, and she seeks refuge with the wizard Howl in his mysterious moving castle. Only one problem: Howl is rumored to eat the hearts of young women. It’s another beautiful and enjoyable film by Miyazaki, but it’s one of his weaker ones. Miyazaki’s ultimately held back when he tries to be faithful to the source text, when he really has an almost-separate film he wants to make. It’s still a must-see for Miyazaki fans, and good for any age.
Ponyo (2008; written and directed by Miyazaki): To save space, reviewed here.
In my opinion, Miyazaki is the world’s greatest living animator. We haven’t seen this much talent in the genre since Walt Disney, though I’m loath to compare the two.
Miyazaki is often described as the Japanese Walt Disney and I think that does him a disservice, because he has his own distinct body of work that stands on its own and needs no comparison. His films are all gorgeous, and as the quote I opened the first part of this article indicates, contain fantastic art I wish I could hang on my wall.
I’m a fantasy addict; that’s why I love Disney, and it’s why I love Miyazaki. Almost every film of his is an enjoyable and unique fantasy story (and not all of his heroines are princesses), even as his film catalog is united by recurring themes like aviation and the environment. It’s like having some of the familiar comforts of home while still exploring exotic new locales.
Think back on Pixar’s list of films, and how a new title from the company almost always guarantees high quality. It’s like that with Miyazaki (the company he co-founded, Studio Ghibli, also releases movies by other directors that are often just as good), only they all come in one way or another from the same man.
That’s why I wrote this two-parter. Miyazaki gets tons of attention in the States, but still not as much as he deserves. I hope that I might inspire some of you to check out his work, almost all of which can be bought on Disney DVD.
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