Miyazaki and Me

Hayao Miyazaki is almost as famous for retiring as he is for being the world’s greatest animator. Miyazaki or Miya-san as he is known to friends – and after watching all his films one cannot help but consider him a friend – has come out of his fourth retirement to create The Boy & The Heron (2023) which will be released in the United States on December 8. While some are calling it the final triumph of an extraordinary career, at 82 it is said that the great creator is already working on his next film.

His most famous works in the United States are, likely, Princess Mononoke (1998) as well as the Academy Award-Winning Spirited Away (2001). However, a deep dive into Miyazaki’s feature films will leave one in awe of his creative vision and story-telling.

In 1985, Miyazaki and creative partner Isao Takahata started Studio Ghibli (pronounced Jib-Lee) to realize their unique artistic visions. Since the founding of the studio, the many films it has produced have become legendary in the film world and have given Miyazaki a global following. There is even a Studio Ghibli Theme Park three hours outside Tokyo where visitors can have an immersive experience in the world of Miyazaki, as well as see theme park-only film shorts created by the filmmaker. Worth a mention is that along with the artistic renderings of this master storyteller, there is also very unique merchandise from Studio Ghibli that one would not expect to go along with such films, such as an ashtray in the shape of one of the most popular film characters. Certainly not something one would expect from Mickey Mouse. And, yes, I use it as a candy bowl.

The Miyazaki Monster in me was created when a friend suggested I watch My Neighbor Totoro (1988), one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved films. It is a story of family, friendship, and the healing power of the natural world. Like all Miyazaki films, Totoro is a unique creation and one that can be watched again and again for its soothing power and fulfilling emotional tone. After that my wife and I watched all of Miyazaki’s films, and highly anticipate The Boy & The Heron.

All of Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli features – as well as other films from the studio – can be checked out from the MCLS collection. Take great pleasure in watching a master at work with films of beautiful artistry and humanity.

- by Chip, Hickory Corner Branch