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Hayao Miyazaki – The Essence of Humanity

Despite the unrivalled imperialism of Disney Animation and the technological innovation of Pixar, despite the artistic success of films like Up and the commercial triumph of giants like Frozen, animated cinema generally garners less respect than live action films.

Perhaps it is the connection with children’s cinema or the dominance of Hollywood productions on the animated film market. Perhaps we are put off animation by the legacy of conservative, hetero-normative and even racist early Disney films, or by the tackiness of blended live action/CGI productions like Avatar, which tend to rely on impressive graphics to make up for a lack of original narrative.

However, no matter what viewers’ reservations about the animated film format may be, they simply do not apply to the cinema of Hayao Miyazaki.

The co-founder of Japanese cartoon powerhouse Studio Ghibli, along with Isao Takahata, Hayao Miyazaki is responsible for creating some of the most artful, profound and original animated films of all time. Above all, Hayao Miyazaki is skilled at striking the perfect balance in his films. In titles like The Secret World of Arrietty and My Neighour Totoro, fairytales that charm children meld with poignant stories that appeal to adults.

Films like Spirited Away and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind combine human struggles with fantastical creatures, adding just the slightest dash of horror to the mix. Masterpieces like My Neighbor Totoro, Nausicaä and Howl’s Moving Castle are iconic for their imagery, but do not simply rely on visuals, and feature complex and original stories. In a way that few other animated (or indeed, any) films manage, Hayao Miyazaki’s whimsical cinema treads a fine line between different audiences, different genres and different worlds.

Inspired by Master Hayao Miyazaki

Trailer to the Japanese Anime Red Princess Blues: Genesis

(Watch FULL Film for FREE Amazon Prime)

Fantasy and realism blend perfectly in the world of Miyazaki. Today we look at the genius behind it all.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

The Castle of Cagliostro

Castle in the Sky

My Neighbor Totoro

Kiki’s Delivery Service

Porco Rosso

Princess Mononoke

Spirited Away

Howl’s Moving Castle

Ponyo

Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess

The Wind Rises

Hayao Miyazaki – Everything by Hand

Fan of anime or not, you’ve heard of Hayao Miyazaki; one of the greatest and most loved figures in the industry. Today we look at the process of an iconic and influential filmmaker, and how his films may have touched us all.

The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness

Granted near-unfettered access to the notoriously insular Studio Ghibli, director Mami Sunada follows the three men who are the lifeblood of Ghibli the eminent director Hayao Miyazaki, the producer Toshio Suzuki, and the elusive and influential other. In Kingdom of Dreams & Madness director Isao Takahata over the course of a year as the studio rushes to complete two films, Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises & The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.

The result is a rare fly on the wall glimpse of the inner workings of one of the world’s most celebrated animation studios creators of successful films including Princess Mononoke and the Oscar® winning Spirited Away, the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time and an insight into the dreams, passion and singular dedication of these remarkable creators.

Hayao Miyazaki in Conversation with Roland Kelts

A conversation with legendary Japanese animator and filmmaker, Hayao Miyazaki, who was honored earlier that day with the Berkeley Japan Prize (2009-2010). The Berkeley Japan Prize is a lifetime achievement award from the Center for Japanese Studies to an individual who has made significant contributions in furthering the understanding of Japan on the global stage.

Top 11 Hayao Miyazaki Films

If you liked Hayao Miyazaki: Animation’s Master Storyteller & Craftsman, then you’ll love:

How to Craft a Story the PIXAR Wat with Peter Docter



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