Walt Disney had an incredible cultural impact on America and the world. The visionary brought to life classics ranging from Mickey Mouse to Peter Pan. His undying passion continues to bring smiles to thousands around the world.
In Japan a very similiar story can be told. Hayao Miyazaki has impacted not only animation and film, but the lives of millions of people in Japan and around the world. In the early parts of his career he worked for a few different studios, animating and writing manga and anime. While, many of these different projects received critical acclaim, it wasn't until Miyazaki formed his own studio that he truly changed the lives of millions.
In 1984 Miyazaki helped co-found the now famous studio Ghibli. Through this studio he went on to create over twenty movies each receiving a list of rewards and grossing record amounts in Japanese theaters. Some of his more famous movies have become well known around the world including "Spirited Away" and "Howl's Moving Castle". These movies and iconic characters such as Totoro now help define what foreigners think of Japanese film and culture. Obviously these films are special, but why? What has made these films and characters into icons?
The obvious place to start is the animation. One look at a Miyazaki movie and the detailed, colorful scenes will leave you struck with awe. The films don't rely on computer animation to make them beautiful, instead the beautifully drawn scenes pull you into a new magical world that Miyazaki has created. The attention to detail in the 2D scenes bring a realness to the magic of the world. While, character designs bring a unique quality to each character that deviates from the usual tropes of anime that tend to give characters extreme looks to further define their personalities into a corner.
Every great movie needs an amazing plot to go with its lively animation and Miyazaki delievers. Miyazaki movies tend to deal with heavy themes that involve themselves with the destruction of the environment, the life and death cycle and the effects of maturity. While, many of his films are directed toward children they have never shied away from difficult subjects or simplified complex issues. Miyazaki wants to tell a true story. In one interview Miyazaki lamented the current state of anime, arguing that the best stories come from closely watching how the world works. Through this mindset the grand artist has brought to life stories of complex characters and worlds, where the villian isn't obvious, the decisions are difficult and the outcomes are not always pleasant. Paired with his rich animation the world feels strangely close to reality.
Beyond the animation and plots Miyazaki films boast incredible pacing, expert voice acting and magical musical scores. Above all these movies feel real. When you sit down to watch a Miyazaki movie you can feel the genuine love that was put into it as the great animator from Japan sits down to tell you stories of normal people and magical lands.
