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Hayao Miyazaki’s stories are a wonderland with their enchanting themes and surreal visuals. Be itMy Neighbor TotoroorPrincess Mononoke, the movies underline the intricacies of humans and their relationship with nature.
But that is not all considering the thought-provoking themes and metaphors the director incorporates in his films. The fantasy is fused with realism which is what makes up for the compelling narrative. Such is the case with this iconic Ghibli movie.
With one of the most popular movies from the studio, Miyazaki hired this famous star to represent Japan. Not only was this a smart move but it marked one of the iconic moments in Ghibli’s history.
On top of that, Ghibli’s subtle anti-war stance along with their previous works highlight the diversity and versatility in storytelling. The studio set a benchmark when it comes to Japanese animation.
Hayao Miyazaki hired this actor to represent Japan
From his views to his methods,Hayao Miyazakiis often at the epicenter of controversies. Be it AI or anime, the animator holds staunch views regarding culture and society. This has been reflected in most of his works especially Princess Mononoke and The Wind Rises.
Interestingly, this ties well with most Ghibli movies that render nostalgia along with comfort for most viewers. His interplay of fantasy and mythology is what transcends the frontiers of viewership especially when it comes to his audience and the age gaps.
A perfect example of this isHowl’s Moving Castlewith its enchanting and enthralling plot and visuals. Based on the 1986 novel of the same name, Miyazaki gave the story his unique flair. This turned out to bea cultural phenomenonin no time.
With Howl gaining traction from fangirls to this date, the film boosted Ghibli’s popularity. The character reinvented standards of beauty and masculinity in most aspects. But what Miyazaki did to achieve this was nothing short of iconic and unanticipated.
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In aninterview, the Ghibli animator revealed his decision to cast Takuya Kimura as Howl. He quoted:
This was suggested by Producer Toshio Shizuki. He said that Howl is the most handsome character ever in all our animated works. Therefore a handsome man that can represent Japan is the most suitable to be the voice-actor. He recommended Takuya Kimura to me, and tried to test if I knew this person or not.
Interestingly enough, Miyazaki did know of Kimura as he later revealed in the interview. While he is perceived as a grouchy old man with stubborn beliefs, Miyazaki has his moments of creative liberty as well.
This flexibility in his beliefs was what visibilised Ghibli’s filmography and boosted its reputation eventually. As of now, the studio has produced some of the finest and most diverse films in the animated genre.
Studio Ghibli and diversity in storytelling
While war and society have been a central theme of mostStudio Ghiblimovies, it outdoes itself in most aspects. This holds for the Studio’s diversity in storytelling especially with its exploration of themes of war, loss, love, and life.
Undoubtedly,Howl’s Moving CastleandSpirited Awayare two of the most popular films by the studio. Other than that, there have been several films that charter the unsettling realities of life along with its grandeur.
My Neighbour Totororedefined the Iyashikei genre as a whole with its exploration of nature and the landscape. In a similar vein,Kiki’s Delivery Servicehighlighted creativity and imagination along with individualism.
Amidst the coziness, though, Isao Takahata’s filmGrave of the Firefliesis agrappling and harrowing taleof children stranded in war. The movie is sure to send viewers on a cry fest. And while it remains a tearjerker, it reshaped the course of the animation industry as a whole.
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To this date, Miyazaki’s films and ideologies continue to inspire and influence young and budding animators. His stances, although stubborn, represent the stark realities and discrepancies of life in every possible way.
Howl’s Moving Castleis available for streaming on Netflix.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
