Miyazaki matters because of his refusal to compromise his art. His refuses to fix characters into stereotypes, choosing instead to use vibrant characters with traits that are subject to change. Miyazaki’s films do not patronize their audience, instead treating viewers with reverence. His movies often take place in worlds where good and evil reside together, providing a condition in which the general ethical predicament is one of conciliation and reception, not of an absolute good-evil dichotomy.
Much is often made of Miyazaki’s ecological sense, as many of his films have an environmental significance. War and mankind often threaten the calm of Miyazaki’s world, but human beings also have a means to alter nature and make it fresh again. This aspect is particularly present in Spirited Away, as the heroine has the ability to purify the “stink god.”
While animation is often considered to be for children, Miyazaki’s films have universal appeal. American animation is budding, with films like Brad Bird’s Ratatouille making strides in the right direction. Miyazaki’s influence in the world of animation is beyond doubt, as his creative sense and ethical scope guide his films in an insightful way. His contributions will always be recognized by those with a love for the visual arts and the medium of film.
Suggested Filmography
- The Castle of Cagliostro – 1979
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – 1984
- Laputa: Castle in the Sky – 1986
- My Neighbor Totoro – 1988
- Kiki’s Delivery Service – 1989
- Porco Rosso – 1992
- Princess Mononoke – 1997
- Spirited Away – 2001
- Howl’s Moving Castle – 2004
Article comments
1 - Rafael Ramirez
Category: Film & Animation
During 2002-03, I was invited to build the Scale Models required for the co-production between Sweden-France-Canada, called "Creepschool", to be presented on the British TV series.
The walls of this creepy fantasy were removed in sequence, to photograph and capture on video all angles, and thus to create the digital environment in which imaginary digital characters, created by the wizzards, should live the story of their learning, how to became monsters.
We are happy to celebrate this year, our 50th anniversary, building Animated Scale Models, for any professional purpose, any size, anywhere. [Personal contact info deleted]