Miyazaki's Greatest Quality
Why Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli movies will stand the test of time
Hayao Miyazaki is not a children’s film director, but his movies are aimed at the demographic — at least to the child in all of us. In his nearly dozen animated features, the protagonists are generally children, mostly young girls, on a journey of exploration and discovery amidst an ecological or technological struggle. In a 2008 interview, the Japanese director said, “I want to create films through which children can see and experience something new.”
Take Kiki’s Delivery Service, a movie I watched over the weekend with some friends. The story follows Kiki — a 13-year-old witch in training —who must leave her parents and ingratiate herself in a new city. She struggles honing her skills (not only in regards to magic), but, ultimately, becomes a town hero after saving a friend in a Hindenburg-esque catastrophe.
But the central premise of leaving home and starting a new chapter of their life — who can’t connect with that, both older and younger viewers? Miyazaki’s talent is in crafting stories that resonate to all viewers, while, concurrently, exploring heavier themes — loss, violence, greed — that could be seen as ‘going over’ children’s heads. Yet, I personally know many friends who loved watching his films at a young age. I certainly did (see my favorites below).
And why? The artwork certainly is a factor. These are some of the most beautifully hand-drawn animated movies ever shown on the silver screen. Kiki’s Delivery Service’s setting is a fictional, but gorgeous Mediterranean seaside city. Every street we see has character. Every building appears unique. Every person — no matter how many frames they’re on screen — has a quirk or recognizable facial features. There is certainly no ‘easy way out’ for the animators. It must be grueling, tiresome work. But it all makes the world feel real. And the viewers can not only see, but feel that love. (Watch this documentary about Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s creative process on HBO Max)
The characters and storylines are without a doubt major factors. They’re simply good, engaging stories. But Miyazaki shines in the small details, both in the drama and animation. For instance, in My Neighbor Totoro, the children’s mother is sick in the hospital — and that’s all they know. The viewer is never told what is afflicting their mother, but isn’t that how a kid would see it? Or at least, what the child would be told? The what is not as important as the how — how it impacts the children. And in Spirited Away, I also think of something as small as Chihiro tapping her shoes after putting them on. Why would anyone take the time to animate that — yet Chihiro’s idiosyncrasies, even to the smallest detail, make her more ‘alive.’
However, the major factor of Miyazaki’s success comes down to trusting his viewers — both old and young. No other filmmaker, who directs their films toward children, comes close. Not even Pixar, at least not anymore. There are no distracting monologues explaining the whole movie, which is a ‘cop-out’ for believing viewers aren’t paying attention. Or rapid imagery bombarding the viewers into submission (or induced migraines). His movies have a silence in between action set pieces — and this is his greatest trust: that even without the zany ADHD-level animation, children will actually still be engaged, watching and absorbing the character drama.
It’s still why — after more than 15-20 years since I first saw it — a group of friends and I watched Kiki’s Delivery Service this past weekend. His movies trust in children’s ability to understand the world around them, and adults to re-explore their imagination. They truly are fun for the whole family. They are not disposable entertainment to simply distract children for a few hours until the next distraction.
That’s why his films will last and stand the test of time. If only more ‘children’ directors trusted kids the same way today.
Fathom Events is showing several Studio Ghibli films throughout the rest of the year. If you’d like to watch them on the big-screen, check out tickets here. (I swear, I’m not getting a cut…you just might see me at the theater though!)
Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Miyazaki movies have the best food animation ever. You don’t want to be hungry watching one of them. Trust me.
Anyway, as promised, here are my ‘Top Five Miyazaki Movies’:
Howl’s Moving Castle
My Neighbor Totoro
Spirited Away
Princess Mononoke
Kiki’s Delivery Service