Why?
Why is Miyazaki my favorite movie director?
Many artists possess creative faculties that seem superhuman. Among them are those able to harness their creative force of will and impress it on the world through their medium of choice, becoming iconic in their form of expression. I talk of people like Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary animator whose style and direction are high examples of what is possible in art.
Learn moreMOVIES
My favorite movies by
Hayao Miyazaki
Howl's Moving Castle
Sophie, an average teenage girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. After this chance meeting she is turned into a 90-year old woman by the vain and conniving Witch of the Waste.
Release
November 20, 2004
What I like about?
Howl's Moving Castle shows us a relatable version of our reality, while allowing us to dream of a world where the selflessness of people encourages them to do the right thing. A world where people in power listen to reason, and even the worst villains can change for the better when shown compassion.
Spirited Away
Spirited Away is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl named Chihiro who discovers a secret world of strange spirits, creatures and sorcery. When her parents are mysteriously transformed, she must call upon the courage to free herself and return her family to the outside world.
Release
June 18, 2004
What I like about?
This is a thrilling, spectacularly beautiful movie, though it's not for little kids who get scared. Despite the animation similarities, Spirited Away is not Totoro, the beloved "feel-good" classic, but an edgy portrayal of what a young girl needs to do to grow up and take responsibility not only for herself, but for her family too.
Princess Mononoke
Inflicted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka heads west in search of a cure. There, he stumbles into a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke, who will stop at nothing to prevent the humans from destroying her home and the forest spirits.
Release
July 12, 1997
What I like about?
'Princess Mononoke' gives empowered voices to women (in a time where they didn't have any) & doesn't make them victims in need of a savior. It also forces audiences to look inward and question the way we consume things from the world around us. The film is also an opportunity to discuss the early history of Japan.