Otaku Ninja pays tribute to actors and film luminaries who have been instrumental in developing much-loved anime series. However, credit is rarely given to the true creator of such masterpieces. The legendary Hayao Miyazaki is one such titan of the anime industry and is well-recognised as the most accomplished director in animation history.
Bio
Don't worry if you're unfamiliar with the legendary animation creator Hayao Miyazaki. Even though you might not know his name, you definitely must be aware of his work. He is a Japanese animator, manga creator, and Studio Ghibli co-founder. Considered the "Godfather of Anime," Hayao Miyazaki was born to an affluent family. He first expressed an interest in animation at a very young age and aspired to become a manga artist. His interest in animation was fuelled by the movie Panda and the Magic. After studying politics and economics in university, to pursue his dreams, Miyazaki joined Toei as their staff animator. He has directed and animated several well-known anime since his debut with his first feature film, The Castle of Cagliostro.
Recently at the 96th Academy Awards, the world acknowledged his efforts and accomplishments by granting him the Best Animated Feature Award for The Boy and the Heron. The screenplay tells the tale of an orphaned youngster who finds it difficult to cope with his mother's sudden death until learning through a talking heron that she is still alive. In a search for her, the two travel to a fantasy land via an abandoned tower close to his house. Inspired by the hardships of Miyazaki's early youth, the movie deals with the difficulties of growing up and adjusting to a world of grief and hardship.
But this isn't the first time Miyazaki bagged an Oscar. His critically acclaimed Spirited Away, with the unconventionally unique storyline and stunning aesthetics, bagged the 2001 Best Animated Feature Film and put him on the map for directors to watch out for. His work features not only intoxicating visuals but Miyazaki's storytelling is a work of art that he seems to have mastered. The narrative is of a young girl who, along with her family, arrives at a deserted amusement park that, in reality, is ruled by Gods, witches, and spirits and attempts to free her parents after they are turned into pigs by a witch. She takes up a job at the bathhouse that serves supernatural customers while figuring out a way for her and her family to return to their world safely.
Themes
Miyazaki's work deviates from the typical superhero themes. Instead, his work features mature themes of female empowerment, environmentalism, love, and family. Through his art, he addresses issues of environmental degradation brought about by human activity that has left the planet vulnerable to collapse. His Howl's Moving Castle addressed the ugly side of battle while focusing on the value of love, acceptance of oneself, and imparting kindness. The movie My Neighbour Totoro emphasised the value of creativity and how it's the ideal tool for kids to employ while they're young.
Miyazaki is renowned for using unconventional thinking to create animation for his imaginative worlds and film machinery. His films appeal to audiences of all ages because of their ageless, imaginative ideas and gripping narratives. His movies are universal because Miyazaki has made Japanese mythology, culture, and customs known to the entire globe through his work.
And although The Boy and the Heron was probably his last work before retirement, and we'll miss his brilliance, we would like to thank Miyazaki for his work that has thoroughly entertained and educated us for years!
