My Neighbour Totoro Miyazaki Research Paper

Widely regarded as one of the best animation filmmakers of all time, Tokyo-born Hayao Miyazaki has achieved international acclaim through his imaginative and, oftentimes, fantastical, cinema. With films which broke the international barrier such as Spirited Away (2001) and My Neighbour Totoro (1988), Miyazaki’s work separates itself from others through his distinctive style of both storytelling and animation, conveying themes of youth, family, and nature. Like many other auteurs, Miyazaki also writes many of his films, as well as developing many of the character designs seen in his movies; the large role he plays in the production of his films ensures his personal “stamp” is shown in relation to the story and messages he intends to communicate.

It is worth noting that, in a majority of Miyazaki’s work concerning war, it is never depicted as a struggle against pure good and pure evil as it often is in Western films; war, in Miyazaki’s stories, is always shown to be senseless and appalling. A scene in Howl’s Moving Castle illustrates the bombing of a town the characters reside; the colours are harsh and severe, emphasizing the horrors of war. In stark contrast to this, Miyazaki has also made films focusing on “lighter” themes such as youth and family, a good example being Spirited Away (2001)—though it is also a fantasy film like Howl’s Moving Castle, it toys more with the idea of growth and development through the film’s protagonist, Chihiro, who must find a way to save her parents and escape from the spirit world she is stuck in. Miyazaki’s unparalleled style of storytelling is present in both mentioned films; known for strong female protagonists and his perfected movie “formula,” both Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away detail these [themes]. Though he tends to use several of the same elements in his stories—for example, his love for including old “wise” characters who often

Though his films are often personal reflections of how he sees the world, his stories and characters tend to resonate with audiences. Film critic Roger Ebert reviewed My Neighbour Totoro, stating that:

“... it would never have won its worldwide audience just because of its warm heart. It is also rich with human comedy in the way it observes the two remarkably convincing, lifelike little girls.... It is a little sad, a little scary, a little surprising and a little informative, just like life itself. It depends on a situation instead of a plot, and suggests that the wonder of life and the resources of imagination supply all the adventure you