The Hayao Miyazaki Collection
The impact of a Great Storyteller
Written by Jeremy "Kokugatsu" Griffin
When it comes to anime and movies, very few authors stand out as well as this wonderful storyteller and animator. Miyazaki’s films have transcended the minds of the world for decades. For many people who aren't anime fans or believe that “anime is for kids,” everyone has seen or at least heard of Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle or even My Neighbor Totoro.
This year in 2024 we have lost and are still loosing so many famous celebrities that have inspired our minds and our lives. America is under pressure under the recent election alongside fear of the state of world with the continual wars in the East. We have already lost Toriyama, so to give flowers while we can, we have decided to start our Xtreme Review of the Miyazaki Films with our very own Jet Black Xtreme and guests such as Kali Kaiju and our new host, the VTuber, Sebby Phantom.
Join us as we dive into the past present and magical journeys throughout the mind and fabulous animation of Studio Ghibli films. As each new episode airs, we will add them to this blog for you to revist and enjoy.
My Neighbor Totoro (Top)
Spirited Away (Bottom)
Podcast Released: Sunday, November 10th
My Neighbor Totoro
When: Japan 1988
Run Time: 1hr 26m
This past Sunday, we dove started off by diving into the some of the most original classics, first being one of the older and most iconic, My Neighbor Totoro. This film creatively explores Rural living while still tacking the environment and the impact that we humans can have on it. We follow 2 sisters, Satsuki and Mei, as they befriend neighboring spirits and enjoy an epic adventure as they settle into their new home. Their father is hard working, while their mother is ill in the hospital. This film allows a wonderful adventure and we loved it from beginning to end. What did you think of our take on it?
Spirited Away
When: Japan 2001
Run Time: 2hr 15m
Right after talking about My Neighbor Totoro, we dived into the classic Spirited Away. This personally is still my favorite Miyazaki Film as watching this on Cartoon Network in the US was my first dive into anime films. This story also talks about environmentalism as well as homage and respect for the spirits. We follow Chihiro, renamed Rin by the witch Yubaba, and her adventure with the dragon river spirit, Haku, to save her parents from an evil curse by their rude negligence. We dove into the story further and understood the impact of the characters and who they truly represent. What other things did this movie bring to light for you?
Enjoy what you are reading so far? The next episode with 2 more films we reviewed will be released on Sunday, November 17th. Check back then for the next episode.
😜Want a hint? Fishes and Witches 😜
all images used in this blog are not owned by zealots of nerd entertainment and are rightfully owned by hayao miyazaki, studio ghibli and tokuma shoten. all images are used for entertainment and self promotional purposes of our critizism only.