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?
Ponyo (Top)
Kiki’s Delivery Service (Bottom)
Podcast Release: Sunday, November 17th
Ponyo
When: Japan 2008
Run Time: 1hr 55m
Kuddos if you caught the hint about the “fishes.” Ponyo is a daring tale about a little boy who finds a magical goldfish who can transform into a humanoid girl. Ponyo, the Goldfish Princess, was to remain home, but sought out adventure at the surface world. This movie feels like Miyazaki’s take on The Little Mermaid story that we grew to love so much thanks to Disney. Ponyo longs to be a human, much like Ariel, and her father, much like King Triton, wishes for his daughter to remain home. Spill a little magic, thanks to the daughter’s stubbornness, and now people are in danger. Listen to how this tale takes us on a wild ride. Miyazaki does a fantastic job in pushing the issue of letting your kids grow up and be their own. Parents raise their kids, but at the end of the day, it’s the kids who have to grow up and choose their own path. How did this movie make you feel?
Kiki’s Delivery Service
When: Japan 1989
Run Time: 1hr 55m
Now on the “witches” portion. Much like how Ponyo reminded me of The Little Mermaid, Kiki reminds me so much of the American Sitcom Sabrina: The Teenage Witch, but in aesthetics only. Kiki is a witch of 13 who travels to a seaside village to study alone as she is supposed to. She uses her magic broom and talking black cat, Jiji, to start up her own courier service and becomes a great help. This movie truly dives into the importance of self-worth. We all make mistakes and so did Kiki, but she was lucky to have Tombo be there to help her along the way. As Kiki realizes her own worth, she grows and matures. There is even a point where Kiki and Jiji can no longer speak with each other anymore, and Miyazaki did this on purpose to help symbolize that KIki has finally matured. What were you able to get from this amazing film?
Howls Moving Castle (Top)
The Cat Returns (Bottom)
Podcast Release: Sunday, November 24th
Howl’s Moving Castle
When: Japan 2004
Run Time: 2hr 10m
Howl’s Moving Castle is a classic tale or classics in the anime community. This story has sparked many debates and wonders since it was released as the story elements tie in together so well. We have the wizard (Howl) seeking to find a cursed maiden (Sophie) as he traverses through dimensions fighting an ever-going war. This touching tell speaks heavily on Miyazaki’s disdain for warfare and the calamity it causes. Howl is employed to turn the tides of the ongoing battle, but it deeply scars him as he fights. Sophie is beginning to understand herself, and Howl, and has to begrudgingly battle her way through Howl’s heart to save him. This film features all forms of magic, unique creatures and even time travel. We love this movie and my family has seen it beyond a dozen times. How do you feel about this movie?
The Cat Returns
When: Japan 2002
Run Time: 1hr 15m
Being one of Studio Ghibli’s shortest films, this movie wastes no time in getting to the point. Miyazaki takes his own twist in the infamous Dr. Suess story, The Cat in the Hat. What starts off as a simple school girl (Haru) rescuing a kitten from being “isekaid,” leads to a magical journey of a girl trying to earn her freedom from the wacky world of magical cats. Magical CATS?!?!?! This is not that Cats movie, so you don’t have to worry about bad acting and horrible CGI. This film depicts how one action can greatly lead to big changes in the future. Who knows, maybe the next pet you save will lead you to some magical kingdom and make you their betrothed. I feel like this movie was made for those older cat ladies…
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.