This month marks the arrival of ‘The Boy and the Crane‘ to Brazil, a long-awaited work that comes directly from the hands of Hayao Miyazaki, central figure of Studio Ghibli.
This filmmaker is recognized worldwide for his profound animations that explore emotional, social and philosophical themes in an exceptionally engaging way.
Story of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli
Born in 1941 in Tokyo, during a turbulent period in history, Miyazaki was deeply influenced by his childhood marked by the challenges of war.
The passion for aeronautics, inherited from his father, and the strength and resilience of his mother, who fought against a serious illness and the social restrictions imposed on women, are recurring themes in his works.
After completing his studies in Political Science and Economics, Miyazaki decided to follow an artistic path, starting his career at Toei Animation in 1963.
It was there that he met Isao Takahata and his future wife, Akemi Ota, laying the foundation for a collaboration that would define the future of Japanese animation.
Dissatisfied with Toei’s production philosophy, Miyazaki and Takahata sought new horizons, culminating in the founding of Studio Ghibli in 1985.
The studio has since become an industry staple, known for its commitment to artistic quality and compelling stories.
Studio Ghibli had a triumphant start with ‘The Castle in the Sky’ in 1986, followed by undisputed hits such as ‘My Friend Totoro’ and ‘Spirited Away’, the latter receiving the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
Miyazaki’s refusal to attend the Oscar ceremony, in protest against the war in Iraq, highlights his commitment to the values and principles that guide his life and work.
Through his animations, Miyazaki explores complex themes such as militarism, spirituality and the intrinsic relationship between humans and nature, often featuring strong and independent female protagonists.
While there has been speculation about his retirement, especially following the announcement of ‘The Boy and the Crane’, Miyazaki’s passion for animation suggests he still has many stories to tell.
At 83 years old, he faces the challenge of balancing his creative energy with the physical limitations of his age, but his legacy is already assured as a source of inspiration for generations futures of artists and spectators.
Check out the trailer for ‘The Boy and the Crane’:
