Image: Algonquin Young Readers
If you think that the famous anime director has retired after the 2013 film "How the Wind Rises", you are now in for a surprise. There has been no promotion for the current Studio Ghibli film "How Do You Live?". But why is that?
In Japan, the new film by the popular animation studio has now been in theaters since July 14, 2023. And it's quite normal if you haven't heard anything about it. There were neither trailers nor official footage from Studio Ghibli before the film started. And even now the promotion is limited. But when a film by Hayao Miyazaki hits Japanese theaters, it's sure to draw big crowds even without promotion. After all, people associate the name with some of the country's most successful films!
The Genius Of Studio Ghibli: What Is Hayao Miyazaki Known For?
Hayao Miyazaki has been considered an icon of the animated film industry for years. His style is unique, his stories are imaginative. He was one of the four co-founders of the world-renowned Studio Ghibli, whose films continue to enjoy international success to this day. The catalyst for its founding in 1985 was Miyazaki's successful film "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" from 1984. Together with Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki, he led the studio for many years, which is still based in Japan.
Millions of fans watch the films again and again, because the emotional stories and iconic characters never fail to move you. The detailed worlds of his works reveal new secrets every time, because the viewer can't grasp everything in a single run-through. Titles like "Spirited Away" (2001) and "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988) are true classics of the animation genre. They not only provide entertainment, but are truly thought-provoking. Complex topics such as environmental protection and feminism are dealt with, while the artful style of animation also makes a lasting impression on viewers. Famous for their visually stunning aesthetics and strong storytelling, the works continue to inspire generations of filmmakers around the world. The cute fantasy creature Totoro has even become the studio's mascot.
Studio Ghibli is special even among other Japanese animation studios, because no other studio focuses so strongly on high-quality films. They are also distinguished by the fact that they still work mainly with classic animation techniques, i.e. drawing and animating by hand. Computer animation (CGI), on the other hand, is rarely used. And with Hayao Miyazaki, the studio doesn't just have a well-known creative mind on board: he's an anime director, screenwriter, illustrator, mangaka, graphic designer and film producer all in one. He's basically as well-known as the company itself, which is why many moviegoers pay attention mainly to his name.
By the way: Mangaka is the Japanese term for a manga artist. The word manga stands for the Japanese comics. The ending 'ka' means as much as "creator".
Studio Ghibli's fame continued to grow and over the years it became a flagship of the anime genre. Especially the 1997 film "Princess Mononoke" contributed enormously to the anime hype of the 90s and 2000s.
Hayao Miyazaki Back From Retirement
Miyazaki actually retired after the last Ghibli film, 2013's "The Wind Rises", but it didn't last too long. In 2016 there was already news that he would return for the film "How Do You Live?". They took their time with the production, but with this director's masterpieces, that is easily forgiven. The longer the production, the more exciting the result.
Now this seems to be the final farewell of Hayao Miyazaki, unless a new project lures him out of retirement once again. Therefore, what the director still has to tell in this last work, fans should not miss!
New Film By Studio Ghibli
Now that Studio Ghibli's new film "How Do You Live?" is finally out in Japanese theaters, we can tell you a little more about the plot. The film is set in Japan, at the time of World War II. The story focuses on a boy named Mahito, who loses his mother and moves to the countryside. His father marries his late wife's sister, Natsuko. From then on, Mahito is repeatedly bothered by a gray heron that can also talk to him. According to the heron, Mahito's mother is still alive, so the boy follows it and finds a mysterious tower that leads him to another world. There he searches for his mother and also tries to save his stepmother.
As far as the fantastic worlds of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are concerned, we can once again be amazed. There will probably be quite a few unique figures, animals and fantasy creatures to see. For the naming of the film Miyazaki was inspired by his favorite book from his youth, which also bears the title "How Do You Live?". It was published in 1939, which is the pre-war era. The plot also revolves around a boy who wants to learn about and explore the world around him, so this already shows some parallels to Miyazaki's film. The film character Mahito reads this very book in the Ghibli film as well.
When Will "How Do You Live?" Be Released In America?
The current film, which we haven't heard much about yet, is also known internationally under the title "The Boy and the Heron". It will be released in North America later this year. All the longer the anticipation for the last film of the anime master Hayao Miyazaki!
First Reviews And Opinions
Of course, there are already the first film reviews and, as perhaps to be expected, they are very good. As a nostalgic factor, for example, the many Easter eggs are praised, which remind us of the numerous predecessor works as surprises in the film. Even on the first day of the movie, the seats in Tokyo were pretty well filled, despite the non-existent marketing campaigns. That's exactly how the whole thing was meant to be: An experience not influenced by any prejudiced opinion.
"It's a mature, complex masterpiece, weaving together the director's past, present and future."
- Time Out Tokyo, Emma Steen
The animenewsnetwork gives the film an A and praises especially the animation and the art of the film with the grades A+. And Sora News also writes a lot of good things about the film's content:
"It’s one of those movies that’ll stay with you long after the credits roll, and it requires a few days to process."
- Oona McGee
Many film critics have highlighted the autobiographical aspects of the film and drawn parallels with works such as "Howl’s Moving Castle" (2004) and "My Neighbor Totoro". Anyone who loves these works will surely have a lot of fun watching it. However, we also recommend a visit to the cinema for anyone who has not yet immersed themselves in the worlds of Hayao Miyazaki. These films have been enchanting the hearts of their viewers for years.
Update from September 12, 2023
Hayao Miyazaki is not retiring as originally announced? It seems so. Above all, it seems like the longtime filmmaker just can't let go of his job, because now Miyazaki is already working on completely new ideas, according to Junichi Nishioka, a board member of Studio Ghibli. The statement said:
“He is currently working on ideas for a new film. He comes into his office every day and does that. This time, he’s not going to announce his retirement at all. He’s continuing working just as he has always done.”
So it's quite certain that there will be at least one more great masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki in the future. According to several of his own statements, he even wanted to quit Studio Ghibli three times before: Once after the release of "Princess Mononoke", once after the release of "Spirited Away" and finally also after the completion of "The Wind Rises". And who knows, maybe Miyazaki will just never retire. Instead, we might be treated to some more fantastic worlds!
Shop Studio Ghibli Merch At Impericon
If you don't want to wait for the American release date anymore and would rather have a Ghibli movie night with the whole family, then equip yourself with our Studio Ghibli Merch right away! At Impericon, you'll find cute accessories, plushies and decorative items from the Japanese film studio's most popular movies. You'll also find a huge selection of Anime Merch, including the little Funko Pops in our store. Take a look!
