Boy and heron Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most successful films of the year. The reason is obvious: the Japanese director has not only become an authority in the modern film world. It was also billed as his last feature film, although the director eventually made it clear that this was most likely not the case. However, if this work summarizes most of his favorite topics and especially his sensitive view of childhood and suffering.
Of course, Miyazaki has had a long career exploring the human spirit from a gentle and profound perspective. At the same time, with a clear interest in its most noble moments, without forgetting about the dark ones. In fact, his latest film resembles a director’s journey through the great passions of his country and culture. An exploration of sadness, grief, but at the same time a search for hope and redemption. From the very beginning, the artist managed to find a balance between how tell great stories and also that they have an allegorical background that goes beyond mere entertainment.
In 2020, Netflix made a good portion of the director’s works available to all its subscribers. Including some that are lesser known or that have taken time to reach the wider Western public. We leave you with five films by the director that you can watch right now on the platform if you want to familiarize yourself with his filmography in detail. A way to celebrate success Boy and heron and, in particular, the promise of more such feature films in the future.
Nicky, the Witch’s Apprentice
The film, released in 1989, is based on the novel. small broom Mary Stewart and tells the story of a young witch named Nicky. Hayao Miyazaki, its director, also took the original story and reinvented it by adding some of its usual themes, such as a look at childhood, innocence and the search for identity.
The plot takes place in a world where witches live secretly among people. Thirteen-year-old Nicky embarks on a journey of independence and self-discovery. And all this as part of her training to become a full-fledged sorceress.
Accompanied by her black cat Gigi and riding a flying broom, Niki settles in the coastal town of Corico, where she begins working in a bakery. Something that will make her question her humanity, her sensitivity, and even her place in the world.
The wind is getting stronger
The Japanese anime, released in 2013 and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a rarity among the director’s work. This is because it is very much based on life. Japanese aeronautical engineer Jiro Horikoshi and follows him from childhood to adulthood..
The story is set in 1920s Japan and extends through World War II. Jiro Horikoshi has a passion for airplanes and dreams of creating beautiful airplanes. As he grows up, he faces challenges and obstacles, but never gives up his passion. The film talks about his personal and professional life. as well as his relationship with Naoko, a young woman with tuberculosis.
Despite its seemingly simple plot, it explores determination and the power of art during war. Especially if you focus on dreams and ambitions Jiro, and the moral dilemmas he faces when designing military aircraft.
Porco Rosso
This classic animated film was released on the big screen in 1992. The film tells the story of Porco Rosso, a mercenary pilot who was cursed and turned into an anthropomorphic pig. Which is, without a doubt, an obvious allegory for the violence and dehumanization of war.
The story, set in 1930 Italy, tells the story of the interwar period. Porco Rosso, whose real name is Marco Pagot, fights the air pirates terrorizing the Adriatic Sea. As the story progresses, he faces challenges and meets interesting characters such as Fio, a talented young engineer and Gina, a former friend and hotel owner.
The film deals with themes such as identity, heroism and bravery. Porco Rosso is a complex character who struggles with his appearance and his past, but remains strong in his ideals and principles. The story is also about the importance of friendship and loyalty, as well as love and self-acceptance.
Castle in the sky
This is one of Hayao Miyazaki’s forays into pure fantasy, and also one of his most personal films. Much more when this continues chronicles the misadventures of Sita and Pazu as they search for the legendary floating castle known as Laputa.
Sita is a young woman who has a mysterious stone that connects her to the legendary castle in the sky. She is met by Pazu, a young miner, and together they set off on an exciting quest. But beyond what appears to be a traditional adventure, the film explores loyalty and fear of the future. and the search for individuality. With stunning attention to visual detail, the film is also a tribute to various fantasy classics from all eras. The most obvious Alice in Wonderland from Disney.
Ponyo on a rock
Story Mermaidreceived its most affectionate adaptation in this animated feature film released in 2008. The plot tells the story of the mermaid Ponyo, who dreams of becoming a human, and her meeting with Sosuke, a five-year-old boy living on a cliff by the sea.
Like many of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, the plot is set in a place where magic and reality coexist. So Ponyo escapes from her oceanside home and meets Sosuke, who rescues her and takes her home. Ponyo adjusts to her new form and the bonds between her and Sosuke grow stronger, but her desire to become a girl sets off a series of events that threaten the balance of the world. What will make her decide: between love, the call of nature and its surprise at the newly discovered world.
The film touches on themes such as friendship, love and the importance of protecting and respecting the environment. Thanks to the relationship between Ponyo and Sousuke, Demonstrating the power of emotional connection and nature’s ability to heal and renew.
Source: Hiper Textual
