Cold Open · Essay · dec 29, 2023

Why Does the Magic of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli Feel So Real?

Hayao Miyazaki made films for children that contain more truth about loss, mortality, and the difficulty of living than most adult cinema can manage. This episode explores the deep magic of Studio Ghibli — the hand-drawn worlds, the absent parents, the flying machines, the spirits in the landscape — and asks what it means to tell children that life is beautiful and terrifying and worth it. From My Neighbor Totoro to Princess Mononoke to The Boy and the Heron: an episode about a filmmaking philosophy built on genuine belief in the audience's capacity to feel.

Film Journalist · Celebrating Cinema

“I would like to make a film to tell children “it’s good to be alive”.” ― Hayao Miyazaki

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love Hayao Miyazaki’s films. Regardless of age, there is something profound to be gained from watching any of this Japanese animator’s masterpieces. In this celebration of Miyazaki and the wonders he has created, we delve deep into the nostalgic yet fictional universe of Studio Ghibli. For many of us, our earliest film memories are of the Totoro, Kiki the Witch, Princess Mononoke, or Spirited Away. But how have his films shaped our worldview? We explore Miyazaki’s process and discuss why his animations remain just as relevant today.

Show notes

Films mentioned

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