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The anime industry is thriving more than ever. With each passing year, it continues to make a huge impact not only on television but also in movie theaters. Amid the list of several iconic anime movies, Hayao Miyazaki’s works have been highly praised and awarded. The Studio Ghibli co-founder is regarded as a legendary director and animator whose entire filmography is exceptional.
The profound director explores themes such as environmentalism, social justice, and feminism, as well as the various challenges individuals face in the real world. The Co-founder of Studio Ghibli is the director of acclaimed films such asSpirited Away,Princess Mononoke, andMy Neighbor Totoro. Surprisingly, not many fans are aware of this; the legendary mangaka decided to retire two decades ago but had a change of plans for one specific reason.
What Led Hayao Miyazaki to Reconsider His Retirement Plans
In the world of animated storytelling,Hayao Miyazaki-drawn animations are colorful and imaginative spectacles with strong female characters and fascinating fantasy creatures, that leave a memorable impression on its audience, captivating several fans.
Not to mention, the director explores mature coming-of-age themes such as embracing empathy, self-discovery, resilience, and independence. From aresurfaced interviewwith the world-renowned director Hayao Miyazaki, as he visited Toronto in 2002, we got to know about his original plans for retirement.
Hayao Miyazaki Based One of His Best Movies in Japan Despite ‘Although I Still Hate Japan’ Sentiment for a Good Reason
Miyazaki shared that he initially intended to retire two decades ago, but something compelled the famous director to change his plans and continue his legacy. He revealed:
I wanted to retire, but life isn’t that easy. I wanted to make a movie especially for the daughters of my friends. I opened all the drawers in my head they were all empty. So I realized I had to make a movie just for 10 year olds, and ‘Spirited Away’ is my answer.
Back in 1999, Hayao Miyazaki shocked the world with his sudden retirement announcement. However, the legendary director never went through with his original plans and stayed in the industry for the next two decades. During this period, Miyazaki’s influence only grew stronger, as he worked on another of his popular titles, the now-celebratedSpirited Away.
The co-founder of Studio Ghibli also disclosed that his passion for creating a captivating film, rich with cinematic depth, for his friend’s daughter played a pivotal role in his inspiration forSpirited Awaybehind the scenes. Amid Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement plans, the renowned director won this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award, known as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Perspective on the Rise of Live-Action and Animated Media
Hayao Miyazaki is one of Japan’s greatest animation directors whose iconic titles have amazed and stunned many successful animators in the Hollywood industry, such as John Lasseter. The storyteller flaunts, creating films that feature complex themes neatly sewn together with well-written characters and bewitching animation.
Not to mention, there’s a deep and thought-provoking wisdom beneath his exciting adventures and magical worlds, which makes his films resonate with audiences of all ages. In an old interview, Miyazaki noted that live-action elements were increasingly merging with animation, blurring the lines between the two mediums.
His words hinted at a future where ‘animation’ becomes an all-encompassing term, encompassing various techniques and styles. Fast forward to 2024, and many popular animes are transitioning to live-action, makingMiyazaki’s words ring true now.
“I had to make a movie just for 10 year olds”: The Definitive Hayao Miyazaki Movie That Was Born When the Genius Ran Out of Ideas
Not to forget,Spirited Awaywon the Berlin Film Festival and even passed ‘Titanic’ at the Japanese box office. Moreover, it’s the first title in history to gross$200 millionbefore its release in North America.
Mehul Rolta
Articles Published :510
Mehul Rolta is a seasoned journalist with over 3 years in esports and soccer journalism. Transitioning to anime writing at Fandom Wire, Mehul shares his lifelong passion for anime about integrates professionalism. Dedicated to connecting the world of anime globally, Mehul shares thoughts and insights, communicating personal passion with professional insight.
