Hayao Miyazaki the name is synonymous with beautiful fantastic worlds, imaginative design,
organically written characters as well as stunning visuals and some of the most impressive
animation of all time.
His work is universally praised and respected by all manner of film and anime fans around
the world.
the sheer creative energy flowing from every frame of a Miyazaki film is immediately noticeable
by the youngest child to the oldest adult.
Its very easy to be drawn into the magical worlds and epic plotlines that make up Miyazaki's
universe.
I think most people who are familiar with the source material would agree that there
is a certain unique charm shared by each of his works that while radically different in
setting, theme and character, all maintain a consistent undeniable almost spiritual feel.
A master storyteller, knowing exactly what strings to pull and when, his films never
fail to elicit an emotional response from the audience, and as a result his work has
permeated international culture so much that even if you aren't aware of his name you've
likely been exposed to his movies at somepoint.
So today we'll be looking at Miyazaki's films as I tribute this visionary director and talk
about about my favorites.
Keep in mind this list is based purely on my opinion and we are looking at feature length
films written and directed by the man himself, so short films and other studio ghibli productions
won't making this list.
So with that in mind, all aboard the cat bus as we ride into my top 10 Miyazaki films.
Honorable mention: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
This pre-ghibli film follows the story of Nausicaa a princess of a small village in
a post apocalyptic world full of giant insects and poisonous spores as she struggles to understand
the nature of the toxic forest that surrounds them while facing conflict from other humans.
This one teeters on the more serious side of Miyazakis universe, and serves as a great
example of his early work and the beginnings of his signature style.
Number 10 Castle in the Sky
A boy named Patzu discovers a girl falling from the sky, the girl named Sheeta is being
pursued by the government, army and sky pirates because she is in possession of a magic crystal
that is the key to controlling an ancient floating castle.
The highlight of the entire film is the pirates den-mother Dola, whos journey goes from that
of a ruthless pirate leader and develops into a lovable and sympathetic character.
Number 9 Ponyo
A whatever this is....goldfish?
named ponyo gets separated from her family and is adopted by a young boy named Saoske
whom she falls in love with.
When Ponyos parents get involved the small mountain town is devastated by a tsunami and
the pair set out to find Saoskes missing mother.
This is one of Miyazakis most abstract works pushing the bounds of creativity in film through
sheer imagination and amazingly detailed animation.
Number 8 Porco Rosso
Marco is an ace pilot, bounty hunter and womanizer, hes also an anthropomorphic pig.
Retired after fighting for the Italians in world war 1 Porco makes a living by freelance
bounty hunting and escorting.
The film follows the rivalry between Porco and an american pilot over bragging rights,
honor and the hand of a beautiful woman or two or maybe more, we've already established
hes a pig right?
Jokes aside the film stays true to its setting with Porco feeling very much like a film noir
character from the 1920's and 30s.
There are also some stunning air combat sequences that make this a feast for the eyes as well.
Number 7 Kiki's Delivery Service:
As is tradition in her family a young witch named Kiki leaves her home for a year.
Finding herself in the city, she makes a living by starting a delivery service.
Focusing on characters over plot this is one of the most heartwarming films I've ever seen.
The relationships with people that Kiki encounter feel very organic as are the situations she
faces.
This film tugs on your heartstrings in all the right places as Kiki goes through emotional
highs and lows regarding her coming of age.
Number 6 Lupin 3: The Castle of Cagliostro
Before we had spike from cowboy bebop we had Lupin the third.
Charismatic and aloof, he is a master thief.
After knocking off a casino only to discover the loot is counterfeit he and his partner
decide to target the source of the forgery which leads to an epic heist plot full of
beautifully animated action sequences and wonderfully written characters.
Made in 1979 this is the first film on Miyazakis filmography and it holds up amazingly well.
Number 5 My Neighbor Totoro
a family move into a countryside home and soon learn the surrounding woods are haunted...
By a big lovable dopey looking magical creature named Totoro.
The daughters of the family befriend Totoro and some of the other local magical wildlife
who watch over and protect the family.
Clearly on the more heartwarming side of Miyazakis works.
I would also suggest checking out the short 2010 sequel Mei and the kittenbus.
Number 4 The Wind rises
Based loosely on the real life story of Jiro Horikoshi, an aeronautical engineer in japan
during world war 2, we follow his life and times as he strives to achieve his dreams.
a slight departure from Miyazakis normal style, minimizing the fantastic elements but retaining
his signature focus on characters.
This film feels more mature than any of his other works.
Number 3 Howls moving castle:
A young girl named Sophie has a chance encounter with a powerful and charming wizard named
Howl.
Shortly afterwards she is cursed to old age by a jealous witch and becomes entwined in
howls life as war breaks out between local nations.
The highlight of the film for me is the Sophie character, while she has the appearance of
an old lady, she still retains the mannerisms and vigor of a youth and adjusts to her curse
very well.
She acts as a great analog for the viewer, slowly unraveling the mystery surrounding
howl and befriending the various characters that surround him.
Number 2 Spirited Away
A family with a young daughter named Chihiro get lost while moving to their new home instead
ending up at seems to be abandoned themepark.
After some very poor decisions the family is separated from their daughter who finds
herself not alone in the park but surrounded by many ghostly apparitions.
This is one of the most beautiful animated films ever made, as we follow sens journey
into the spirit world full of unique and imaginative characters where anything can happen.
Number 1 Princess Mononoke
We follow a prince named Ashitaka who after defeating a demon that is attacking his village
is cursed and will soon die.
He is then tasked to travel west to seek the source of the evil.
This was my first Miyazaki film and still my favorite even today, Miyazakis charming
characters, beautiful animation and magical wimsey mixes very well with the gritty and
viloent action drama genre delivering a rollercoaster of awe and amazement.
So those are my favorite films by the visionary autor writer, director and animator Hayao
Miyazaki, A man who has inspired and influenced countless people around the world, myself
included.
At the time of this video Miyazaki is 74 years old, and has recently retired from filmmaking
after the release of the wind rises.
This has been the sixth time he's retired, so its not out of the realm of possibility
to perhaps see another Miyazaki film in the future but I wouldn't hold my breath, however
his son, Goro Miyazaki seems set to continue the names legacy with his first two films,
tales from earthsea and from up on poppy hill.
The era of traditional animation has been slowly coming to an end for years, technology
advances and the old ways become obsolete, hand drawn animation is being phased out in
favor of cheaper and quicker digital techniques,
its inevitable, but I feel these films serve as an example of how beautiful traditional
hand drawn animation can be, and that its an artform worth preserving for future generations.
Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
leave a comment below, Once again this was Fade Dragontear, Thanks for watching, peace
out.