Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Lecture: The Essence of Humanity



Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki detests being referred to as the Japanese Walt Disney. The legendary  animator has voiced his admiration for Disney's classic films, but he's frequently gone on record to criticize their lack of emotional complexity, the element of storytelling he prizes above all else.

Miyazaki's films may feature supernatural elements, but they center around human characters.  Miyazaki doesn't construct a film's plot until after he's figured out what desires drive his characters.  The director doesn’t believe in tidy, unearned endings, and choosing spiritual growth over wish fulfillment.

Such growth rarely happens without time for reflection, and Miyazaki films are notable for their frequent use of non-verbal scenes featuring characters performing the small rituals of everyday life. 

Bond’s documentary examines these moments and the emotional depths they lend Miyazaki's films.


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