![]() ![]() The French animator initially burst onto the scene with the Academy Award nominated short The Old Lady and the Pigeon establishing him as one of the best new talents in animation outside of the traditional American and Japanese circles. Most achieve this working within a studio environment, and then there is Sylvain Chomet. Only a handful of great animation directors see their debut feature film as a classic. Very few can achieve this, even less so if the director’s medium is animation. The sheer scope of imagination with the marching castle and battleships mixed with the subtle beauty of the landscape and characters shows why critic Roger Ebert once declared Miyazaki the best filmmaker in animation in history.Ĭrafting the perfect debut film is tough. Howl’s Moving Castle is testament to this. However, politics and themes aside, Miyazaki’s work stands tall thanks to his emphasis on visuals and imagery.ĭespite working in a medium dominated by 3D and stop motion, Miyazaki elevates traditional animation to new levels of artistic integrity. Miyazaki, a professed pacifist, made the film as a response to the US invasion of Iraq.ĭespite concerns that the inclusion of politics and an anti-war message could affect the film’s international box office intake (it did not), Miyazaki’s decision to make a statement, especially during such a polarising period around the world, is courageous. The film is not just memorable for its story or visuals, but also its core themes. Seeking the help of the mysterious wizard Howl, the pair must try and prevent a war between two kingdoms. Set in a fictional land that combines 20th century technology with magic, Sophie is a young hat maker cursed by the Witch of the Waste, turning her into an old lady. However, if asked to select just a few of his films that stand out, it is almost impossible to ignore the heartfelt anti-war allegory Howl’s Moving Castle. From his debut in 1984 with Nausicca of the Valley of the Wind to The Wind Rises in 2013, Miyazaki’s film could easily occupy an entire list of classic animated films. The impact that Hayao Miyazaki has had on cinema is truly astonishing. Inspired by these experiences, as well as new theories on emotions in childhood, Pixar has crafted a film that, when narrowed down, tells a simple message: sometimes it is okay to be sad. However, after Riley relocates to a new city, Joy and Sadness are ejected from the control centre leaving, Riley scared and angry.ĭoctor based much of Riley’s behaviour on his own daughters as well as his own social anxiety after relocating to Denmark as a child. Joy runs the show, using Anger, Fear and Disgust to help Riley in her day-to-day life while avoiding Sadness. ![]() The workings of Riley’s mind is on full display as her five anthropomorphised emotions work behind the scenes to keep Riley safe. The sheer scope of imagination from director Pete Doctor and writers Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley and Ronnie del Carmen is inspiring. Regardless of this, the film is one of the studio’s most ambitious and daring, not only telling a visually rich and character driven story, but talking about a topic very relevant to children: mental health. In years to come, Inside Out may go down as one of Pixar’s greatest achievements but, barely two years old, the film is yet to stand the test of time. The inclusion of a queer character, especially in anime, is a risky move but Kon carries it off with distinction and heart. Kon’s decision to include socially maligned characters is also unique for the genre, especially Hana, a former drag queen mourning the death of his boyfriend. This is an anime film driven by characters and storyline. Kon tones down the over the top visuals, choosing to present a more down to earth film. Japanese anime is typically associated with imagery ranging from magical realism to straight up magic. Kyne novel, once even adapted into a John Wayne film, about three homeless individuals who discover a baby and seek to protect it from dark forces. Part social realism, part It’s a Wonderful Life, Kon takes an interesting twist on the Peter B. Aesthetically, it follows the anime formula accurately but on a story/thematic level, the film tries to achieve something different. What makes Tokyo Grandfather so special is its unique voice in the world of anime. A heartfelt comedy that examines themes of family, miracles and love. All four are works of art but, arguably, Tokyo Godfathers will be remembered as Kon’s tour de force. Director and animator Satoshi Kon only made four feature films in his lifetime before his death at age 46.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |