Studio Ghibli: Is this the end for the Japanese studio that inspired Pixar?
Sep 8, 2023
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"Studio Ghibli: Is this the end for the Japanese studio that inspired Pixar?" features guest Hayao Miyazaki, a reclusive genius animator. The podcast explores the future of Studio Ghibli and its influence on Disney and Pixar. It discusses the potential end of the studio, succession plans, and the challenges faced by Hayao Miyazaki's sons. The podcast also delves into the realistic and fantastical elements of Miyazaki's films, including his focus on war trauma and the evolving Japanese landscape.
Hayao Miyazaki's retirement raises questions about the future of Studio Ghibli.
Studio Ghibli's films have had a significant influence on the global film industry and inspired filmmakers worldwide.
Deep dives
Studio Ghibli: An Introduction
Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that has garnered a global following and influenced filmmakers worldwide, including Pixar and Disney. Led by the renowned director Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli creates beautiful hand-drawn animations that captivate audiences with their attention to detail and compelling storytelling. The studio's films often explore complex themes, such as the conflict between industry and the environment, war, and the preciousness of childhood. Studio Ghibli's unique approach, rooted in the Japanese anime tradition, sets it apart from the animation style of Disney. Despite the studio's immense success and critical acclaim, Miyazaki's age and the difficulties within the studio, including challenging working conditions and a strained relationship with his son, raise questions about the future of Studio Ghibli.
The Global Impact of Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli films have not only achieved commercial success but have also made a significant impact on the global film industry. Filmmakers such as John Lasseter of Pixar have praised Miyazaki and have credited his work with inspiring their own creative processes. Studio Ghibli's influence extends beyond animation, with directors like Guillermo del Toro and Wes Anderson citing Miyazaki's films as sources of inspiration. The studio's ability to create animated films that appeal to both children and adults, while tackling complex themes and presenting nuanced characters, sets it apart in the animation genre. Despite its international recognition, Studio Ghibli's future remains uncertain with Miyazaki's likely final film, leaving questions about ongoing production and the potential for other filmmakers to carry on the legacy.
The Uncertain Future of Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli's future faces several challenges. Miyazaki's age and the possibility that his latest film may be his last raise concerns about the continuation of the studio's work. Additionally, the difficult working conditions and strained relationships within the studio have led talented individuals to leave, potentially hindering the production of future films. While Miyazaki had hoped his son, Goro Miyazaki, could take over, the younger Miyazaki's films have not reached the same level of acclaim as his father's works. The studio's unique storytelling style, rooted in post-war Japan and influenced by Miyazaki's personal experiences, will be difficult to replicate. As Studio Ghibli faces these challenges, its legacy as a pioneering animation studio and its contributions to the art form will continue to be celebrated and remembered.
The international premiere of Studio Ghibli’s latest film took place last night, after breaking box office records in Japan in July. The Boy and the Heron is the final film from one of cinema’s most influential animators, the reclusive genius Hayao Miyazaki. But does his retirement mark the end of the studio that inspired Disney and Pixar?
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.
Guest: Richard Lloyd Parry, Asia Editor, The Times and The Sunday Times.
Host: Manveen Rana.
Articles:
Great Ghibli! How one Japanese studio wowed the world: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/studio-ghibli-the-boy-and-the-heron-hayao-miyazaki-film-lzkxdtlzl
10 best Studio Ghibli films: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/10-best-studio-ghibli-films-from-spirited-away-to-howls-moving-castle-dtrdpdsfg
Clips: Konbini, StudioCanal, BFI, Toho co, Ghibli Museum, 10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki/NHK WORLD, GKIDS Films.
Studio Ghibli clips: Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, The Wind Rises, Spirited Away, The Boy and the Heron.
