JD Amato, an expert on Studio Ghibli movies and their thematic implications, joins the hosts to discuss Hayao Miyazaki's personal history, creative process, animation styles of Ghibli films, and the thematic implications of 'The Boy and the Heron.' They also touch on Robert Pattinson's vocal performance, other animated films released this year, pitching projects, licensing Miyazaki films, Oscars potential for 'Spider-Verse,' making animated films, the legacy of Hayao Miyazaki's female characters, Disney vs. Jiminy, influencing award voters, complex emotions in the protagonist, 'Spawn' analysis, Shinto themes, movie review of 'Elemental,' frustrations with a streaming company's pitch document, new character 'Lady hee-me,' and the quest for perfection.
