Get an overview of Miyazaki's major films: what they are about, when they came out, and what themes they explore.
Six films worth knowing
A short guide
Miyazaki has made many films; these six give a good picture of his work.
— “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984). After an ecological disaster, a toxic jungle and giant insects cover the earth. Princess Nausicaä tries to understand nature, not fight it, and to stop a new war. All his main themes are here.
— “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988). Two sisters move to the country and meet the forest spirit Totoro. Almost no villains or conflict: childhood, nature, and family warmth. Totoro became the studio's symbol.
— “Princess Mononoke” (1997). People destroy the forest for iron; the animal gods defend it. Young Ashitaka tries to make peace. A harsh, adult film: in the war of people and nature, no side is simply right.
— “Spirited Away” (2001). To save her parents, Chihiro works in a bathhouse for the gods in a world of spirits. Growing up, courage, and staying true to yourself. His most famous film, an Oscar winner.
— “Howl's Moving Castle” (2004). From Diana Wynne Jones's novel: a curse turns young Sophie into an old woman, and she finds shelter in the wizard Howl's walking house. The film condemns the war around them. Love, age, and pacifism.
— “The Wind Rises” (2013). A more “grown-up,” semi-biographical film about aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi, who dreams of beautiful airplanes that end up used in war. Dreams, responsibility, and the tragedy of creating in wartime.
Lesson notes
A short guide
Miyazaki has made many films; these six give a good picture of his work.
— “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984). After an ecological disaster, a toxic jungle and giant insects cover the earth. Princess Nausicaä tries to understand nature, not fight it, and to stop a new war. All his main themes are here.
— “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988). Two sisters move to the country and meet the forest spirit Totoro. Almost no villains or conflict: childhood, nature, and family warmth. Totoro became the studio's symbol.
— “Princess Mononoke” (1997). People destroy the forest for iron; the animal gods defend it. Young Ashitaka tries to make peace. A harsh, adult film: in the war of people and nature, no side is simply right.
— “Spirited Away” (2001). To save her parents, Chihiro works in a bathhouse for the gods in a world of spirits. Growing up, courage, and staying true to yourself. His most famous film, an Oscar winner.
— “Howl's Moving Castle” (2004). From Diana Wynne Jones's novel: a curse turns young Sophie into an old woman, and she finds shelter in the wizard Howl's walking house. The film condemns the war around them. Love, age, and pacifism.
— “The Wind Rises” (2013). A more “grown-up,” semi-biographical film about aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi, who dreams of beautiful airplanes that end up used in war. Dreams, responsibility, and the tragedy of creating in wartime.