tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494160638739613756.post5810298139871838892..comments2024-03-28T02:30:08.913-04:00Comments on Not Just Movies: Spirited AwayJakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078001374402400232noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494160638739613756.post-24563483776564176712009-12-30T09:35:42.471-05:002009-12-30T09:35:42.471-05:00Hayao Miyazaki is a genius, and I think he should ...Hayao Miyazaki is a genius, and I think he should be considered as one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema. None of his films can disappoint, and they are all much more magical than anything western studies have come up with. The guy's imagination is simply on another level.<br /><br />I do find it strange that <i>Spirited Away</i> is considered his best work. As you say, it's quite a simple tale about growing up selfless and good. It doesn't have the sweep, the majesty, the 'big-ness' of <i>Mononoke</i> or <i>Nausicca</i>, which directly tackle the three big themes in Miyazaki's work -- environmentalism, pacifism and feminism. I also think <i>Spirited Away</i> isn't Miyazaki's best example of world building, being more grounded in reality than, say, <i>Laputa</i> or <i>Howl</i>.<br /><br />This was a fine review, no question. I'm just not convinced <i>Spirited Away</i> is the film we should hold up as Miyazaki's "opus". I do worry about whether this choice reflects a a western sensibility that still regards animation as a medium primarily for children, and doesn't know how to handle or appreciate an animated sci-fi or fantasy that has adult themes -- that thinks animation is for kids, so puts the simplicity of <i>Spirited Away</i> above the the complexity of <i>Mononoke</i>.I.V.P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17167362896416316361noreply@blogger.com