There is no other Japanese animation studio that has as much goodwill in the eye of the public as Studio Ghibli.Spirited Away, often regarded as Miyazaki’s masterpiece, is the second highest-grossing movie in Japan, only being beaten out in 2020 byDemon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train.However,Spirited Awayis not the only achievement in animation and film directed by Miyazaki. Also on his resume are true achievements in animation such asHowl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke,andThe Wind Rises.
Prevalent in these films are classic Miyazaki tropes such as airborne machinery, war, and profound themes of love and peace. While these ideas are timeless and stylistically iconic, there is no denying that at this point, Miyazaki needs to make a different kind of movie.Hayao Miyazaki actually announced his retirement in 2013, only to later,in 2016, announced his return. Being 81 years old, it’s safe to assume that he’ll only be able to work on one or two more movies before returning into retirement.
So for these last movies, Hayao Miyazaki should address at least once the struggles of his personal life — specifically, life as a parent.
Many of His Fans Are Parents Now
Even if a fan’s first exposure to Hayao Miyazaki films was 2001’sSpirited Away(assuming if they were four or five at the youngest), then that would put them well into their mid to late twenties now in 2022. Around this time, they’re likely to have children of their own. And if this is the case, then it should serve as an incentive for Miyazaki to make a film that connects to his audience as they are now. Even older fans who have been with him since 1984’sNausicaa of the Valley of the Windwould be able to relate their experiences as parents to a Miyazaki film about parenthood.
Fans of Miyazaki who are parents watching the new movie would be able to share it with their children, who, in turn, will be able to share it with theirs. While the ailments of society that Miyazaki implements into his movies will undoubtedly endure into the far future, a tale of parenthood would directly bridge generational gaps.
Related:Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked
The end result should be something akin toToy Story 3,where Andy grows up with the generational audience of the first two films. In this case, Miyazaki should recognize that many of his fans are older and should make a film that connects to them in a way that he’s also familiar with.
Miyazaki is Also a Parent
Goro Miyazaki, director, animator, and son of Hayao Miyazaki, has been a force at Studio Ghibli since 2006’sTales from Earthsea,where he served as the film’s director. He has recently directed Ghibli’s latest film,Earwig and the Witch.Having a son that follows in his father’s footsteps would make for a classic tale, one that fans of both directors would love and appreciate, especially coming from Hayao Miyazaki.
Additionally, the relationship between Goro and Hayao has always been an unclear and private one. Of course, their private lives are just that: private, but it would still be a treat for fans to see a movie that functions as a sort of love letter from Hayao Miyazaki to his son. A sort of sign of approval and affection. Quite frankly, Goro does not have the same accrued goodwill as his father, and since Hayao is likely not to make too many more movies, passing the torch will be necessary.
Related:10 Spirited Away Facts You Never Knew
A Miyazaki movie about parenthood would also be a chance to communicate the kind of parent that he is/wishes he could be. It will be a chance to explore his inner feelings. If he was an absent father, does he regret the time he didn’t spend with his children? Does he think his work was more important? Does he still feel like this? Miyazaki’s experiences as a parent can fuel a heartfelt movie that answers these questions and satisfies longtime fans of his previous films.
It Would Be a Different Kind of Movie
By now, audiences are familiar withMiyazaki’s movies. Several staples have been repeated over his films. For example, his commentary on society and his pacifist philosophy permeates bothNausicaa of the Valley of the WindandHowl’s Moving Castle. However, atthis stage in his career, audiences may betoofamiliar with his work. Of course, fans will trust whatever Miyazaki chooses to put out there, but in order for him to truly surprise his audience, the film would have to be much more personal and less about grand societal issues.
This is not to say that Studio Ghibli hasn’t produced more personal stories.From Up on Poppy HillandWhen Marnie was Thereare fantastic films that don’t delve into anti-war or anti-pollution messages. However, neither of these films were directed by Miyazaki. But they demonstrate that Miyazaki’s animation team would be more than capable of producing a great movie about parenthood from the legendary director.
