Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned Oscar-winning animator, has unveiled his highly-anticipated film in Japan, marking his first feature in a decade and possibly his last. Titled “How Do You Live?”, the 82-year-old Miyazaki, co-founder of the esteemed Ghibli anime house, came out of retirement to create this masterpiece.
The film’s production spanned several years, with Ghibli taking an unusual approach by keeping the plot details tightly guarded and limiting publicity. The only hint given was a poster depicting a hand-sketched, bird-like creature with a mesmerizing eye beneath its beak.
After watching a morning screening of the film in Tokyo’s trendy Shibuya district, university student Eisaku Kimura, 21, shared his impressions, stating, “It was a quintessential Ghibli movie. While I didn’t feel anything particularly special just because it may be Miyazaki’s final work, I definitely sensed his signature style throughout the film, and it was exhilarating.”
Although “How Do You Live?” drew inspiration from a 1937 book bearing the same title, the studio has emphasized that the movie’s storyline diverges significantly from its source material.
The narrative revolves around a young boy who relocates to the countryside with his father after the loss of his mother. There, he encounters a heron that transports him to an alternate universe, gradually unraveling the mystery behind his mother’s demise.
Valeriia Matveeva, a 30-year-old English teacher from Russia, described the film as “a fascinating blend of all the Ghibli movies I’ve seen before. It captures the essence of their best elements, at times evoking a sense of awe and a touch of unease. Since there was minimal promotion, I had no preconceived notions, but it turned out to be a captivating experience.”
Miyazaki has cultivated a devoted following through his enchanting portrayals of nature, machinery, and beloved characters like the endearing forest spirit, Totoro. His masterpiece, “Spirited Away,” which follows a girl’s journey in a mysterious world to rescue her parents transformed into pigs, earned him an Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
In 2013, Miyazaki announced his retirement from making feature-length films, citing the intense demands of his perfectionist work style. However, four years later, he reversed his decision, and his production company confirmed that he would create “his final film, considering his age.”