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Miyazaki: Master of Animation, Pt. 1

“It’s just a wonderful world that (Miyazaki) creates that’s just so different from anything you see out there today.” – Frank Marshall, Executive Producer, “Ponyo” English language version In my review of “Ponyo” earlier this week I mentioned that Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film, though excellent, might be a little off-putting to those who haven’t seen any of the Japanese animation master’s other films. I decided to compile a list, complete with descriptions/recommendations, of all of Miyazaki’s films (available Stateside on Disney DVD) and his involvement in them, which almost always includes him being a main animator. At the end of … Continue reading →

Inside the Disney Limbo

After previewing “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” last week, I began wondering about the status of many other upcoming Disney films. While researching the movies Disney’s got on its production line, I discovered many promising titles (and some not so promising) that are currently in a state of limbo. A number of interesting projects are in various stages of halted production over at Disney right now. For today’s blog I thought I’d highlight some of these projects. “Enchanted 2” – All right, I’m cheating some here. The House of Mouse just announced that they plan to make a … Continue reading →

Spirited Away (2001)

“Spirited Away” is another film directed (and written by) Hayao Miyazaki, who also did “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and “Howl’s Moving Castle”. His style of storing telling and animation is so unique, and so very different from Disney movies. Miyazaki doesn’t assume that kids can’t understand more complex plots or be interested in something for shorter periods of time (most of his movies clock in around two hours or more). “Spirited Away” is the story of young Chihiro, who is on her way with her parents to their new home. She’s not happy about it, and is quite pouty and immature … Continue reading →

Howl’s Moving Castle

If you’ve never seen one of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films, you are truly missing great works of art. Normally cartoons are intended for younger audiences, but Miyazaki’s films are just as much for adults. The story lines are smart (though sometimes a bit confusing) and interesting. “Howl’s Moving Castle” is no exception. Sophie is a young hat maker who, after an encounter with a wizard, is turned into an old woman by a vengeful witch called the Witch of the Waste. Sophie takes her transformation in stride and leaves her home in search of someone who can transform her back. … Continue reading →