In a remarkable turn of events, acclaimed animation director, Hayao Miyazaki, released his latest, and likely final, masterpiece in Japan. This film comes a decade after the 82-year-old Oscar winner, who’s also the co-founder of the world-renowned Ghibli studios, decided to break his retirement silence with “How Do You Live?”.
Surprisingly, the entire production journey of the film was kept away from the prying eyes of the media. Limited promotion and an intriguing poster featuring a bird-like creature were all that was disclosed about the plot, maintaining an aura of secrecy and intrigue.
Eisaku Kimura, a university student who was one of the first viewers, described the film as quintessentially Ghibli. While he felt no particular reverence owing to its potential status as Miyazaki’s final work, he was thrilled by the filmmaker’s characteristic imprint.
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Inspired by a 1937 book with a similar title, “How Do You Live?” explores a new story of a young boy who, after his mother’s demise, moves to the countryside with his father. A magical heron becomes his guide, transporting him into an alternate universe where he slowly uncovers the secrets behind his mother’s death.
Valeriia Matveeva, a 30-year-old English teacher from Russia, found the film to be a captivating fusion of all the previous Ghibli works she had viewed. The unfamiliarity due to the lack of promotion added an element of surprise that she found delightful.
Miyazaki, revered for his imaginative interpretations of nature, machinery, and beloved characters like the charming Totoro, has developed a cult following over the years. His film “Spirited Away,” an enchanting tale of a girl trying to save her parents in a mysterious world, bagged an Oscar for best-animated feature in 2003.
In 2013, Miyazaki announced his retirement from making feature-length films, citing the toll of his perfectionist work ethic. Yet, in 2017, he made an unexpected comeback, with his production company revealing that he was crafting what could be his “final film, considering his age.”
Source: Malay Mail
