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Of all the Japanese animated movies, Hayao Miyazaki’s filmSpirited Awaywas the first to receive an Oscar. It was a much-deserved win for Studio Ghibli, which set a precedent for the Japanese animation industry as well.
Not only that, Miyazaki’s 2023 filmThe Boy and the Heronadded another feather to Studio Ghibli’s cap. This is true for its positive reception and overall score and rankings. But there’s more to it.
While Ghibli bagged two Oscars, there’s another film that is set to redefine the status of Japanese movies. From its animation and plot to its viewership, Studio Durian’s project looks more than promising.
To say it deserves an Oscar nomination would be a gross understatement considering its cultural impact. The movie is par excellence in most aspects including its animation and storytelling.
Hayao Miyazaki’sThe Boy and The Heronset a precedent for the animation industry
Hayao Miyazakioften highlights conflicts and resolutions in his movies. It is the conflicts that shape our understanding of adulthood. InSpirited Away, Chihiro’s relationship with work is a rite of passage to her adulthood. Her shouldering of responsibilities makes the audience root for her.
Similarly, Kiki’s role as a delivery girl allows her to find joy in the little things. As a young witch, her solo journey in a different town highlights the rite of passage. Both movies highlight independence and free-spirited characters finding their way through the conflicts.
In a similar vein,The Boy and The Heronencapsulates Mahito’s struggle with grief and loss. Like most of Miyazaki’s movies, it highlights the ever-present conflict enmeshed with supernatural elements.
Moreover, the film is set amidst the Pacific War which catalyzes the major events. It encapsulates profundity associated with strife and normalcy within the ensuing chaos. But most importantly, it highlighted the collapse of society as a whole.
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Mahito’s journey to seek peace with his mother’s departure tugs at the viewer’s heartstrings. It is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and its sheer beauty.
Besides its compelling storytelling, the film was a great feat for Ghibli with its Oscar win. Other thanSpirited Awayit was the second movie by the studio that spotlit Miyazaki’s excellence. In a similar vein, Studio Durian is set to boost Tatsuki Fujimoto’s brilliance with its Oscar nomination.
Studio Durian’sLook Backachieves its greatest feat with its Oscar nomination
Based on the one-shot manga byTatsuki Fujimoto,Look Backis one of the prestigious projects by Studio Durian. This is especially true for itsimpeccable animationalong storytelling. The film is a celebration as well as an ode to artists and their art.
Through his enmeshing of horror and thriller themes, Fujimoto explores female friendships and creative endeavors. The constant seesaw between giving up and pursuing dreams is a refreshing perspective on the portrayal of art. But there’s more to the movie along with its intricacies and vibrant themes.
Look Backredefines storytelling through its exploration of rivalry and inspiration. Fujimoto and Kyomoto act as pillars for each other to lean on. Interestingly, their struggle for perfection parallels the real-life obstacles of manga artists.
Moreover, the mangaka’s portrayal of the dynamic between Fujimoto and Kyomoto is a heartfelt ode to friendship. The complexities and layers are what led to the film being nominated for theBest Anime Feature Film.
Studio Ghibli’s Adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s Favorite Childhood Novel Had a Disturbingly Concerning Twist
It is a known fact that most Japanese animated films are overlooked at the Oscars. With Miyazaki’s films setting a precedent for Japanese industry, one thing is certain.
Look Backhas the potential to surpass Ghibli in terms of its storytelling and unique perspective. In all honesty, Studio Durian deserves a win for outdoing Fujimoto’s manga in terms of their adaptation.
Look Backis available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.The Boy and the Heronis available for streaming on Netflix.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
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Hayao MiyazakiTatsuki FujimotoThe Boy And The Heron
