I have a theory that anyone who watches movies by the director Hayao Miyazaki has a higher chance of being a better person. I say this in jest, but sometimes I find myself believing it more than I should. I’m going to attempt to explain just why I feel this to be true, and why you should all go out watch these movies ASAP. I doubt you’ll regret it.
Miyazaki is a Japanese animation director who co-founded Studio Ghibli. His movie “Spirited Away,” became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at its release. However, this is not anime. Miyazaki has explained his dislike of anime stemming from its lack of substance and if you compare his movies with any type of anime, you will probably see for yourself what he is talking about.
I was raised watching his movies, and whenever I meet someone who has the same love for them as I do, I know I have a new friend. I have bonded with someone over various common interests, but, for some reason, these movies are different. Miyazaki is able to capture all the wonders of life in a beautiful story with the innocence of a child. Words can’t do his magic justice.
In Hollywood, love is used as a mechanism to pull at our heartstrings, draw out cheap tears, and sell out. It can make many of us rather cynical. Anyone who can relate to this feeling should watch any movie by Miyazaki, because you will find yourself taken into a place so innocent and pure that your cynicism will be washed away, at least for an hour.
For all my fellow females out there, let me tell you now that almost every one of his movies has a strong female lead. Growing up as a tomboy girl, I didn’t see many role models in the media, but I could always turn to Miyazaki’s movies when I needed to. Of course, there are still love stories – feminist movies don’t need to devoid themselves of romance – but in Miyazaki’s movies, rather than finding a savior in the boy, characters find inspiration and support in each other.
Now, don’t get me wrong; I am not arguing that anyone who watches these movies and does not like them is a terrible person, but I figured that because it is so easy to lose yourself in the stresses and challenges of life and school, especially as finals week approaches, the least I could do is to recommend some good movies. Maybe you’ll discover something about yourself you never knew. If this article reaches anyone and helps them to discover a world of beautiful movies, my job will be done.