From comfort to conflict, Hayao Miyazaki encapsulated an array of emotions and themes in his movies. His views and ideologies have revolutionized the animation industry in more ways than one. But that is not all, considering the legacy of the Ghibli animator.
Through his portrayal of women in the movies, Miyazaki has reshaped the course of animation and storytelling. And while the studio has bagged accolades, they earned their stripes through arduous efforts. But there might be a bigger problem.
San in a still from Princess Mononoke | Credit: Studio Ghibli
With no one having to lead the Studio, there remains a stalwart who is a true successor to Miyazaki’s legacy. Most fans have relentlessly pointed this out on the Internet in regards to the animator’s work. Surprisingly, it isn’t the esteemed director Makoto Shinkai.
Irrespective of that, Shinkai’s influence on the animation industry and filmmaking shouldn’t be excluded. The Director is a visionary in the making through his stellar storytelling.
Studio Ghibli’s legacy and Hayao Miyazaki’s true successor
Hayao Miyazaki’s movies are trailblazers in many ways including the themes and plot devices. His use of symbolism and metaphors is a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life. Be it My Neighbor Totoro or Howl’s Moving Castle, the lore and myths are intricately woven into a riveting storyline.
Interestingly, the films stand out the most through their characters. While Miyazaki is hailed and lauded for his techniques, his literary brilliance is often underappreciated. This ties well with the conception and characterization along with the storytelling aspect that has carved the studio’s legacy.
Mochizo Oji in a still from Tamako Love Story | Credit: Kyoto Animation
For almost four decades, Studio Ghibli has produced masterpieces. With diverse and intriguing themes, Miyazaki set a benchmark for all animators for generations to come. And while the legacy remains, there’s always the question of succession.
Often, fans have debated about Miyazaki’s successor. While the Director had a fallout with his son, it further accentuated the strenuous relationship. This circles back to Makoto Shinkai being worthy of leading the studio. And while this seems plausible, Ghibli may have found its gem in Naoko Yamada.
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In an interview held at the Media Arts Festival, Yamada shared her unique perspective on characters. She quoted:
It’s very important to me to treat the characters as individual people. I don’t think of them as imaginary; instead I try to come in touch with them from their perspective. “How would this girl think?” “What kind of scenery would they see here?” Maybe that’s tied with the life-like approach too.
Naoko Yamada is an exemplary animator who has worked on projects like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, K-on!, and Tamako Market. Among esteemed directors, she shines bright with her diverse portfolio of work.
That being said, Makoto Shinkai isn’t too far behind with his stellar storytelling. Known for Suzume and Your Name, the Director has produced some of the most remarkable animated movies.
Makoto Shinkai and the art of splendid storytelling
While Miyazaki is a visionary, Makoto Shinkai is second to none with his impeccable storytelling. He is a multifaceted animator who holds a penchant for both animation and storytelling. Apart from directing films, he authored a bunch of other manga.
Not only that, he directed video games along with advertisements which carved his niche as a multifarious artist. He truly seemed to have mastered the art of splendid storytelling with many deeming him the next Miyazaki.
Mitsuha in a still from Your Name | Credit: CoMix Wave Films
What makes him an impeccable storyteller and artist is his exploration of legends and themes in the story. With Your Name and Garden of Words, he used the red string legend and rain as an incessant metaphor.
Similarly, the garden plays an important role in catalyzing the events in the movie. His enmeshing of metaphors, symbols, and setting along with characters make it a well-balanced story.
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While both Makoto Shinkai and Naoko Yamada are perfect choices for Ghibli’s legacy, there’s a caveat to that. The studio has had a fallout with major animators regarding creative differences.
Shinkai headlines his studio while Yamada is a director of Kyoto Animation. Both are esteemed animators but with Ghibli, it would only curb their creative freedom in the long run.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
