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Hayao Miyazaki has been at the epicenter of controversies for time immemorial. Be it AI or technology, the legendary filmmaker has stirred the pot on several occasions. This also extends to his viewpoint on anime and violent shows.
His beliefs and ideologies have garnered an array of reactions from viewers. While he is lauded for his staunch belief, there are exceptions to this as well. This may very well be one such case that would shock fans entirely.
The 2011 earthquake was quite jarring and it affected Japan in the worst way possible. With many lives lost and people reported missing, it was truly devastating. Following this, Ghibli’s staff decided to halt the production.
What came off as a shocker was the Director’s response to this. His attitude toward his staff and their concerns was labelled as sensitive but that is not the end of it. His vision and his belief resounded in his indomitable spirit in the middle of the adversities.
Studio Ghibli’s Production Stoppage Amidst the 2011 Earthquake
The 2011 Tohoku Earthquake was one of the gut-wrenching tragedies to ever happen. With an estimate of over 19,000 deaths, it is considered one of the worst earthquakes in Japan’s history. But that is not all considering its aftermath on society.
With society in shambles, the incident did pave the way for influence on media. One such example isMakoto Shinkai’s filmSuzumewhich stands as an ode to the survivors. While it was successful, it was controversial nonetheless.
Shinkai’s film, however, wasn’t the only one that is associated with the 2011 incident. This is true for Studio Ghibli’s movieFrom Up On A Poppy Hillwhich was directedby Goro Miyazaki.
Based on post-war Japan, it follows the story of Shun and Umi. Together, they strive to protect their school’s clubhouse from demolition and the chairman’s selfish pursuits. Although the film is regarded as a masterpiece, its journey was perilous nonetheless.
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Particularly, its production stoppage eventually angered Hayao Miyazaki. A2011 clipshows the director’s insensitivity toward his staff which terrified the production crew. It garnered an array of reactions with people throwing brickbats at him.
But being the visionary he is, Miyazaki stepped in to encourage his staff. His determination and zeal toward his films and their perfection are deemed maddening by most viewers. It is, however, reflective of his unwavering faith in his craft.
Hayao Miyazaki is an unwavering and indomitable zealot
Hayao Miyazakiand his love for storytelling is admirable and awe-inspiring. But on other occasions, his zeal takes on a fanatic approach. With the 2011 film and its production, one may consider him insensitive and apathetic.
Interestingly, it also ties well with his views on the animation industry as a whole. The anime, shows, movies, and mediums that are meant to cultivate society arereduced to consumerism. As staunch as his beliefs may be, they reflect the reality of today’s time.
In particular, technology is crippling the animation industry. It ties well with the growing concern about AI and studios’ inconclusive approach to overworked animators. Miyazaki’s views are a reminder of the necessity to revive art amidst thebanality of technology.
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By and by, the Ghibli director has made quite a splash with his contentious views. While his approach to the staff was insensitive, it is pivotal in understanding his flawed nature as a director and a storyteller.
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.
