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Hayao Miyazaki film buffs will appreciate the popular video documentary “Hayao Miyazaki – The Essence of Humanity” created by Lewis Bond, an English film maker. The 16-minute video, featuring a montage of Miyazaki’s much-loved animated films, beautifully explores human nature, Miyazaki’s vision, and the universal appeal of his movies.

Bond recently released the video on his YouTube channel, Channel Chriswell. He interviewed Miyazaki for the documentary and the final product is a montage of Miyazaki films which brings together various recurring motifs throughout his works which explore the essence of humanity. The video documents Miyazaki’s humble beginnings as a manga artist to success as one of the greater animators in history drawing audiences worldwide.

Bond’s video is inspiring, insightful, and delves into the essence of humanity as explored in Miyazaki’s film. Through the simplicity of animation, we understand the complexities of reality. Miyazaki’s world of fictional characters are a reflection of life and human nature.

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In the words of Miyazaki on Studio Ghibli: “Its success is not a priority. What’s important is that you are doing what you want. Our foremost objective here is making good films.” Miyazaki is an artist who is passionate about his craft rather than profit. This is reflected in his films which prioritise good and integrity over evil.

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As Lewis points out in his video essay, Miyazaki’s dexterity and creativity have dazzled audiences around the world. He is a master in his craft and proves that cartoons and animation are not just for children. Indeed, Miyazaki’s films transcend age and cultures. His films aim to help us understand the human condition. Miyazaki conveys this through delving into the emotion of his characters and the subtleties of empathy and reality.

Miyazaki films such as My Neighbor Totoro, The Wind Rises, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke are prime examples of his distinctive style because of their emotional element. Despite the surreal and often fantastical circumstances that his characters fall into, at the core of all his stories is a sense of realism. Miyazaki has a talent for depicting human behaviour through detailed character movement. The emphasis on emotion and imagery is key, rather than plot.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what makes a Miyazaki film a Miyazaki film, or the universal appeal of Miyazaki, Bond’s video essay does an excellent job of breaking it down.

Source: designtaxi
Images: YouTube/Channel Chriswell