The Marvelous Unveiling: Hayao Miyazaki's Final Film Captivates Fans Post-Premiere
Fans react with overwhelming positivity as Hayao Miyazaki's final masterpiece, How Do You Live?, debuts in Japanese theaters, solidifying his legendary career's perfect farewell
Japanese Studio Ghibli fans had the unique opportunity to be among the first to watch the final movie of renowned director Hayao Miyazaki, titled "How Do You Live?". Surprisingly, there was no promotional material available for the movie, making these fans' comments and reactions the sole source of insight into the film's storyline and visuals.
The announcement of Miyazaki's last project came in December, accompanied only by a simplistic poster featuring a bird-like character. Shared through the official Studio Ghibli Twitter account, this minimalistic teaser sparked a frenzy of speculation within the anime community, as enthusiasts eagerly speculated what Miyazaki's artistic farewell would entail. Thanks to the impressions and responses from Japanese fans who attended the movie's premiere, the rest of the world now has a glimpse into the narrative of "How Do You Live?".
How Do You Live?'s Premiere Gets Positive Reactions From Fans
Miyazaki's highly anticipated and potentially final film after a decade-long hiatus is based on the beloved 1937 novel by renowned Japanese children’s author Genzaburo Yoshino, selected as Miyazaki's personal favorite. While Ghibli has emphasized that the storyline remains an original creation by Miyazaki, it draws inspiration from Yoshino's timeless work. The narrative revolves around Masato, a young boy coming to terms with the tragic loss of his cherished mother in the midst of war-ravaged Japan. As circumstances lead his family to move to the countryside following his father's remarriage, Masato encounters an array of peculiar events. Amidst it all, he encounters a mystical heron-like creature that transports him to an alternate universe, where he embarks on a quest to unravel the enigmatic truth behind his mother's untimely demise.
Miyazaki's Farewell Movie Perfectly Signs Off His Legendary Career
Fans of the movie were highly satisfied after viewing it, with one individual describing it as "reminiscent of classic Ghibli films," while another believed it to be a "captivating blend of all the Ghibli movies I've previously watched." The farewell of a true master to his craft undoubtedly added to the overall experience. Additionally, one fan remarked, "I didn't find anything particularly extraordinary about it just because it was his final work, but I could definitely recognize Miyazaki's signature style throughout the film, and that in itself was exhilarating."
If this indeed marks Miyaaki's final directorial effort in the realm of mainstream, high-budget animated films, How Do You Live? possesses all the necessary components to serve as the ultimate culmination of a remarkable and profoundly influential career. As previously noted, it encompasses all the quintessential elements that Miyazaki has established and nurtured as his unique artistic signature. Given these factors, the anticipation surrounding the movie's release is bound to be immense, with a vast legion of devoted fans eagerly flocking to cinemas to witness Hayao Miyazaki bidding farewell to his craft.
Source: The Guardian
