The thought-provoking, aesthetically pleasing animated films of Hayao Miyazaki attract audiences well beyond the director's native Japan. "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away" were critically acclaimed upon U.S. release, and the earlier "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Kiki's Delivery Service" have found popularity with Americans on DVD. This critical study of Miyazaki's work begins with an analysis of the visual conventions of manga, Japanese comic books, and anime; an overview of Japanese animated films; and a consideration of the techniques deployed by both traditional cell and computer animation. This section also details Miyazaki's early forays into comic books and animation, and his output prior to his founding of Studio Ghibli. Part Two concentrates on the Studio Ghibli era, outlining the company's development and analyzing the director's productions between 1984 and 2004, including "Castle in the Sky", "My Neighbor Totoro" and his newest film, "Howl's Moving Castle". The second section also discusses other productions involving Studio Ghibli, including "Grave of the Fireflies" and "The Cat Returns". Appendices supply additional information about Studio Ghibli's merchandise production, Miyazaki's global fan base, and the output of other Ghibli directors.
Preface
Introduction
1. The Frame of Reference
2. The Early Years
3. The Ghibli Era: A Brief History of Studio Ghibli
4. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
5. Laputa: Castle in the Sky
6. My Neighbor Totoro
7. Grave of the Fireflies
8. Kiki's Delivery Service
9. Studio Ghibli, 1990-1991
10. Porco Rosso
11. Studio Ghibli, 1992-1994
12. On Your Mark
13. Whisper of the Heart
14. Princess Mononoke
15. Studio Ghibli, 1999-2001
16. Spirited Away
17. Studio Ghibli, 2002-2003
18. Howl's Moving Castle
Postscript: French Connections-The Miyazaki/Moebius Exhibition
Epilogue
Filmography
Appendix 1: Ancillary Products and Media Synergy
Appendix 2: Fans and Their Worlds
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index