Why Miyazaki is a True Romantic

Thumbnail by Nick Woodcock

Sources:
Brendan C. Walsh (2019) A Modern-Day Romantic: The Romantic Sublime in Hayao Miyazaki’s Creative Philosophy, Comparative Literature: East & West, 3:2, 176-191,

Kurita, Kyoko. “Koda Rohan and the Origin of Modern Japanese Romanticism.’” PhD diss. Yale University, 1992. Print.

Napier, Susan J. “Confronting Master Narratives: History as Vision in Miyazaki Hayao’s Cinema of De-Assurance.” Positions: East Asia Cultures Critique 9.2 (2001): 467–93. Print.

Okada, Akiko. Keats and English Romanticism in Japan. Bern, Switzerland; New York: Peter Lang, 2006. Print.

Unnamed Films (In Order of Appearance):
Whisper of the Heart (1995)
The Wind Rises (2013)

Music:
Glass Off - Bernie Leadon
Song of India - Andre Kostelanetz
Summer Rain - Suzanne Menzel

Background Painting:
Ships in a Storm - Ivan Aivazovsky (1860)

[BroeyDeschanel]

cancelling myself for the wack pronunciation of Totoro :^( why did she do that

[DrWHO-jvqi]

Also, at the end of the film, Kiki is never able to talk with her cat again. That symbolizes something really heartbreaking and real for me. It means she has lost a part of herself and her magic, her origins when she comes to the city. That one moment I realized how powerful this film really was when she never regained the ability.

[buriedtakethewheel]

It's worth noting that, in the original Japanese, it's unclear if Kiki is able to talk to Jiji again once she regains her powers. This connection to the natural world comes more easily as a child and though she has regained her sense of self by returning to nature something is lost. This process may be an inescapable part of growing up.

[eranavni-singer]

I love how Kiki didn’t have some magical exceptionalism inside her that bursts out in the end and saves the day. She’s triumphs because she is herself and she isn’t trying to be some massive accomplishment like the blimp and she ends up stronger than the blimp ever could have been

[sifatshams]

I often find myself fantasizing about an alternate universe in which the live-action Harry Potter movies don't exist and are instead replaced by 2D animated feature-length films by Miyazaki, who is a huge Potterhead.

[Animechick]

Miyazaki is the true king of animation

[Michael-wpvq]

I watched Kiki for the first time this year and, as a creative in a rut and feeling like my life is defined by others, it broke me. The beautiful artwork reminded me of the simplicity of nature and inspired a deep part within me. I’d never felt more in sync with a film in my entire life and, from beginning to end, it really revealed the ways in which, like Kiki, I too need time to breathe between the bouts of pressure. The ending was so true to life as she didn’t get her power back right away, and struggled back into swing with her passion. I could go on and on about this movie though.

[EyebrowCinema]

Beautiful work, and kudos for choosing a not so obvious movie to center analysis on.

[messypalette]

There's something so calming about the way you talk, it honestly makes every video such a pleasure to watch!

[lpssuperlove]

I’m so grateful for kikis delivery service, I grew up watching it and I don’t think I’d be the same person without it. I’ve never thought about it like this beautiful amazing!! Incredible thinking every time I watch it I think I know everything but I’m always proven wrong!! Thank you

[sammyvictors]

This is why Miyazaki is one of my inspirations as an aspiring writer. I consider myself a romantic, albeit an enlightened, liberal, open-minded and inclusive one.

[GPerla]

Omg someone else bringing in Romanticism and the Sublime to Miyazaki 😭😭 I actually told a professor of mine for a Romanticism class to watch Princess Mononoke 👏🏽👏🏽

[motherrussia]

Kiki's wasn't a movie that I truly appreciated for what it was until I got older (same story for Whisper of the Heart). Thank you for so beautifully articulating the ephemeral quality of these movies and how impactful they are!

[BriarMB]

I really needed this today, I've been so down since my cat died. Definitely gonna go watch these movies with a whole new appreciation, and go have a Good cry. Thank you💌

[MrBioBlue]

Kiki is one of my favourites, I am glad that you covered it so well here.

[aidanmoyer]

YES YES YES Kiki's delivery service has been my rock this year, it has just completely enraptured me. its far deeper than anyone gives it credit for.

[camilleisabel]

This video made me cry, the world doesn't deserve Miyazaki.
Such a beautifully worded and well put together video essay. Brava

[internalilusion]

you make me feel so intelligent just by watching your content

[Frankiethenumbunny]

This one made me tear up. So beautiful. You’re unreal.

[rennetakahashi]

i love this so much!! the simplistic yet oddly deep theme of Kiki's Delivery Service makes it one of my favorite Miyazaki films!! i love how Miyazaki is able to present deep themes of our society in such beautiful ways through his use of storytelling and animation..