I've always loved the scene in Howls Moving Castle where Sophie cries into the wind, loud and ugly, and when she's done, she's done. No withholding, no shame about whos watching, no apologies after. She acknowledges how hard and stressful the journey has been, and cries about it. When she's done crying, the journey continues. It makes me want to be that in tune with my needs, no matter what they are, and express them shamelessly.
Sophie was definitely very charming and it was great to see her build her confidence and acceptance of her age. Miyazaki’s character feel like people dealing with an actual problem or insecurity that they ultimately learn to overcome, not just a device used to deliver a message that rings hollow.
Shame might be one of the main struggles of modern society without people realizing it. I believe Miyazaki, coming from a society built on honor and shame, tries to picture a world where we can explore the complexity of life freely without shame getting in the way (of these characters and people in them); because perhaps it is shame which leads to this uncontrollable confusion so prevalent today. I find that his work reflects the reality that life isn't black and white but rather complex and that that's okay, we can just accept it for what it is; this thought makes me feel the way Sophie did, that acceptance of reality for all of it's contrast and that it's not really anybody's fault, we all take what we're given and there's no one answer for everything; this makes me rest into my spirit. Life is a mix of order and chaos and that's the beauty of it, it's perfect because it's not.
- Kiki taught me about proper work-life balance, about rest and recovery from burnout - Sophie taught me about courage and not caring what others might think of me, so as to not be a passive observer in my own life - Sheeta and Pazu taught me about selfless love, kindness, and how understanding can bring together the most unlikely friends - Ashitaka and San taught me that it’s never too late to start over, to make peace. People say “well, that’s the way it’s always been, that’s the way it’ll always be, there’s no use trying to change things” but that’s not true, there’s always a way to reach a peaceful resolution. The forest may burn but there will be growth there someday.
Shizuku taught me to prioritise your creativity correctly. You're ALLOWED to be creative and have goals, but sometimes things like school have to take first place. You can write outside of school hours. But you can do your dream. It's OK if your first attempt isn't the best. Baby steps. You will improve, you will find your inner gems. We learn from her mistake but also her determination.
Chihiro taught me to see the good in others, even if it seems like there is none. She also taught me that it's okay to let your emotions out, because mental strength is the best kind of strength.
Porco Rosso taught me to let go of guilt and trauma that may have not been my fault and to forgive myself (and also that fascism is bad, which is based)
Umi Matsuzaki taught me to let go of somethings and keep trying in what you believe in. She also taught me to stay strong when it feels like nothing is working out. (No its NOT just about a boy)
I work in the cosplay community as a photographer. Nearly every single female anime character has been turned into a purely sexual being by cosplayers with scantily clad versions of them. But you hardly ever, ever see that with Ghibli's female characters. They're just not seen in that way and i think your essay gets to the heart of why.
I think a key point here is is that none of the charaters are erotic. Beautiful, but not erotic. Depicting/dressing up the characters up like that feels like an insut. But the intresting/remarkable thing is that its not because the characters are "pure" or "innocent", they are not deprived of eroticism, rather that eroticism simply plays no role in the storys that they are part of.
The reality is that women in anime are just used to please male audiences. Miyazaki actually expressed his disappointment when it comes to anime in an interview. It's not just the cosplayers, they literally dress as the character who appears that way.
@@grAnita- And we are Happy with that. Get your Feminazi views out of our Escapism and Entertainment!!! 😠😠 In all Seriousness, I feel like many Anime pEople are entrenching themselves further due to the Feminazis making Women Uglier with Horrible personalities to beat the "male gaze". Except the Only one Feminazis are defeating is themselves by being Spiteful. Men will literally accept Non sexualized but Pretty Women. We aren't that hard to please Ladies. 😅 Give us a well Rounded character and its even better.
@@eliasheid947it's definitely not this alone. Kobeni from chainsaw man isn't sexualized and doesn't wear revealing clothing at pretty much any point within the series, yes a bit part of the anime community sexualizes the living hell out of her
@@grAnita- I agree that Miyazaki is exceptional, I still have my critiques. He really struggles with not adding female stereotypes to his characters for ex. Only his recent film, the Boy and Heron is the first movie where his Female lead doesn't cry. There is not one other film where his female charactes don't cry. But there are many films where his male characters cry, but many where they don't. Because "women cry to express emotion" And other tradional traits, that are purely female are given because she is female. But I give credit that women's place in his stories are never invalidated.
Important note about the theme of aloneness for the sex workers in Mononoke is that in feudal Japan most prostitutes were sold into sex work by their families, which adds extra meaning to Eboshi buying their contracts and giving them a home with husbands and valued work as the smiths of Iron Town. Just as with the lepers, Eboshi lifted them out of ostracism and gave them family, value, and community
Japanese culture has great esteem for a children's book published in 1908 by Canadian author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. That book is called Anne of Green Gables, and Anne Shirley inhabits all the characteristics you defined. She is shunned as an orphan, she lives in a rigid world, she doesn't dwell on past injustices but instead tries to see it through compassionate eyes. She is archetypically feminine yet breaks gender barriers by striving for academic success. She is filled with drive, duty, low fi bliss, strong opinions about right and wrong, and a desire to love and be loved. She changes as she matures, but the greatest change happens to those around her when they experience her joy.
I love Anne of Green Gables (a 40-year-old Polish woman here, haha). As a character, she feels 100% like an actual human being - and a human being that you could very well transplant right into our times and she'd fit right in without any changes to her character necessary. Hell, you could literally transplant her whole story to modern times (an adopted child in a small community, struggling in her new circumstances and gradually finding acceptance and love while pursuing academic dreams and literally aspirations, while at the same time dealing with insecurities about her looks, friendships and first loves, and also generally being a normal teenager who likes fashion, etc. etc. etc.)... Now that I think about it - I wonder how it's possible that we don't have a modern adaptation yet!
Fascinating comment! I am curious if you have seen "Anne with An E"? It is a Netflix adaption of Anne of Green Gables. Sadly only three seasons. If you have what you think of it? There are definite changes to Anne's story but I think the essence is still there, in all the ways you so eloquently listed above.
A possible substitute for “not neurotic” I think would be “contented”. It usually means happy and at ease, but also means willing to accept something and satisfied.
tbh, although it might not be the best description, "not neurotic" feels like the perfect way to describe it because it's in reference to the real world. The aesthetic is so calming because it's a break from the chaos of our surroundings and our minds. That said, I do think that "content" is the goal; I just do not think it captures the emotion quite right as to why it's so appealing. Some extra thoughts I had: The women portrayed in the movies don't seem content. There is still something they are going after although they have no inner conflict. That's what I really like about them; they are driven and seeking something, and I like them especially because it's not inner peace that they are missing.
When I watched nausicaa for the first time, I cried at how beautiful of a person she was. Her kindness, her way of looking past biases about her forest and it ultimately being the thing that saves her life- the journey she went through hit me in a nerve that almost felt hidden deep within me. I’ve never seen another character like her. She’s relatively underrated compared to other ghibli heroines but she made the biggest impact on me.
I'd encourage you to read the manga, if you haven't already. It's a beautiful work drawn by Miyazaki in the same art style as the movie, and far more in-depth. Very brutal story, though.
Nausicaa is my favorite Miyazaki heroine and in general she is one of my all time favorite heroes. I love how kind she is, bud capable as well, like she is fully aware of the danger around her but tries to handle it in the best way she can. As a man, I am inspired by her and want to be like her, that is the power of a great character.
Watched Nausicaa again last night and was just so impressed by her, I just haven’t seen another character quite like her. The scene where she literally burns her leg in acid to save a dying creature and somehow manages to keep going after that just punches me in the gut every time. She is by far one of my favorite characters of all time.
@@rootbourne4454 yes she is not a girl boss, she is not a conventional hero either, she realizes that some people and bugs are dangerous, so she never underestimates anyone but that doesn't stop her from caring. One more thing i like about her is that we see she is a skilled warrior capable of killing multiple enemies and that terrifies her to the point her pacifism seems more like self restraint.
I am a 24 year old man, father, husband and when I last watched Howls moving Castle, I was 6 or 7 years old, so I hardly remember it. I watched it again recently with my kids, and when I seen Sofie get cursed to be an old lady, I felt scared. Seeing her, this, now, old lady, venturing willingly, without a second thought into what I’m told is a dangerous location, I felt empowered. The idea this girl who just went through something utterly awful, losing her youth and her life effectively, and not just perceiver, but show such resolve, just took my breath away. It seems like such a small scene in action but as someone who at a young age was very afraid of both dying and growing old, this old woman showed more courage and determination than I ever could. I know I would’ve broke down, hid away somewhere, and tried to at least die peacefully and quietly, with some dignity. Seeing that scene really made me feel stronger, like I could be strong like her in that moment. And that is something I can’t fully put into words, aside from what I said above. That’s not just good female characterization, that’s good writing.
@@wickedarctiinae413224 years old is actually a really normal age to have children. At least, for older generations. It’s rare for newer generations due to a variety of factors.
@@wickedarctiinae4132 Sure, 24 years is considered fairly young for parenthood in today's Western society (though that's not necessarily true in other places in the world, and we don't know where the OP is from), but hardly unheard of, so why fixate on that minor detail instead of focusing on the very heartfelt, in-depth and on-the-point comment that he wrote about Sophie (about whom, incidentally, I agree with him completely: she's a fantastic character who grows into so much strength while remaining so utterly and believably human and vulnerable)?
The vibe I get from Miyazaki movies is romance, but not in love romance but the old fashioned meaning "a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life." I'm not finished watching yet but thank you for the lovely videos! Edit* Finally finished the video and you ended up bringing it up later. Great minds think alike lol
Regarding Kiki: I think she suffers from inner-conflict, but I don't know if she's quite "spiritually lost." She has that certainty and purity of purpose Miyazaki's women usually have from the outset. The conflict arises when her spirit bumps up against a world that isn't as magical as she is. This results in her briefly losing her literal magical powers, but the film resolves with her finding a place in the world where her inner-light can be allowed to shine. She adapts, she grows up, but she doesn't compromise. She might not be able to talk to Jiji anymore, but she's still Kiki.
Someone asked Miyazaki why Jiji didn't talk at the end when she overcame her spiritual burnout and save the day, to which he replied "maybe he was speechless"
I think what else really sets Ghibli women apart is the fact that they have so many qualities about them that make them feel like they're real people. Western storytelling plays up the drama and the fantastical, and by no means are Ghibli films lacking in either of those traits, but the characters always feel so grounded in their worlds. They're a part of that world. Myiazaki is such a master at building these worlds into believability that the story genuinely begins and ends as if it truly was just another day in the world and what sells it is the way the characters interact with each other and the world around them. I really liked your point about how the women have a duty and a purpose to fulfill and they're just DOING it. Just another day, just another task, and yet that lofi vibe permeates the whole thing. I love these films and I have so much respect for Miyazaki. Well done on this video!! Super cool and fascinating!!
While I was writing my first novel last year I wanted to take careful consideration that my female characters weren’t being made into caricatures of how “strong women” were portrayed in western movies/shows/etc. So I took inspiration from not only the amazing women in my life but also the beloved female characters in the studio Ghibli films who never seemed to fit a particular box but were always viewed as whole characters
I honestly recommend not worrying it about unless female characters have the same personality syndrome. For example, I have a female character who falls into a “strong woman” however people love her. It’s about how you write them.
@@IsabellaMathewI couldn’t agree more. I think that’s the beauty of writing in itself, every writer brings something different to the table, whether it's a particular style of prose, a distinct sense of humor, or a unique world-building approach. It's this diversity of voices and approaches that keeps the art of storytelling so captivating and ever-evolving
In my opinion, the best writer of female characters besides Miyazaki is the deceased writer Satoshi Kon. Because he has always written unique female characters, the most famous of which are Prefect Blue, Paprika, and Millennium Actress. And other other works.
I adore Nassica because of how empathetic and good hearted she is. So many people who try (and fail) to write female characters just make them reallly mean spirited and emotionless?? But Nassica is just really genuine in wanting to help both people and insects. And even though she's kind she's strong. Not weak. I really looked up to Nassica as a kid and still do now
I really liked that you addressed that in western media romantic love and "love at first sight" are depicted as the pinnacle of happiness and what we must all aspire to in order to find our happily ever after. I myself am asexual (not aromantic though) and am quite bothered by the focus being so heavily on romantic relationships that stem from sexual attraction. The depiction of relationships in Miyazaki movies that come from mutual respect and appreciation or even are just platonic in nature is kind of "refreshing", for lack of a better word. It is just nice to see more credit being given to different kinds of relationships.
While I agree with you I will say that it is not the fact that western movies are wrong rather they don’t represent how everyone feels love or romantic feelings.
33:39 Why Sofie and Howl fall for each other I think mostly because it made sense in the book, but the story in the book is VERY different from the Ghiblli version (not only because it's longer and twistier). The popular description is that the movie is Howl's version of the story where he is super cool, Sophie's family make a blink and you miss it appearance and We Don't Talk About Wales. The book is the story told from Sophie's POV, and it describes Howl as a disaster himbo wizard coward from the strange other world "Wales", and at the end she and her family have to rescue him. EDIT Forgot to mention, the scarecrow is also better explained in the book. It doesn't really make sense in the movie because the entire Magical Frankenstein subplot is cut out but it made sense in the book.
About your whole section regarding love, you managed to put into words what I, an asexual, have always adored about Miyazaki's relationships since childhood. Kisses and sex aren't the driving force of these relationships, it's about simply helping each other. making each other happy in the mundane aspects of life, making each other feel valued as a person living in society. I don't want to have sex, and I'm not wild about kisses, but I want to hug my future spouse with the same level of enthusiasm as Ponyo hugs Souske. I want to feel as supported and cared for as Sophie cares for Howl. It's looking at the SOUL of a person and wanting to have them in their life, united not by superficial interests or ideals, but in the simple desire for wanting to meet and connect with people who are just living life. EDIT: it's for this reason Nausicaa was and still is my favorite Ghibli girl to this day. She just wants to help people, and no person is excluded from her love, even those who are terrifying or hate-filled. She faced down an army of rage-blinded bugs and still won. Brilliant video, schnee. Please keep it up with the Miyazaki essays, cause RUclips really needs more of these videos.
This EXACTLY! I am not a romance movie person, but Ghibli makes me feel giddy. At the end of the movie I feel in my heart that the couple love each other in such a way that I could only dream of. The pure support and admiration, and LOVE is so deep that it's almost magnetic.
I'm not asexual but the absolute strongest love I've ever felt is not when sex comes first. It's when we get to know each other in such a deep way, wether that is from working together in a team, or relating to each other through hobbies or life experiences. To feel immence respect and admiration NEVER comes for me when it's all about sex either. I feel like this guy not understanding why people here fell in love is actually quite sad. Makes me wonder if he even ever even had a teacher that he loved and respected without wanting a sexual relationship with, or a close friend.
I'm aroace and I 100% agree! Miyazaki films deal with romance and relationships in a refreshing way that we don't see a lot. And its absolutely beautiful One day I'd love to have a partner (whether it's a platonic, romantic, or something in between) that I could go on adventures with. Where we'd be there for each other and work together. I want a relationship similar to how they're portrayed in these films.
I have always adored how love in studio ghibli films extends beyond the conventional, narrow idea of romance that is what dominates western media. True love exists between all of these characters, just not the specific brand of love that we tend to idolize. Chihiro and Haku for example definitely love each other, and the fact that it isn't a conventional romance doesn't cheapen it at all. The shared feelings of mutual peace, harmony, understanding, and acceptance are what make this love the pinnacle of human emotion, and that is simply so much more impactful than physical attraction (also not everyone feels sexual or romantic attraction, but everyone does experience the love outlined above. Miyazaki's love is just more universal)
This video helped me a lot with my therapy. I was lost on who I am and what I want, but your deconstruction of these girls and young women showed me where I want to start my journey. Years of overthinking finally end and I can start to use my energy on defending my morals without shame, being respectful to people but especially myself, and not assuming the worst every second of my life. Thank you.
I'm currently on a second watch for taking notes because I too feeling lost since I can remember, saw so well articulated my struggles but also my core. I may not have the qualities of all these women, but something has clicked when I watched the video
The way I feel about the lofi girl vibe you described, is being present. In all of the examples you showed the characters are fully immersed in a sort of "be here now" attitude (at least from our perspective). It's a difficult to grasp kind of zen usually, but you described it well I think with a lack of neurosis or worry/distraction. They are simply where they are and nowhere else.
Miyazaki's women have grit. They keep their cool in tough circumstances. They do their duty. They push forward. They are humble. They are usually examples of charity. A lot of Christian gospel principles, honestly. I think that The Wind Rises should definitely be addressed in an essay about love, too--it contains his only adult romance to date. It's beautiful, made him cry when he wrote it.
I love what you said, especially about these heroines having grit, not to mention they earn their happy endings and never once do I stop to think them being women can keep them from being inspiring to me as a man.
I remember someone explaining love and relationships in ghibli films as like, soulmates in the purest sense. It's not necessarily romantic, instead it's that 2 people connect on a spiritual level, either with a shared purpose, or their individual purposes coming together. Like when some people say "soulmate" they do mean it in a romantic/sexual sense and have the attitude that true soul mates would burn the world just for each other, but ghibli soulmates would never do that. Ghibli soulmates instead would save the world together, even if that meant being apart.
about the romance/love thing, i love how miyazaki shows different types of love built from different types of relationships. when i was watching ponyo, i saw ponyo and sousuke's love as friendship or/"found sibling" love, and i thought the adults thinking romantic love is the highest form of love hilairious. and then i freaked out when people said ponyo and sousuke are romantic interests.
their love for each other was more pure than to get limited to romance or lust or adult kind of relationships. Two kids that see the world in innocent way and their love was spiritual and strong and whatever shape it's gonna have in adulthood...only time says
How exciting to see this video from you! I really loved the how Arcane writes women & men videos. Your analysis' are always very insightful and so valuable.
Bro you are an amazing writer, the amount of emotionl depth and intelligence you show is pure gold. It's so difficult to express emotional behaviour especially to thinker types. I have been in discussion about how to write strong women for sometime and we could only muster motherly strength. The amount of angles you have presented was exactly what we were looking for. Absolutely amazing watch, much appreciated for your insight.
This is one of the best analysis videos I’ve ever seen not just on this subject but in general for fiction/character study. I was genuinely moved to tears a couple of times because you described something so perfectly and it truly resonated with me as a person and my interests. Wonderful job, schnee!
This is single-handedly the best breakdown of what makes Miyazaki movies what they are in a writing sense at a time when I see so many try to do the same and fail. Great job!
I think calling the way lofi girl is as not neurotic is a profoundly perfect description. What you described as the idea she embodies, as not anxious, present, aware, relaxed yet dutiful could also be summed up as living life in a state of mindfulness. Being non judgmentally aware of the present moment and living in it. What's really cool is that in psychology we know that high levels of a trait called neuroticism is strongly correlated with low mindfulness. So in the reverse high mindfulness is associated with low neuroticism. I don't know if this was intentional but you described an actual phenomenon in psychology and I think perfectly summed up what people aspire too.
I'm vibing with your video so much on an intellectual and analytical level - you're so right that word choice is really important here, and especially distinguishes what I feel are more intuitively authentic feminine traits from Western values that attempt to place what are ultimately patriarchal values onto women. For instance, when you explained how a Ghibli heroine simply does what needs to be done, no matter the task, because it HAS to be done, I felt that in my *bones* as a woman, and as a descendent of centuries of women who have faced hardship. At the same time, I emotionally resonated with this video very strongly. I think all women will have a different relationships to their womanhood, but I think mine especially aligns with how you represent Ghibli heroines. This type of character is how I like to view my femininity in all aspects of myself, and is why I love and embrace my gender so strongly. And how comforting it is to be seen, recognized, represented, and valued! Especially when the real world is so often like Miyazaki's worlds - isolating and discouraging people like me in the effort to be spiritually honest and fulfilled. Thanks for the video!!
I love how Studio Ghibli characters, regardless of sex, gender, age and even species, all feel so human. They have human traits, not defined by their stereotypes and that feel so refreshing to see, like Miyazaki writes the soul of the character first then writes their gender and other stuff..they feel somewhat mytical and nearly other-worldly in that sense. Like his characters, both villians and heros, feel like angels and other fantasy leaning living things than like people.
"Miyazaki women are without inner conflict" Manga Nausicaa: (btw please read Nausicaa manga, every Miyazaki discussion feels incomplete without his magnum opus)
Wow... The depth in which you understand Miyazaki's work is absolutely fascinating and the way you're able to organise such abstract concepts so concisely aaaaaaaa love it so much!!! Thank you so much for providing such valuable content :)
Your discussion about work really hit me. I'm recovering from burnout after some very intense years of illness and overwork, and what I really miss about life before it got bad, is the serenity and contentment I found in my work. I miss it even when I'm resting, it's something I'm yearning to get back to- but because of the way I am right now I can't have it back just yet.
In the books Howl fell in love with Sofie because she cared about who he was not who he wanted to be perceived to be. There is a lot of the Wynn Jones book missing, in the ghibli film not least the ‘magic’ that Sofie makes and how her faith in others is really what makes her so special.
A woman glossed over in this is Sheeta. She, like Nausicaa, disgrees with every other character in her story about Laputa itself. Some characters think Laputa is a cool gizmo, some a source of treasure, and others a weapon of conquest. She is the only one to recognize that Laputa, at least the man-made parts, destroyed it's own people, and should be forgotten. She also exhibits the "I have a job to do" characteristic when she joins the Dola gang, and cares deeply about the "monsters" around her like the robot and the pirates. (As an aside Dola exhibits many qualities seen in Yubaba, Eboshi and the other women). But otherwise she seems to be the lost MC, not Pazu. She is listless and sort of resigned to her fate even well after meeting Pazu. And like Kiki seems to have quite a bit of inner conflict. This is a trait I don't think any of the other Ghibli women really have the: a listlessness or lost feeling about them like some of the men do.
Spent a good 10 minutes trying to find a comment about Sheeta, as she's SEVERELY underrated (she's my favorite Miyazaki character by a long shot; Nausicaa being close second) So thank you for writing this 🙏🏼
Miyazaki’s characters are complicated, they are never pure evil or good, unlike Hollywood characters that make it so obvious who you need to side with, hate, like, dislike, etc. That’s also what makes female characters perfectly written, they aren’t perfect, or fit into what they should or shouldn’t be.
"So I'm exaggerating a bit.." No. No, you got it. For about 10 seconds you personified my inside voice perfectly. 😮💨 Little guy is like a bad parent. Wants what's best for me, but just goes about pushing in the worst way.
@9zetsu Not really. My IRL parents are remarkably good, to the point it's akaward for some of my friends with less happy pasts that I have no inherent qualms about inviting my parents over to my home, or having them over to social functions. I've had to learn to, on purpose, make separate social times for my parents and friends just because of how not-the-norm it is for most adults to have good relationships with their folks, and how that discomfort speads to other people's parents as well.
@EgoEroTergum that doesn't mean anything. Many people have good relationships with their parents despite having neurotic problems or even personality disorders. Our parents just didn't have enough knowledge about psychology to provide healthy upbringing for us. Judgemental voice in your head will always be your meaningful adult. You just need to dig a little in your childhood to discover instances where exact words were said.
@9zetsu Possibly, but since *I* am now the meaningful adult in my life, I don't see any constructive end to dredging up past mistakes from otherwise wonderfully functional people. I feel that that voice is best addressed directly, through physical fitness, sleep, and diet; as contrary to popular belief, your bodily actions set your mood, and your mind just retroactively credits itself. Perception is a self-fulfilling illusion, and the only way I know to change it, is to get out in front.
@EgoEroTergum you're right. You are an adult now. I'm not suggesting you confront your parents about your childhood. I'm suggesting to try addressing this issue (if it even is one) through therapy. Healthy habits are good, but it's not a direct approach in any way. It just helps =). Anyway, I'm just a random guy, I might be wrong, so have a nice day, and good luck.
I think Shizuku might be my favourite Ghibli protagonist, since she is so relatable to certain struggles I have had all my life. I'm not a girl, and she isn't the most talented writer, but I find her so empowering just by watching her arc of realising she doesn't need to perfect, and just through the incredible depiction of her struggles.
That part in the middle about work. There's a guy that solved this over one hundred years ago called Karl. And it's pretty much the fault of the economic system that creates jobs where we're alienated from what we're doing and our communities.
Don't know if this was intentional or happenstance but I was in fact getting a low fi vibe from your video shortly before that reveal in your narrative. Your videos are brilliant. And yet, I think this one raises the bar.
19:42 They are tho. Haru is full of self doubt. Sophie is very insecure about her looks. Shizuku is insecure about her writing. Anna has low self-esteem and social anxiety. Chihiro is cowardly. All of these female protagonists have these human flaws they have to come to terms with and overcome and show growth and that's what makes them good characters. Flaws like this are important and are a big reason why many western female protagonists fall flat; because they weren't given any to overcome.
It's a pity these kinds of essay videos don't get all the attention they deserve. You clearly put a lot of thought into this and it's a great analysis.
16:00 Miyazaki has referred to this particular vibe in his story as "ma" which i think means absence or lack in japanese? but is basically the film language equivalent to the rest between notes in a musical composition. They serve the story not by having anything happen to progress the plot but my giving the audience a moment between plot points where there is an absence of action to breathe and sit in the feelings and the tension and the complex scrambly feelings the story has evoked so far. You hear western audiences describe this aspect of ghibli films as 'dreamlike' but it actually serves to inject a lot of realism into the films too- or not realism, per say, but verisimilitude? you're never going to know what it's like to be a girl trapped in a bathhouse catering to gods and spirits, but you know what it's like to sit in a quiet moment with a lot on your mind between crazy events happening in your life, because no matter how hectic your life is it's never really all happening one after the other with no breaks in between, and those moments connect the audience to the characters on an emotional level and on an "i feel the time passing that you're feeling" level. it gives the story presence and weight, ironically by punching a bunch of gaps into it. there's no such thing as true _nothing;_ there are moments between the big action-y stuff that the characters have to live through and those moments matter too.
I loved this video!! Miyazaki’s female characters are well written because they have humanity and a developed inner world. They’re never just lifeless caricatures or stereotypes. 🥺 In terms of Ghibli movies overall i also really find Takahata’s portrayals of female main characters is incredible as they have the similar traits pointed out in this video but you also see them struggle with the culture of misogyny or objectification with nuance (ie. princess Kaguya’s rage at being reduced to an object for marriage or the whole segment in Only Yesterday where kid Taeko deals with the shame around periods)
32:00 I'm so sad you didn't bring up Castle in the Sky (which you called Laputa later; is that the name it was released under in different regions?) here, because there are so many amazing little moments like that with Sheeta (and with ma dola) where Sheeta is expected to act like a model woman and then she acts feminine but different from how people expect her to. she has roles like 'cook' and 'help' and 'princess' shunted onto her and then she looks at that and goes ok :) and she gets the dola boys to serve her in the kitchen, helps out pazu by crawling up into the lookout kite with him, and- well, if i told you how she subverted being a princess that would sort of spoil the ending.
I think a lot of the interesting conflict that makes these characters so compelling is the contrast between their inner purpose (which gives them that "non-neurotic" focus/flow state) and how that purpose is in contrast with their external circumstances. It shows this friction and conflict that many of us face trying to make our way in the world. One of the leading characteristics I think is "purpose".
Fantastic video! So many great points. If you want a word other than 'not neurotic,' 'mindfulness' is a good one that I think fits almost exactly what you were describing - existing in the present moment without letting the past or the future have control of your thoughts. Once you've practiced mindfulness for a long time, it becomes easier to be more like Miyazaki's characters (at least theoretically) - better understanding your own values and being able to stand up for them without worrying about what others think. Listening to this video made me want to be better at it so I can have an existence more like Miyazaki's characters, too haha. Thank you for the video, it was wonderful!
The segment on love made me realize why I was able to connect so deeply and relate to these movies on such a personal level. It's obvious now that you said it, so much so I'm surprised I didn't notice it before, so thank you!
I haven’t finished the video yet, but I want to talk about the empowerment section for a second. I think you are absolutely right about the way empowerment is framed differently for women in western culture vs in Miyazaki films. I’d just like to use my own vocabulary for describing this. When you’re raised as a girl like I and many others, you learn to have a constant audience in your mind. Or at the very least, to know what reactions to expect from men. And with that thought always present in your mind, you also pay attention to how you do or don’t live up to their perceptions of you. So the idea I want to introduce here is being watched. In a lot of girl-power media, female empowerment inherently comes with being watched (with that “show”-y nature you were describing), because being a woman inherently comes with being watched. I don’t even think it’s intentional, I think it’s just an expectation that’s been ingrained into us our whole lives. As writers trying to critique those kinds of characters, I think it’s easy for us to assume that it’s all about ego or pride. Like “look how strong and subversive my character is, checkmate feminists **smug pixar face**”. And in many cases I think that’s true, like with that one scene in marvel infinity whatever. You know the one. (Though I think that was more of an executive ‘check off the diversity points’ kind of decision but I digress.) …HOWEVER, in cases where western writers are genuinely trying to make subversive and progressive female characters, yet the showy-ness is still there, I think it comes from that defensive position of having to think about how the character is seen. (Yes, writers have to think about how every character is seen, but it’s amplified with women and minorities, is what I’m saying.) In western media, the empowering female character has to be watched/show off in order to be empowering, because they are inherently being shown off by virtue of being women. In real life, it’s a form of objectification that makes you feel like you’re a prize and an actor and a character and a toy and a tool all at once. In fiction, it’s a confusing expectation that can be hard for anyone to notice. And if it slips under your radar as a writer, there’s no amount of feminist trope subversion that can change the fact that all your female characters, even the most badass and empowered ones, are still just something shiny to look at. Edit: I unpaused for like two seconds, and the duty thing is just ringing so true. I think it’s a different kind of cultural expectation that comes with its own upsides and downsides, but still, much different from the western view of women as shiny things. So true bestie (and I mean that in a non-parasocial way)
i found it really funny that you picked shizuku to show how Miyazaki women are really driven by their purposes and goals,not lost at all,they really know what they want…while shizuku not knowing who she is or what she wants is litteraly the plot of whisper of the heart, but it makes sense because in a way she makes that search for identity her goal and she solely focuses on that.loved the video btw so happy that you’re digging into ghibli movies 🤭(sorry if it’s messy or poorly worded I’m French and I wrote this at 2am)
I feel like the emphasis on duty as opposed to individual achievement may also be tied to the culture Miyazaki's work was made in. Traditionally, Japan is very collectivist, which can explain why many of these characters are driven by wanting to help those around them instead of their own egos. While eastern collectivism definitely has its issues, I think it has had a positive influence on Miyazaki's character writing and more creatives (especially from the US) should be taking notes.
You put into words so so much appreciation that is hard to speak into words - you somehow pick these strands of "here's WHY this is great" out of some jumbled yarn of love for these media. This made me cry. Thank you for what you do!
Kiki is my absolute favorite, with a close second being San. Kiki has helped me make peace with an uncertain life and to give those that show you kindness a chance. KDS is my emotional reset movie and it really reignites that spark of joy, I make an effort to see it every year with the Ghibli fest screenings
I love your insight so much. I always loved Miyazaki women characters because they were so refreshing from the Western female leads I was used to. I had just about oversaturrated my book palette with YA novels and thankfully discovered Ghibli movies. Immediately, I was amazed and entranced by how different the women were portrayed, but I also couldn't put it into words as how they were different. You were able to and so well. Thank you so much!
Miyazaki writes women very naturally, how real women would react to situations dependent on their personality. No power fantasy girlbossing which is unfortunately often seen from female writers these days, or the wild swinging of depiction from objectifying on one end to girl bossing merry sue writing which is often seen from males who have little to no experience interacting with women, mostly from the west; As for most anime writing, if it isn't a women writing the character and instead a guy, more often than not he writes the character from a very male shallow understanding of female behaviour and said female will fall into a trope behaviour category and her entire personality will be governed by said trope personality, mainly because most Japanese male manga artists as well as anime writers have very limited social interaction with women in general, even when they're married. See the difference is, Miyazaki had a life before he started animation (in other words he touched grass before the need to touch grass), he was not effected by nor impacted by the modern anime industry cultural zeitgeist nor does he care to embrace it, he is too old for that; When he was young it was just getting started and his "normie perspective" and attitude has rubbed off on his studio and everyone who works there, so they share his views. Very old school, grounded approach, normal stories, no stereotypes or tropes. There is a theme and a lesson for each story but apart from that, the personalities of the characters are reflective of their Heroes Journey as opposed to meeting some objective purpose or fanservice fulfilment. "modern anime" tropes have only been a thing since roughly 2006 onwards and never really came into full blown personality and hair colour madness until roughly 2012 and Ghibli is one of the few studios who have managed to completely resist this. A lot of it had to do with basically money and trying to piggy back on the successes of Neon Gensis, Future Diary, slice of life stuff like Host Clubs etc and Naruto which all cemented modern anime tropes. None of which were even a thing when Miyazaki was in his prime in the 80s.
I think precisely what makes everyone love these movies so much is because we're always reaching and hoping for more, and those characters manage to enjoy their lives as they live it. The bad times bring good times, they get up after falling and there is no questioning if the path they took is the right one, or even if it will end well. They never second guess themselves, and it's always so beautiful to see them embracing the chaos they live in, managing to add their beautiful personalities to the world and people around them.
Hey Schnee, great video. I've been watching your stuff for a while and it has helped me a lot with my writing. But there's one thing that got me thinking when I was watching your Arcane videos. Complexity vs Simplicity. I often hear complex stories with a lot of characters, intricate storylines, and plots that make your head scratch and question your whole life and view of the world being praised. Like Dune or Foundation. And Arcane if we're gonna use a more modern example. At the same time, stories that are quite simple and straightforward get called cliche, overdone, boring, predictable and results of bad writing. Not always but whenever I talk to someone about a Warhammer 40,000 or Battletech novel they roll their eyes and say "Lemme guess, it's about a guy who wants revenge" or "Lemme guess, it's yet another band of brothers, war story". Granted I could have used better examples (like 'The Old Man and the Sea') but I think you understand. I think that simple stories are not bad stories and in the hands of competent writers, they can be very enjoyable. I also think that as a story does what the writer intended (entertain or otherwise) then it's a good story regardless of its complexity. New writers have a belief that higher complexity equates to a better reading experience. Like if their story isn't as deep as something like Dune, Foundation or Arcane it's not good. But this isn't true. Don't get me wrong, I like the intrigue and depth of Dune, Foundation and Arcane. But I also really like reading Warhammer 40,000 and Battletech novels which are (for a big/most part) fairly simplistic and trope-oriented. Sometimes I want an emotional character-driven thriller and Machiavellian mysteries. And sometimes I want giant stompy robots and knights fighting demons and mushrooms because a skeleton god said so. Whenever I would write something, I would get discouraged because of how cliche and basic it would be. But the advice of "write what you love" really helped me with this, so thank you. But I would love to hear your take on Complexity in stories vs Simplicity. And another thing to touch on would be the difference between Complexity and Complication. As in, how just adding extra bits to your story doesn't make more complex, just more complicated. Which is not what you want. This article helped me: www.google.com/amp/s/www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/is-your-story-too-complicated/amp/ Once again, thank you for the work that you do. Sorry, if this was a lot to read 😅
have you seen my arcane vs lotr vid? i think that's a pretty good sum up of my thoughts on that topic, and it sounds like theyre in line with yours ruclips.net/video/vzEmnroywsc/видео.html
I agree with your point, but I have to wonder if the people rolling their eyes at Warhammer/Battletech novels aren't just bored of the common tropes/themes in them. As someone who has read enough romance manga to get kind of jaded regarding the genre, "lemme guess, it's yet another X" really resonated with me; I feel that way about a lot of things myself. For example, if I'm trying out a new series, a dense protagonist is pretty likely to make me drop it, even if it has some interesting elements. I often disparage that stuff as something along the lines of "generic rehashed slop" and say "I just want an interesting story", but I think a simple band of brothers war story sounds like it would probably be a nice read. Even if it's generic, simplistic or even clumsy, the theme itself is something I don't have a lot of experience with, so I don't think I'd mind all that much. Simplistic stories feel much, much worse when you've gotten bored of the tropes in them and just crave something different. Of course, you know the full attitude of the people you're talking about much better than I, but I had to share this because the reactions you described sounded so familiar.
@@lewski6560 these are very good points. New writers might be bogged down with worry about the readers. They want to write something that everyone would enjoy. But this simply isn't possible. The most famous and talented writers in history (Frank Herbert, JRR Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Isaac Asimov) that have written some of the greatest literary works of all time still have haters. They still have people who don't like their work. And that's fine. Nothing is for everyone. I remember when my brother told me "There are a lot of people who won't like your story." I said "I don't care about them. I care about the ones who WILL like my story."
@@schnee1 I have, it's a fantastic video. I just wish people would talk more about this kind of stuff. I've met beginners who loathe their work because it's "Nowhere near as intricate as X" or "Not as grand as Y". I always tell them that as long as it's what they enjoy it's fine.
@@simplewrites Exactly, if you find it meaningful, that's not a euphemism: there's MEANING there. Something is making you feel so attached or feel some other strong emotion, it's just a matter of articulating it.
This is the best explanation I have found perfectly describing the Miyazaki feel. And although a shallow thing to choose to reply to I feel its worth mentioning what you say around 36:18 , and how love can mean and refer to so many different circumstances, I feel in the modern day this is translated with the values of friendship between women, the help and love in the way these films portray, women tend to use this form of love with each other in a way to uplift and express, and, I feel can be seen when men and women form friendships-- men usually mistake this support for romantic interest, while women may see it as only natural, depending on the people of course
we need female and male Charackters that are suporting eachother, not working against each other. This is what Disney/Hollywood is doing wrong. It's that simple
18:33 In Spanish they say "worry" as "preocupación", which literally translates as Pre + Busy As in "being busy before actually being busy" Or "being occupied by your thoughts before being occupied by actions" It does not imply one is working, it only implies the mental state of the person the root "Des" means "not" so "despreocupado" implies a clean mental state from worries. So you can have someone being "despreocupada" while also working, ie. the lofi girl, or you can rest while "despreocupada" like chihiro after work's day Just food for thought, had this video been done in spanish im sure that's the word you would have chosen
God damn, Princess Mononoke has been one of my all time favorite films for so long. It's timeless. Miyazaki was so far ahead of his time. Take all the notes you possibly can here, Disney. THIS is how you write good female characters. Making a mary sue kick the shit out of and verbally abuse our male characters we've cherished since childhood is only going to create animosity and willful ignorance. Disney very much seems like a company that is exploiting equality and female rights for views and money. They've blatantly demonstrated that they don't give two shits about inclusivity and LGBTQ rights by removing the gay characters in Star Wars in the Chinese and Russian markets. THEY EVEN REMOVED FIN from all the promotional material in China because a black person existing is apparently too shocking and offensive for the Chinese.
Perfectly put, as always! I grew up on Ghibli more than disney and it stuck with me so much, my favourite film and heroine has always been Nausicaa, she was so strong in a way I didn't see anywhere else, and loved the epic fantasy of it. I would definitely put Laputa up there with beautifully written Ghibli heroines, Sheeta never wanted to draw attention or be powerful but willingly takes up a (traditionally feminine) role on the pirate ship, but is never seen as at all lesser for it, which is reflected in Captain Dola being the strongest mother on screen besides Moro. She makes friends with the robots of mass destruction. The end is all about being driven enough to do what has to be done, and while she starts scared of Muska, she stands before him unafraid by the end. I love that she is given more of a development of when she stopped running away or giving up in order to save Pazu and actually started fighting back.
This video has reminded me of the person I used to be before the world told me that who I was could not survive. Society changed me for the worse, but I think I can get better again. Thank you .
These movies are at the very top, of my favorite media to consume. This video is incredible, as with everything else on this channel. I really want to write more (i write a LOT, just not really fiction which is what i love), and this channel always makes me want to do that. Thank you so much. Really. Cant wait to watch the boy and the heron. One of my favorite Miyasaki movies is the wind rises, primarily because of all the airpanes. When it comes to a character, the pirate captain from Laputa, when i think about it, fits the vibe and characteristics that you describe pretty well. Love the character.
The thing I love about Chihiro is the fact that she starts of extremely timid and cautious and she finds her courage in the face of unforeseen and unnatural circumstance an her journey in this, how she grows into a brave, selfless and resourceful person in spite of her circumstances and the fact that she adapts to her circumstances which is an empowering journey. What I love about Sophie is the fact that she finds gratitude and acceptance in her circumstances, she's grateful for what she has when she leaves her home and finds Howl's home and accepts herself as an old woman immediately and that is beautiful. Sophie shows her strength by accepting her circumstances and finding joy in her circumstances and Chihiro shows her strength through adapting through her circumstances and finding her courage in an unknown world. The journey is empowering but these 2 characters are inspiring in who they are and I love them! 🤗
00:00 🎬 Exploring iconic Miyazaki heroines, the speaker faces challenges in describing them using common terms like "independent" and "courageous" from Western characterizations. 03:13 🧗 Miyazaki's heroines exhibit two types of courage: the daring hero who laughs in the face of danger, and the courage to act despite fear, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling duties. 05:38 🚀 The source of empowerment in Miyazaki's heroines is rooted in duty, not individual potential. Their strength comes from fulfilling obligations to family, community, or the greater good. 07:29 💪 Unlike Western empowerment narratives, Miyazaki's heroines don't seek validation or have something to prove. Their empowerment arises from a low ego, driven by a sense of duty to others. 11:04 🏞 Miyazaki's heroines often start in isolated or separated circumstances, influencing their decisions. This perspective redefines the idea of independence, emphasizing an orientation shaped by being alone. 13:39 🌍 Miyazaki's heroines inhabit closed or rigid worlds, characterized by strict dichotomies and limited compromise. This contributes to their isolated orientation and sets the stage for compelling stories. 15:03 🎶 The character Shizuku from "Whisper of the Heart" exemplifies a distinctive emotional tone found in Miyazaki's heroines, emphasizing a unique sense of tranquility and introspection. 15:45 🌟 The appeal of Studio Ghibli movies lies in the unique vibe they capture, filled with moments of relaxation and immersion. 16:43 🤔 Viewers are drawn to the daydreaming quality in Ghibli films, aspiring to embody the tranquil and focused state depicted in the characters. 18:32 😌 "Loi girl" represents a character archetype in Miyazaki's films who is not neurotic-free from overwhelming thoughts and anxiety, embodying a sense of peace with life's responsibilities. 19:13 💪 Miyazaki's female characters stand out as unapologetic, living life with purpose, moral clarity, and a strong will, which contrasts with neurotic tendencies. 20:08 🌐 There is a contrast between Miyazaki's male and female protagonists, with the men often portrayed as more neurotic and lost in finding their purpose. 21:48 🌿 Many Miyazaki women characters exhibit a rare characteristic-having little inner conflict, which contributes to their inspirational and aspirational qualities. 23:12 🌈 The energy displayed by Miyazaki's female characters is not driven by negative sources but originates from a pure spirit, unobstructed by inner struggles. 26:17 🔄 While "Loi girl" lacks significant inner conflict, maintaining character interest is challenging; external conflicts alone cannot compensate. 27:26 🤝 Miyazaki's female characters often embark on journeys with a diverse group of companions, emphasizing their openness to connect with others and heal broken worlds. 29:22 🌍 Miyazaki women act as spiritual heroes, using their spiritual strengths to save worlds from chaos, focusing on deeper values beyond superficial physical aspects. 31:30 🌐 Mizaki's women characters thrive in broken, spiritually bankrupt environments, facing challenges like cursed worlds or social hierarchies. 31:59 🌸 Mizaki's female characters embrace their womanhood without feeling inferior; they defy societal norms, showcasing strength and resilience. 32:13 💑 Mizaki's heroines maintain close relationships with men, emphasizing harmony and rejecting narratives of gender rivalry or conflict. 32:57 💔 Mizaki introduces love as a perplexing element in his stories, often featuring unconventional relationships that challenge traditional romantic norms. 34:20 💖 Mizaki's concept of love transcends romantic feelings; it focuses onsupportive partnerships, friendship, and shared goals rather than conventional romantic ideals. 36:13 🌍 Mizaki rejects the conventional Western view of romantic love and proposes a vision where deep, supportive partnerships and equality are celebrated. 37:23 ⚖ Mizaki's heroines carry a duty to bring about positive change in their worlds, demonstrating openness, fearlessness, and a willingness to connect with others. 38:19 🌟 Inner Harmony is the foundation of Mizaki's heroines' drive and energy, contributing to their magnetic presence and the healing of their worlds. 39:16 🤔 Mizaki's intuitive and nuanced approach to character creation leaves room for interpretation, with each character embodying unique traits and exceptions. 40:26 🎬 The next video will explore the saddest Miyazaki movie, followed by a discussion on the themes of "the boy and the Heron."
i think to fully begin to understand miyazaki/ghibli's portrayal of love, you must first forget about the traditional, heteronormative, romantic/sexual idea of love that is so prominent in our culture. because myazaki's portrayals of love are some of the most pure, beautiful, admirable shows of love that i've ever seen. frankly, it reminds me of qprs.
Hi! First of all, great video. Second, I was trying to find this word for a long time that would mean "not anxious, non chalant, being working with a life in mind", for a project, and this video resonated with it quite a lot. What you said about the Non- neurotic energy hit the right mark. What you said about freeing up all the neurotic extra effort that we put in and then see how we would be, is exactly what I was looking at when I stumbled up on the video. So I wanted to ask, have you found/come up with a better word for this personality trait/emotion/mindset state- Non neurotic, non-anxious, nonchalant openness, something explanative that does not have a "non"- a better word for the lofi ethos.
Not gonna lie, this is what I want an video analysis to be. The flow of your thought process, jumping from courage to independence to neuroticism (this part stuck with me), and asking the right questions, not being satisfied by vague meaning. Absolutely marvelous. I only see this profound of writing in philosophy books and essays, wonder you if are into that field too. 1+ Sub :)
I feel like living in the moment, mindful living or living in the present are good terms for what you were thinking off. It strips away the layer of overthinking, overworrying about the future or the past, by just focusing on what is happening now. Whether it’s cleaning Howl’s messy house, to eating a meal after a long day working at the bathhouse. Ghibli movies are also great at visually depicting ‘slow living’ and romanticising the mundane/every-day by drawn out moments and sitting a lot longer with a scene than you would expect. This forces the audience to slow down too. You can see these themes across both their smaller/slower movies and their “big” ones like Mononoke. Even in the latter, you have these long drawn out scenes in the forest.
this is an incredible breakdown! i love miyazaki's work, so i'm taking extensive notes for my novel. his stories can be hard to parse mechanically so you did a good job. i was also so happy when you brought up shizuku, because i love whisper of the heart; i wish you'd touched on that movie more because she fits into this picture too, but i understand that she's not a miyazaki girl. anyway great video :)
Think the most empowering thing about Ghibli women/girls IS that they know who they are, they know what they're worth, and so they don't feel the need to prove themselves. I relate to and love Sophie the most. I'm currently working on my self esteem and inner turmoil, and I hope/know that one day I will be able to find people who love me for my true self that I can have/make a family with
Kiki is my favorite, maybe because it was my first Ghibli film, but also because I love coming of age stuff. Even now at 26, I relate to coming of age stories. Mostly due to being late diagnosed ADHD/ASD... but that's a different subject. The main thing about Kiki that I love is that she ends up doing what she loves as a JOB and that took the joy and spontaneity out of flying. It used to be something she would do with her mother as a signifier for what she is; a witch. Then she does a delivery service, where not only does flying become a job instead of a joy, she realizes that 1. because she is different, people treat her differently and aren't like her close friends at home. This goes into the neurodivergent thing and how I relate. Then, 2. the reality of life starts to set in, people aren't always grateful, or kind. Kiki delivers in the cold and rain, and she is met with snark and disdain, the girl not even really paying attention to her at all, more focused on her dumb grandma giving her another stupid fish dinner on her birthday. This ends up burning her out quickly. She loses her spark, and thusly, her powers. She can't fly or hear Jiji anymore. Instead of looking at the hardships she's gone thru, she blames herself and thinks there's something wrong with her. Another neurodivergent trait. Thinking, what's wrong with me? Why can't I do what I used to be able to do? Oh, turns out I have Problems Disorder. And getting burnt out is difficult, because the /only/ remedy is rest over time. It's not like depression where you can take meds and change your mindset. Then, once she's put on the spot to perform, she is able to do so, barely, just enough to save Tombo - and this isn't portrayed in the English dub, but Kiki never hears Jiji again, he meows like a cat in Japanese, a sign that she has matured and outgrown the need to have Jiji as an almost imaginary friend - and she smiles in this bittersweet way that stuck with me. I'll never be the same person I was when I still had energy and more life and functionality... but I have matured a lot, learned a lot, and now that I know myself better, I can work with myself. I'm still a work in progress, I'm still shaky on my broomstick, and I miss my cat's voice, but I still have a lot to look forward to as well.
I woke up and watch both your Miyazaki videos...I was late on the last one But this has made my morning.... maybe my entire week Definitely going for a rewatching So THANKS
I saw the title and immediately thought you were talking about Dark Souls' Miyazaki, which would be a weird video to make considering how much he likes feet.
I want to add to the point you made about love in Miyazaki's films. In my opinion, one of the English language's biggest shortcomings is the fact that there is only one word for "love." It can describe so many things that it (in my opinion) loses its meaning. "Love" can describe familial relationships, romantic relationships, friendships, etc. If you look at other languages, in this case Japanese, there are many more words to describe "love." I would make a list here of some Japanese words that are translated to "love" in English, but I'm still learning Japanese and don't want to get anything wrong. "Love" is something that tends to get lost in translation between Japanese and English and I feel it's an important thing to add to this conversation.
I liked the video a lot! I think a lot of Miyazaki's characters are well-written, specifically because they treat love not as something to acquire, but something you do.
Amazing video, I absolutely loved it ! I was just surprised to not hear anything about The Castel in the Sky which pictures love in one of the most obvious way imo. Anyway, great content, super interesting thank you !
I think the main difference here is that Hollywood is trying to write women while Miyazaki is writing people.
I see it more like Hollywood is writing man and then giving them a female body while Miyazaki actually writes women.
Women are in fact people
@@korrasg1320 That is true. But they write what they think men are. And sadly they think men are spartan killing machines. And that is just not true.
Simone de Beauvoir is still right.
@@korrasg1320 He writes women how I wish women were. Unfortunately in the west they often are how they are depicted in Hollywood movies.
I've always loved the scene in Howls Moving Castle where Sophie cries into the wind, loud and ugly, and when she's done, she's done. No withholding, no shame about whos watching, no apologies after. She acknowledges how hard and stressful the journey has been, and cries about it. When she's done crying, the journey continues. It makes me want to be that in tune with my needs, no matter what they are, and express them shamelessly.
me stoo so MUCH
Literally one of my favorite scenes ever makes me feel all the emotions that I need to feel.
Sophie was definitely very charming and it was great to see her build her confidence and acceptance of her age. Miyazaki’s character feel like people dealing with an actual problem or insecurity that they ultimately learn to overcome, not just a device used to deliver a message that rings hollow.
Shame might be one of the main struggles of modern society without people realizing it. I believe Miyazaki, coming from a society built on honor and shame, tries to picture a world where we can explore the complexity of life freely without shame getting in the way (of these characters and people in them); because perhaps it is shame which leads to this uncontrollable confusion so prevalent today.
I find that his work reflects the reality that life isn't black and white but rather complex and that that's okay, we can just accept it for what it is; this thought makes me feel the way Sophie did, that acceptance of reality for all of it's contrast and that it's not really anybody's fault, we all take what we're given and there's no one answer for everything; this makes me rest into my spirit.
Life is a mix of order and chaos and that's the beauty of it, it's perfect because it's not.
Yess, such a mood!
- Kiki taught me about proper work-life balance, about rest and recovery from burnout
- Sophie taught me about courage and not caring what others might think of me, so as to not be a passive observer in my own life
- Sheeta and Pazu taught me about selfless love, kindness, and how understanding can bring together the most unlikely friends
- Ashitaka and San taught me that it’s never too late to start over, to make peace. People say “well, that’s the way it’s always been, that’s the way it’ll always be, there’s no use trying to change things” but that’s not true, there’s always a way to reach a peaceful resolution. The forest may burn but there will be growth there someday.
Nausicaä taught me to be kind and empathetic.
Shizuku taught me to prioritise your creativity correctly. You're ALLOWED to be creative and have goals, but sometimes things like school have to take first place. You can write outside of school hours. But you can do your dream. It's OK if your first attempt isn't the best. Baby steps. You will improve, you will find your inner gems.
We learn from her mistake but also her determination.
Chihiro taught me to see the good in others, even if it seems like there is none.
She also taught me that it's okay to let your emotions out, because mental strength is the best kind of strength.
Porco Rosso taught me to let go of guilt and trauma that may have not been my fault and to forgive myself (and also that fascism is bad, which is based)
Umi Matsuzaki taught me to let go of somethings and keep trying in what you believe in. She also taught me to stay strong when it feels like nothing is working out. (No its NOT just about a boy)
I work in the cosplay community as a photographer. Nearly every single female anime character has been turned into a purely sexual being by cosplayers with scantily clad versions of them. But you hardly ever, ever see that with Ghibli's female characters. They're just not seen in that way and i think your essay gets to the heart of why.
I think a key point here is is that none of the charaters are erotic. Beautiful, but not erotic.
Depicting/dressing up the characters up like that feels like an insut.
But the intresting/remarkable thing is that its not because the characters are "pure" or "innocent", they are not deprived of eroticism, rather that eroticism simply plays no role in the storys that they are part of.
The reality is that women in anime are just used to please male audiences. Miyazaki actually expressed his disappointment when it comes to anime in an interview. It's not just the cosplayers, they literally dress as the character who appears that way.
@@grAnita- And we are Happy with that. Get your Feminazi views out of our Escapism and Entertainment!!! 😠😠
In all Seriousness, I feel like many Anime pEople are entrenching themselves further due to the Feminazis making Women Uglier with Horrible personalities to beat the "male gaze".
Except the Only one Feminazis are defeating is themselves by being Spiteful. Men will literally accept Non sexualized but Pretty Women. We aren't that hard to please Ladies. 😅 Give us a well Rounded character and its even better.
@@eliasheid947it's definitely not this alone.
Kobeni from chainsaw man isn't sexualized and doesn't wear revealing clothing at pretty much any point within the series, yes a bit part of the anime community sexualizes the living hell out of her
@@grAnita- I agree that Miyazaki is exceptional, I still have my critiques. He really struggles with not adding female stereotypes to his characters for ex. Only his recent film, the Boy and Heron is the first movie where his Female lead doesn't cry. There is not one other film where his female charactes don't cry. But there are many films where his male characters cry, but many where they don't. Because "women cry to express emotion"
And other tradional traits, that are purely female are given because she is female. But I give credit that women's place in his stories are never invalidated.
Important note about the theme of aloneness for the sex workers in Mononoke is that in feudal Japan most prostitutes were sold into sex work by their families, which adds extra meaning to Eboshi buying their contracts and giving them a home with husbands and valued work as the smiths of Iron Town. Just as with the lepers, Eboshi lifted them out of ostracism and gave them family, value, and community
Japanese culture has great esteem for a children's book published in 1908 by Canadian author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. That book is called Anne of Green Gables, and Anne Shirley inhabits all the characteristics you defined. She is shunned as an orphan, she lives in a rigid world, she doesn't dwell on past injustices but instead tries to see it through compassionate eyes. She is archetypically feminine yet breaks gender barriers by striving for academic success. She is filled with drive, duty, low fi bliss, strong opinions about right and wrong, and a desire to love and be loved. She changes as she matures, but the greatest change happens to those around her when they experience her joy.
I love Anne of Green Gables (a 40-year-old Polish woman here, haha). As a character, she feels 100% like an actual human being - and a human being that you could very well transplant right into our times and she'd fit right in without any changes to her character necessary. Hell, you could literally transplant her whole story to modern times (an adopted child in a small community, struggling in her new circumstances and gradually finding acceptance and love while pursuing academic dreams and literally aspirations, while at the same time dealing with insecurities about her looks, friendships and first loves, and also generally being a normal teenager who likes fashion, etc. etc. etc.)... Now that I think about it - I wonder how it's possible that we don't have a modern adaptation yet!
❤
Akage no Anne is one of my favourite anime. It's adapted by World Masterpiece Theatre and directed by Isao Takahata, the co-founder of Ghibli
@@AW-uv3cbI mean the 1979 adaptation has aged fine
Fascinating comment! I am curious if you have seen "Anne with An E"? It is a Netflix adaption of Anne of Green Gables. Sadly only three seasons. If you have what you think of it? There are definite changes to Anne's story but I think the essence is still there, in all the ways you so eloquently listed above.
A possible substitute for “not neurotic” I think would be “contented”. It usually means happy and at ease, but also means willing to accept something and satisfied.
They're very mindful too. Mindfulness!
I was thinking the same thing.
@@estellamurphy7660 i also thought mindful, or embracing the moment.
Radical acceptance?
tbh, although it might not be the best description, "not neurotic" feels like the perfect way to describe it because it's in reference to the real world. The aesthetic is so calming because it's a break from the chaos of our surroundings and our minds. That said, I do think that "content" is the goal; I just do not think it captures the emotion quite right as to why it's so appealing.
Some extra thoughts I had: The women portrayed in the movies don't seem content. There is still something they are going after although they have no inner conflict. That's what I really like about them; they are driven and seeking something, and I like them especially because it's not inner peace that they are missing.
duuude, im loving all this miyazaki-talk recently, these movies were like 80% of my childhood. what a nostalgia trip!
Yes yes yes yes
When I watched nausicaa for the first time, I cried at how beautiful of a person she was. Her kindness, her way of looking past biases about her forest and it ultimately being the thing that saves her life- the journey she went through hit me in a nerve that almost felt hidden deep within me. I’ve never seen another character like her. She’s relatively underrated compared to other ghibli heroines but she made the biggest impact on me.
I'd encourage you to read the manga, if you haven't already. It's a beautiful work drawn by Miyazaki in the same art style as the movie, and far more in-depth. Very brutal story, though.
Nausicaa is my favorite Miyazaki heroine and in general she is one of my all time favorite heroes. I love how kind she is, bud capable as well, like she is fully aware of the danger around her but tries to handle it in the best way she can. As a man, I am inspired by her and want to be like her, that is the power of a great character.
Watched Nausicaa again last night and was just so impressed by her, I just haven’t seen another character quite like her. The scene where she literally burns her leg in acid to save a dying creature and somehow manages to keep going after that just punches me in the gut every time. She is by far one of my favorite characters of all time.
@@rootbourne4454 yes she is not a girl boss, she is not a conventional hero either, she realizes that some people and bugs are dangerous, so she never underestimates anyone but that doesn't stop her from caring. One more thing i like about her is that we see she is a skilled warrior capable of killing multiple enemies and that terrifies her to the point her pacifism seems more like self restraint.
I will second ernic11's recommendation, the manga is the anime but more in-depth, everything from the world to the plot to Nausicaa the character.
I am a 24 year old man, father, husband and when I last watched Howls moving Castle, I was 6 or 7 years old, so I hardly remember it. I watched it again recently with my kids, and when I seen Sofie get cursed to be an old lady, I felt scared. Seeing her, this, now, old lady, venturing willingly, without a second thought into what I’m told is a dangerous location, I felt empowered. The idea this girl who just went through something utterly awful, losing her youth and her life effectively, and not just perceiver, but show such resolve, just took my breath away. It seems like such a small scene in action but as someone who at a young age was very afraid of both dying and growing old, this old woman showed more courage and determination than I ever could. I know I would’ve broke down, hid away somewhere, and tried to at least die peacefully and quietly, with some dignity. Seeing that scene really made me feel stronger, like I could be strong like her in that moment. And that is something I can’t fully put into words, aside from what I said above. That’s not just good female characterization, that’s good writing.
24 year old father?
@@wickedarctiinae413224 years old is actually a really normal age to have children. At least, for older generations. It’s rare for newer generations due to a variety of factors.
@@wickedarctiinae4132 Sure, 24 years is considered fairly young for parenthood in today's Western society (though that's not necessarily true in other places in the world, and we don't know where the OP is from), but hardly unheard of, so why fixate on that minor detail instead of focusing on the very heartfelt, in-depth and on-the-point comment that he wrote about Sophie (about whom, incidentally, I agree with him completely: she's a fantastic character who grows into so much strength while remaining so utterly and believably human and vulnerable)?
@@AW-uv3cbyeah, it's quite normal in my place. Still young but, normal
I like how you describe it. Sometimes I felt the same in some movies. That feeling when you could do the same as the MC and like nothing can stop you.
The vibe I get from Miyazaki movies is romance, but not in love romance but the old fashioned meaning "a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life." I'm not finished watching yet but thank you for the lovely videos! Edit* Finally finished the video and you ended up bringing it up later. Great minds think alike lol
Regarding Kiki: I think she suffers from inner-conflict, but I don't know if she's quite "spiritually lost." She has that certainty and purity of purpose Miyazaki's women usually have from the outset. The conflict arises when her spirit bumps up against a world that isn't as magical as she is. This results in her briefly losing her literal magical powers, but the film resolves with her finding a place in the world where her inner-light can be allowed to shine. She adapts, she grows up, but she doesn't compromise. She might not be able to talk to Jiji anymore, but she's still Kiki.
Jiji gets a girlfriend though so it all kind of shakes out.
Someone asked Miyazaki why Jiji didn't talk at the end when she overcame her spiritual burnout and save the day, to which he replied "maybe he was speechless"
@@guadalupeestrada410 Ha! I hadn't heard that. Good answer
Of course, the English dub has a line for Jiji 🤦♂🤦♂🤦♂
I think what else really sets Ghibli women apart is the fact that they have so many qualities about them that make them feel like they're real people. Western storytelling plays up the drama and the fantastical, and by no means are Ghibli films lacking in either of those traits, but the characters always feel so grounded in their worlds. They're a part of that world. Myiazaki is such a master at building these worlds into believability that the story genuinely begins and ends as if it truly was just another day in the world and what sells it is the way the characters interact with each other and the world around them. I really liked your point about how the women have a duty and a purpose to fulfill and they're just DOING it. Just another day, just another task, and yet that lofi vibe permeates the whole thing. I love these films and I have so much respect for Miyazaki.
Well done on this video!! Super cool and fascinating!!
While I was writing my first novel last year I wanted to take careful consideration that my female characters weren’t being made into caricatures of how “strong women” were portrayed in western movies/shows/etc. So I took inspiration from not only the amazing women in my life but also the beloved female characters in the studio Ghibli films who never seemed to fit a particular box but were always viewed as whole characters
What’s the name of your book?
@@mr.g2508 it’s “The Collective: Forsaken Faith”
I honestly recommend not worrying it about unless female characters have the same personality syndrome.
For example, I have a female character who falls into a “strong woman” however people love her. It’s about how you write them.
@@IsabellaMathewI couldn’t agree more. I think that’s the beauty of writing in itself, every writer brings something different to the table, whether it's a particular style of prose, a distinct sense of humor, or a unique world-building approach. It's this diversity of voices and approaches that keeps the art of storytelling so captivating and ever-evolving
@@Nyzahnewton ☺️
In my opinion, the best writer of female characters besides Miyazaki is the deceased writer Satoshi Kon. Because he has always written unique female characters, the most famous of which are Prefect Blue, Paprika, and Millennium Actress. And other other works.
Ugh, his death still hurts. I remember hearing the news like it was yesterday.
@@mischr13Same💔, we have lost a writer and a person who will never be repeated.
Mamoru Hosoda also does quite well. "Belle" is a lovely movie with an amazing heroine.
Still haunt me he is gone rn
Shout out to Tokyo Godfathers.
miyazaki's movies have such an aroaspec view on romance and love and i am so obsessed with it. like yes please that's exactly what i want.
I adore Nassica because of how empathetic and good hearted she is. So many people who try (and fail) to write female characters just make them reallly mean spirited and emotionless??
But Nassica is just really genuine in wanting to help both people and insects. And even though she's kind she's strong. Not weak.
I really looked up to Nassica as a kid and still do now
I really liked that you addressed that in western media romantic love and "love at first sight" are depicted as the pinnacle of happiness and what we must all aspire to in order to find our happily ever after. I myself am asexual (not aromantic though) and am quite bothered by the focus being so heavily on romantic relationships that stem from sexual attraction. The depiction of relationships in Miyazaki movies that come from mutual respect and appreciation or even are just platonic in nature is kind of "refreshing", for lack of a better word. It is just nice to see more credit being given to different kinds of relationships.
While I agree with you I will say that it is not the fact that western movies are wrong rather they don’t represent how everyone feels love or romantic feelings.
@@Mialikesthings Yes, I agree. That's a good way to put it.
33:39 Why Sofie and Howl fall for each other
I think mostly because it made sense in the book, but the story in the book is VERY different from the Ghiblli version (not only because it's longer and twistier).
The popular description is that the movie is Howl's version of the story where he is super cool, Sophie's family make a blink and you miss it appearance and We Don't Talk About Wales. The book is the story told from Sophie's POV, and it describes Howl as a disaster himbo wizard coward from the strange other world "Wales", and at the end she and her family have to rescue him.
EDIT Forgot to mention, the scarecrow is also better explained in the book. It doesn't really make sense in the movie because the entire Magical Frankenstein subplot is cut out but it made sense in the book.
My new Stand, [Disaster Himbo Wizard]!
About your whole section regarding love, you managed to put into words what I, an asexual, have always adored about Miyazaki's relationships since childhood. Kisses and sex aren't the driving force of these relationships, it's about simply helping each other. making each other happy in the mundane aspects of life, making each other feel valued as a person living in society. I don't want to have sex, and I'm not wild about kisses, but I want to hug my future spouse with the same level of enthusiasm as Ponyo hugs Souske. I want to feel as supported and cared for as Sophie cares for Howl. It's looking at the SOUL of a person and wanting to have them in their life, united not by superficial interests or ideals, but in the simple desire for wanting to meet and connect with people who are just living life. EDIT: it's for this reason Nausicaa was and still is my favorite Ghibli girl to this day. She just wants to help people, and no person is excluded from her love, even those who are terrifying or hate-filled. She faced down an army of rage-blinded bugs and still won.
Brilliant video, schnee. Please keep it up with the Miyazaki essays, cause RUclips really needs more of these videos.
This EXACTLY! I am not a romance movie person, but Ghibli makes me feel giddy. At the end of the movie I feel in my heart that the couple love each other in such a way that I could only dream of. The pure support and admiration, and LOVE is so deep that it's almost magnetic.
Can we be soulmates?
I'm not asexual but the absolute strongest love I've ever felt is not when sex comes first. It's when we get to know each other in such a deep way, wether that is from working together in a team, or relating to each other through hobbies or life experiences. To feel immence respect and admiration NEVER comes for me when it's all about sex either. I feel like this guy not understanding why people here fell in love is actually quite sad. Makes me wonder if he even ever even had a teacher that he loved and respected without wanting a sexual relationship with, or a close friend.
I love it when a good asexual essay attracts a pack of ace folk lol. I agree :)
I'm aroace and I 100% agree! Miyazaki films deal with romance and relationships in a refreshing way that we don't see a lot. And its absolutely beautiful
One day I'd love to have a partner (whether it's a platonic, romantic, or something in between) that I could go on adventures with. Where we'd be there for each other and work together. I want a relationship similar to how they're portrayed in these films.
I have always adored how love in studio ghibli films extends beyond the conventional, narrow idea of romance that is what dominates western media. True love exists between all of these characters, just not the specific brand of love that we tend to idolize. Chihiro and Haku for example definitely love each other, and the fact that it isn't a conventional romance doesn't cheapen it at all. The shared feelings of mutual peace, harmony, understanding, and acceptance are what make this love the pinnacle of human emotion, and that is simply so much more impactful than physical attraction (also not everyone feels sexual or romantic attraction, but everyone does experience the love outlined above. Miyazaki's love is just more universal)
Totally agree. :) There are other forms of love that are just as valuable. Not all love has to be romantic love.
This video helped me a lot with my therapy. I was lost on who I am and what I want, but your deconstruction of these girls and young women showed me where I want to start my journey. Years of overthinking finally end and I can start to use my energy on defending my morals without shame, being respectful to people but especially myself, and not assuming the worst every second of my life. Thank you.
I'm currently on a second watch for taking notes because I too feeling lost since I can remember, saw so well articulated my struggles but also my core. I may not have the qualities of all these women, but something has clicked when I watched the video
The way I feel about the lofi girl vibe you described, is being present. In all of the examples you showed the characters are fully immersed in a sort of "be here now" attitude (at least from our perspective). It's a difficult to grasp kind of zen usually, but you described it well I think with a lack of neurosis or worry/distraction. They are simply where they are and nowhere else.
Miyazaki's women have grit. They keep their cool in tough circumstances. They do their duty. They push forward. They are humble. They are usually examples of charity. A lot of Christian gospel principles, honestly.
I think that The Wind Rises should definitely be addressed in an essay about love, too--it contains his only adult romance to date. It's beautiful, made him cry when he wrote it.
I love what you said, especially about these heroines having grit, not to mention they earn their happy endings and never once do I stop to think them being women can keep them from being inspiring to me as a man.
@@AndreNitroX You're welcome! I hope that we can see many more good examples in media like them. If not then I'll go write some myself instead =D
@@MrBoponpa go do it!
Oooh grit is a good word, I can’t believe it wasn’t included.
It should be said that American women love to scream too much, at least in Hollywood movies.
I remember someone explaining love and relationships in ghibli films as like, soulmates in the purest sense. It's not necessarily romantic, instead it's that 2 people connect on a spiritual level, either with a shared purpose, or their individual purposes coming together. Like when some people say "soulmate" they do mean it in a romantic/sexual sense and have the attitude that true soul mates would burn the world just for each other, but ghibli soulmates would never do that. Ghibli soulmates instead would save the world together, even if that meant being apart.
about the romance/love thing, i love how miyazaki shows different types of love built from different types of relationships. when i was watching ponyo, i saw ponyo and sousuke's love as friendship or/"found sibling" love, and i thought the adults thinking romantic love is the highest form of love hilairious. and then i freaked out when people said ponyo and sousuke are romantic interests.
their love for each other was more pure than to get limited to romance or lust or adult kind of relationships. Two kids that see the world in innocent way and their love was spiritual and strong and whatever shape it's gonna have in adulthood...only time says
this video literally takes all my thoughts of Ghibli films and puts them in format! Especially the part when u talk about the "ghilby peace vibe"
How exciting to see this video from you! I really loved the how Arcane writes women & men videos. Your analysis' are always very insightful and so valuable.
Bro you are an amazing writer, the amount of emotionl depth and intelligence you show is pure gold. It's so difficult to express emotional behaviour especially to thinker types. I have been in discussion about how to write strong women for sometime and we could only muster motherly strength. The amount of angles you have presented was exactly what we were looking for. Absolutely amazing watch, much appreciated for your insight.
This is one of the best analysis videos I’ve ever seen not just on this subject but in general for fiction/character study. I was genuinely moved to tears a couple of times because you described something so perfectly and it truly resonated with me as a person and my interests. Wonderful job, schnee!
I know she’s not a Miyazaki character but I’d love to see a Kaguya video. Her story is my favorite in all of Ghibli
Could you talk more about that?
@@wickedarctiinae4132Tale of Princess Kaguya. It adapts one of Japan's oldest and most celebrated tales
I think she is about the meaning of Humanity and her story is really sad 😥
Movie broke my fuckin heart
This is single-handedly the best breakdown of what makes Miyazaki movies what they are in a writing sense at a time when I see so many try to do the same and fail. Great job!
I think calling the way lofi girl is as not neurotic is a profoundly perfect description. What you described as the idea she embodies, as not anxious, present, aware, relaxed yet dutiful could also be summed up as living life in a state of mindfulness. Being non judgmentally aware of the present moment and living in it. What's really cool is that in psychology we know that high levels of a trait called neuroticism is strongly correlated with low mindfulness. So in the reverse high mindfulness is associated with low neuroticism. I don't know if this was intentional but you described an actual phenomenon in psychology and I think perfectly summed up what people aspire too.
this is something abt this essay that makes me click on it every time since I just know its going to be the most jaw-dropping writing of my life.
“we love gwen obviously” WE LOVE THE REST TOO
I could do without a couple of those characters
@@10thletter40not without vi tho
@@ThroughTheDespair or katniss
I'm vibing with your video so much on an intellectual and analytical level - you're so right that word choice is really important here, and especially distinguishes what I feel are more intuitively authentic feminine traits from Western values that attempt to place what are ultimately patriarchal values onto women. For instance, when you explained how a Ghibli heroine simply does what needs to be done, no matter the task, because it HAS to be done, I felt that in my *bones* as a woman, and as a descendent of centuries of women who have faced hardship.
At the same time, I emotionally resonated with this video very strongly. I think all women will have a different relationships to their womanhood, but I think mine especially aligns with how you represent Ghibli heroines. This type of character is how I like to view my femininity in all aspects of myself, and is why I love and embrace my gender so strongly. And how comforting it is to be seen, recognized, represented, and valued! Especially when the real world is so often like Miyazaki's worlds - isolating and discouraging people like me in the effort to be spiritually honest and fulfilled.
Thanks for the video!!
I love how Studio Ghibli characters, regardless of sex, gender, age and even species, all feel so human.
They have human traits, not defined by their stereotypes and that feel so refreshing to see, like Miyazaki writes the soul of the character first then writes their gender and other stuff..they feel somewhat mytical and nearly other-worldly in that sense.
Like his characters, both villians and heros, feel like angels and other fantasy leaning living things than like people.
"Miyazaki women are without inner conflict"
Manga Nausicaa:
(btw please read Nausicaa manga, every Miyazaki discussion feels incomplete without his magnum opus)
Wow... The depth in which you understand Miyazaki's work is absolutely fascinating and the way you're able to organise such abstract concepts so concisely aaaaaaaa love it so much!!! Thank you so much for providing such valuable content :)
Your discussion about work really hit me. I'm recovering from burnout after some very intense years of illness and overwork, and what I really miss about life before it got bad, is the serenity and contentment I found in my work. I miss it even when I'm resting, it's something I'm yearning to get back to- but because of the way I am right now I can't have it back just yet.
In the books Howl fell in love with Sofie because she cared about who he was not who he wanted to be perceived to be. There is a lot of the Wynn Jones book missing, in the ghibli film not least the ‘magic’ that Sofie makes and how her faith in others is really what makes her so special.
A woman glossed over in this is Sheeta. She, like Nausicaa, disgrees with every other character in her story about Laputa itself. Some characters think Laputa is a cool gizmo, some a source of treasure, and others a weapon of conquest. She is the only one to recognize that Laputa, at least the man-made parts, destroyed it's own people, and should be forgotten. She also exhibits the "I have a job to do" characteristic when she joins the Dola gang, and cares deeply about the "monsters" around her like the robot and the pirates. (As an aside Dola exhibits many qualities seen in Yubaba, Eboshi and the other women).
But otherwise she seems to be the lost MC, not Pazu. She is listless and sort of resigned to her fate even well after meeting Pazu. And like Kiki seems to have quite a bit of inner conflict. This is a trait I don't think any of the other Ghibli women really have the: a listlessness or lost feeling about them like some of the men do.
Spent a good 10 minutes trying to find a comment about Sheeta, as she's SEVERELY underrated (she's my favorite Miyazaki character by a long shot; Nausicaa being close second)
So thank you for writing this 🙏🏼
Miyazaki’s characters are complicated, they are never pure evil or good, unlike Hollywood characters that make it so obvious who you need to side with, hate, like, dislike, etc. That’s also what makes female characters perfectly written, they aren’t perfect, or fit into what they should or shouldn’t be.
"So I'm exaggerating a bit.."
No. No, you got it.
For about 10 seconds you personified my inside voice perfectly. 😮💨
Little guy is like a bad parent. Wants what's best for me, but just goes about pushing in the worst way.
It's because he is basically the voice of your actual parent
@9zetsu
Not really.
My IRL parents are remarkably good, to the point it's akaward for some of my friends with less happy pasts that I have no inherent qualms about inviting my parents over to my home, or having them over to social functions.
I've had to learn to, on purpose, make separate social times for my parents and friends just because of how not-the-norm it is for most adults to have good relationships with their folks, and how that discomfort speads to other people's parents as well.
@EgoEroTergum that doesn't mean anything. Many people have good relationships with their parents despite having neurotic problems or even personality disorders. Our parents just didn't have enough knowledge about psychology to provide healthy upbringing for us. Judgemental voice in your head will always be your meaningful adult. You just need to dig a little in your childhood to discover instances where exact words were said.
@9zetsu
Possibly, but since *I* am now the meaningful adult in my life, I don't see any constructive end to dredging up past mistakes from otherwise wonderfully functional people.
I feel that that voice is best addressed directly, through physical fitness, sleep, and diet; as contrary to popular belief, your bodily actions set your mood, and your mind just retroactively credits itself.
Perception is a self-fulfilling illusion, and the only way I know to change it, is to get out in front.
@EgoEroTergum you're right. You are an adult now. I'm not suggesting you confront your parents about your childhood. I'm suggesting to try addressing this issue (if it even is one) through therapy.
Healthy habits are good, but it's not a direct approach in any way. It just helps =).
Anyway, I'm just a random guy, I might be wrong, so have a nice day, and good luck.
I think Shizuku might be my favourite Ghibli protagonist, since she is so relatable to certain struggles I have had all my life. I'm not a girl, and she isn't the most talented writer, but I find her so empowering just by watching her arc of realising she doesn't need to perfect, and just through the incredible depiction of her struggles.
That part in the middle about work. There's a guy that solved this over one hundred years ago called Karl.
And it's pretty much the fault of the economic system that creates jobs where we're alienated from what we're doing and our communities.
Exactly! 👏🏾✨
Don't know if this was intentional or happenstance but I was in fact getting a low fi vibe from your video shortly before that reveal in your narrative. Your videos are brilliant. And yet, I think this one raises the bar.
19:42 They are tho. Haru is full of self doubt. Sophie is very insecure about her looks. Shizuku is insecure about her writing. Anna has low self-esteem and social anxiety. Chihiro is cowardly. All of these female protagonists have these human flaws they have to come to terms with and overcome and show growth and that's what makes them good characters. Flaws like this are important and are a big reason why many western female protagonists fall flat; because they weren't given any to overcome.
This has got to be my favourite analysis you've done, schnee! Will come back to this one ❤
It's a pity these kinds of essay videos don't get all the attention they deserve. You clearly put a lot of thought into this and it's a great analysis.
16:00 Miyazaki has referred to this particular vibe in his story as "ma" which i think means absence or lack in japanese? but is basically the film language equivalent to the rest between notes in a musical composition. They serve the story not by having anything happen to progress the plot but my giving the audience a moment between plot points where there is an absence of action to breathe and sit in the feelings and the tension and the complex scrambly feelings the story has evoked so far. You hear western audiences describe this aspect of ghibli films as 'dreamlike' but it actually serves to inject a lot of realism into the films too- or not realism, per say, but verisimilitude? you're never going to know what it's like to be a girl trapped in a bathhouse catering to gods and spirits, but you know what it's like to sit in a quiet moment with a lot on your mind between crazy events happening in your life, because no matter how hectic your life is it's never really all happening one after the other with no breaks in between, and those moments connect the audience to the characters on an emotional level and on an "i feel the time passing that you're feeling" level. it gives the story presence and weight, ironically by punching a bunch of gaps into it. there's no such thing as true _nothing;_ there are moments between the big action-y stuff that the characters have to live through and those moments matter too.
I loved this video!! Miyazaki’s female characters are well written because they have humanity and a developed inner world. They’re never just lifeless caricatures or stereotypes. 🥺 In terms of Ghibli movies overall i also really find Takahata’s portrayals of female main characters is incredible as they have the similar traits pointed out in this video but you also see them struggle with the culture of misogyny or objectification with nuance (ie. princess Kaguya’s rage at being reduced to an object for marriage or the whole segment in Only Yesterday where kid Taeko deals with the shame around periods)
yoo already a new vid, hype! always happy to get a new way to look at my favorite movies
32:00 I'm so sad you didn't bring up Castle in the Sky (which you called Laputa later; is that the name it was released under in different regions?) here, because there are so many amazing little moments like that with Sheeta (and with ma dola) where Sheeta is expected to act like a model woman and then she acts feminine but different from how people expect her to. she has roles like 'cook' and 'help' and 'princess' shunted onto her and then she looks at that and goes ok :) and she gets the dola boys to serve her in the kitchen, helps out pazu by crawling up into the lookout kite with him, and- well, if i told you how she subverted being a princess that would sort of spoil the ending.
I think a lot of the interesting conflict that makes these characters so compelling is the contrast between their inner purpose (which gives them that "non-neurotic" focus/flow state) and how that purpose is in contrast with their external circumstances. It shows this friction and conflict that many of us face trying to make our way in the world. One of the leading characteristics I think is "purpose".
Fantastic video! So many great points.
If you want a word other than 'not neurotic,' 'mindfulness' is a good one that I think fits almost exactly what you were describing - existing in the present moment without letting the past or the future have control of your thoughts. Once you've practiced mindfulness for a long time, it becomes easier to be more like Miyazaki's characters (at least theoretically) - better understanding your own values and being able to stand up for them without worrying about what others think. Listening to this video made me want to be better at it so I can have an existence more like Miyazaki's characters, too haha.
Thank you for the video, it was wonderful!
The segment on love made me realize why I was able to connect so deeply and relate to these movies on such a personal level.
It's obvious now that you said it, so much so I'm surprised I didn't notice it before, so thank you!
I haven’t finished the video yet, but I want to talk about the empowerment section for a second. I think you are absolutely right about the way empowerment is framed differently for women in western culture vs in Miyazaki films. I’d just like to use my own vocabulary for describing this.
When you’re raised as a girl like I and many others, you learn to have a constant audience in your mind. Or at the very least, to know what reactions to expect from men. And with that thought always present in your mind, you also pay attention to how you do or don’t live up to their perceptions of you.
So the idea I want to introduce here is being watched. In a lot of girl-power media, female empowerment inherently comes with being watched (with that “show”-y nature you were describing), because being a woman inherently comes with being watched. I don’t even think it’s intentional, I think it’s just an expectation that’s been ingrained into us our whole lives.
As writers trying to critique those kinds of characters, I think it’s easy for us to assume that it’s all about ego or pride. Like “look how strong and subversive my character is, checkmate feminists **smug pixar face**”. And in many cases I think that’s true, like with that one scene in marvel infinity whatever. You know the one. (Though I think that was more of an executive ‘check off the diversity points’ kind of decision but I digress.)
…HOWEVER, in cases where western writers are genuinely trying to make subversive and progressive female characters, yet the showy-ness is still there, I think it comes from that defensive position of having to think about how the character is seen. (Yes, writers have to think about how every character is seen, but it’s amplified with women and minorities, is what I’m saying.)
In western media, the empowering female character has to be watched/show off in order to be empowering, because they are inherently being shown off by virtue of being women.
In real life, it’s a form of objectification that makes you feel like you’re a prize and an actor and a character and a toy and a tool all at once.
In fiction, it’s a confusing expectation that can be hard for anyone to notice. And if it slips under your radar as a writer, there’s no amount of feminist trope subversion that can change the fact that all your female characters, even the most badass and empowered ones, are still just something shiny to look at.
Edit: I unpaused for like two seconds, and the duty thing is just ringing so true. I think it’s a different kind of cultural expectation that comes with its own upsides and downsides, but still, much different from the western view of women as shiny things. So true bestie (and I mean that in a non-parasocial way)
i found it really funny that you picked shizuku to show how Miyazaki women are really driven by their purposes and goals,not lost at all,they really know what they want…while shizuku not knowing who she is or what she wants is litteraly the plot of whisper of the heart, but it makes sense because in a way she makes that search for identity her goal and she solely focuses on that.loved the video btw so happy that you’re digging into ghibli movies 🤭(sorry if it’s messy or poorly worded I’m French and I wrote this at 2am)
love the analysis schnee!!
This is one of the most thorough and thoughtfil breakdowns Ive encountered covering a ghibli film. Thank youfl for creating this!
I feel like the emphasis on duty as opposed to individual achievement may also be tied to the culture Miyazaki's work was made in. Traditionally, Japan is very collectivist, which can explain why many of these characters are driven by wanting to help those around them instead of their own egos. While eastern collectivism definitely has its issues, I think it has had a positive influence on Miyazaki's character writing and more creatives (especially from the US) should be taking notes.
You put into words so so much appreciation that is hard to speak into words - you somehow pick these strands of "here's WHY this is great" out of some jumbled yarn of love for these media. This made me cry. Thank you for what you do!
I actually cannot believe how videos like this are just available for free on RUclips. Thank you schnee!!
Kiki is my absolute favorite, with a close second being San. Kiki has helped me make peace with an uncertain life and to give those that show you kindness a chance. KDS is my emotional reset movie and it really reignites that spark of joy, I make an effort to see it every year with the Ghibli fest screenings
I love your insight so much. I always loved Miyazaki women characters because they were so refreshing from the Western female leads I was used to. I had just about oversaturrated my book palette with YA novels and thankfully discovered Ghibli movies. Immediately, I was amazed and entranced by how different the women were portrayed, but I also couldn't put it into words as how they were different. You were able to and so well. Thank you so much!
Miyazaki writes women very naturally, how real women would react to situations dependent on their personality. No power fantasy girlbossing which is unfortunately often seen from female writers these days, or the wild swinging of depiction from objectifying on one end to girl bossing merry sue writing which is often seen from males who have little to no experience interacting with women, mostly from the west; As for most anime writing, if it isn't a women writing the character and instead a guy, more often than not he writes the character from a very male shallow understanding of female behaviour and said female will fall into a trope behaviour category and her entire personality will be governed by said trope personality, mainly because most Japanese male manga artists as well as anime writers have very limited social interaction with women in general, even when they're married.
See the difference is, Miyazaki had a life before he started animation (in other words he touched grass before the need to touch grass), he was not effected by nor impacted by the modern anime industry cultural zeitgeist nor does he care to embrace it, he is too old for that; When he was young it was just getting started and his "normie perspective" and attitude has rubbed off on his studio and everyone who works there, so they share his views. Very old school, grounded approach, normal stories, no stereotypes or tropes. There is a theme and a lesson for each story but apart from that, the personalities of the characters are reflective of their Heroes Journey as opposed to meeting some objective purpose or fanservice fulfilment.
"modern anime" tropes have only been a thing since roughly 2006 onwards and never really came into full blown personality and hair colour madness until roughly 2012 and Ghibli is one of the few studios who have managed to completely resist this. A lot of it had to do with basically money and trying to piggy back on the successes of Neon Gensis, Future Diary, slice of life stuff like Host Clubs etc and Naruto which all cemented modern anime tropes. None of which were even a thing when Miyazaki was in his prime in the 80s.
I think precisely what makes everyone love these movies so much is because we're always reaching and hoping for more, and those characters manage to enjoy their lives as they live it. The bad times bring good times, they get up after falling and there is no questioning if the path they took is the right one, or even if it will end well. They never second guess themselves, and it's always so beautiful to see them embracing the chaos they live in, managing to add their beautiful personalities to the world and people around them.
Hey Schnee, great video. I've been watching your stuff for a while and it has helped me a lot with my writing. But there's one thing that got me thinking when I was watching your Arcane videos.
Complexity vs Simplicity.
I often hear complex stories with a lot of characters, intricate storylines, and plots that make your head scratch and question your whole life and view of the world being praised. Like Dune or Foundation. And Arcane if we're gonna use a more modern example.
At the same time, stories that are quite simple and straightforward get called cliche, overdone, boring, predictable and results of bad writing. Not always but whenever I talk to someone about a Warhammer 40,000 or Battletech novel they roll their eyes and say "Lemme guess, it's about a guy who wants revenge" or "Lemme guess, it's yet another band of brothers, war story".
Granted I could have used better examples (like 'The Old Man and the Sea') but I think you understand.
I think that simple stories are not bad stories and in the hands of competent writers, they can be very enjoyable. I also think that as a story does what the writer intended (entertain or otherwise) then it's a good story regardless of its complexity.
New writers have a belief that higher complexity equates to a better reading experience. Like if their story isn't as deep as something like Dune, Foundation or Arcane it's not good. But this isn't true.
Don't get me wrong, I like the intrigue and depth of Dune, Foundation and Arcane. But I also really like reading Warhammer 40,000 and Battletech novels which are (for a big/most part) fairly simplistic and trope-oriented. Sometimes I want an emotional character-driven thriller and Machiavellian mysteries. And sometimes I want giant stompy robots and knights fighting demons and mushrooms because a skeleton god said so.
Whenever I would write something, I would get discouraged because of how cliche and basic it would be. But the advice of "write what you love" really helped me with this, so thank you.
But I would love to hear your take on Complexity in stories vs Simplicity.
And another thing to touch on would be the difference between Complexity and Complication. As in, how just adding extra bits to your story doesn't make more complex, just more complicated. Which is not what you want.
This article helped me: www.google.com/amp/s/www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/is-your-story-too-complicated/amp/
Once again, thank you for the work that you do. Sorry, if this was a lot to read 😅
have you seen my arcane vs lotr vid? i think that's a pretty good sum up of my thoughts on that topic, and it sounds like theyre in line with yours ruclips.net/video/vzEmnroywsc/видео.html
I agree with your point, but I have to wonder if the people rolling their eyes at Warhammer/Battletech novels aren't just bored of the common tropes/themes in them. As someone who has read enough romance manga to get kind of jaded regarding the genre, "lemme guess, it's yet another X" really resonated with me; I feel that way about a lot of things myself. For example, if I'm trying out a new series, a dense protagonist is pretty likely to make me drop it, even if it has some interesting elements. I often disparage that stuff as something along the lines of "generic rehashed slop" and say "I just want an interesting story", but I think a simple band of brothers war story sounds like it would probably be a nice read. Even if it's generic, simplistic or even clumsy, the theme itself is something I don't have a lot of experience with, so I don't think I'd mind all that much. Simplistic stories feel much, much worse when you've gotten bored of the tropes in them and just crave something different. Of course, you know the full attitude of the people you're talking about much better than I, but I had to share this because the reactions you described sounded so familiar.
@@lewski6560 these are very good points. New writers might be bogged down with worry about the readers. They want to write something that everyone would enjoy. But this simply isn't possible. The most famous and talented writers in history (Frank Herbert, JRR Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Isaac Asimov) that have written some of the greatest literary works of all time still have haters. They still have people who don't like their work.
And that's fine. Nothing is for everyone.
I remember when my brother told me "There are a lot of people who won't like your story." I said "I don't care about them. I care about the ones who WILL like my story."
@@schnee1 I have, it's a fantastic video. I just wish people would talk more about this kind of stuff. I've met beginners who loathe their work because it's "Nowhere near as intricate as X" or "Not as grand as Y". I always tell them that as long as it's what they enjoy it's fine.
@@simplewrites Exactly, if you find it meaningful, that's not a euphemism: there's MEANING there. Something is making you feel so attached or feel some other strong emotion, it's just a matter of articulating it.
This is the best explanation I have found perfectly describing the Miyazaki feel. And although a shallow thing to choose to reply to I feel its worth mentioning what you say around 36:18 , and how love can mean and refer to so many different circumstances, I feel in the modern day this is translated with the values of friendship between women, the help and love in the way these films portray, women tend to use this form of love with each other in a way to uplift and express, and, I feel can be seen when men and women form friendships-- men usually mistake this support for romantic interest, while women may see it as only natural, depending on the people of course
we need female and male Charackters that are suporting eachother,
not working against each other.
This is what Disney/Hollywood is doing wrong.
It's that simple
18:33
In Spanish they say "worry" as "preocupación", which literally translates as Pre + Busy
As in "being busy before actually being busy"
Or "being occupied by your thoughts before being occupied by actions"
It does not imply one is working, it only implies the mental state of the person
the root "Des" means "not" so "despreocupado" implies a clean mental state from worries.
So you can have someone being "despreocupada" while also working, ie. the lofi girl, or you can rest while "despreocupada" like chihiro after work's day
Just food for thought, had this video been done in spanish im sure that's the word you would have chosen
God damn, Princess Mononoke has been one of my all time favorite films for so long. It's timeless. Miyazaki was so far ahead of his time. Take all the notes you possibly can here, Disney. THIS is how you write good female characters. Making a mary sue kick the shit out of and verbally abuse our male characters we've cherished since childhood is only going to create animosity and willful ignorance. Disney very much seems like a company that is exploiting equality and female rights for views and money. They've blatantly demonstrated that they don't give two shits about inclusivity and LGBTQ rights by removing the gay characters in Star Wars in the Chinese and Russian markets. THEY EVEN REMOVED FIN from all the promotional material in China because a black person existing is apparently too shocking and offensive for the Chinese.
I’ve never seen the Miyazaki effect discussed and dissected so well before! Loved all of this❤
Perfectly put, as always! I grew up on Ghibli more than disney and it stuck with me so much, my favourite film and heroine has always been Nausicaa, she was so strong in a way I didn't see anywhere else, and loved the epic fantasy of it.
I would definitely put Laputa up there with beautifully written Ghibli heroines, Sheeta never wanted to draw attention or be powerful but willingly takes up a (traditionally feminine) role on the pirate ship, but is never seen as at all lesser for it, which is reflected in Captain Dola being the strongest mother on screen besides Moro. She makes friends with the robots of mass destruction. The end is all about being driven enough to do what has to be done, and while she starts scared of Muska, she stands before him unafraid by the end. I love that she is given more of a development of when she stopped running away or giving up in order to save Pazu and actually started fighting back.
This video has reminded me of the person I used to be before the world told me that who I was could not survive. Society changed me for the worse, but I think I can get better again. Thank you .
this might be the first video essay that's helped my depressive thoughts. Big ghibli fan, loved the analysis
These movies are at the very top, of my favorite media to consume. This video is incredible, as with everything else on this channel. I really want to write more (i write a LOT, just not really fiction which is what i love), and this channel always makes me want to do that. Thank you so much. Really.
Cant wait to watch the boy and the heron. One of my favorite Miyasaki movies is the wind rises, primarily because of all the airpanes. When it comes to a character, the pirate captain from Laputa, when i think about it, fits the vibe and characteristics that you describe pretty well. Love the character.
The thing I love about Chihiro is the fact that she starts of extremely timid and cautious and she finds her courage in the face of unforeseen and unnatural circumstance an her journey in this, how she grows into a brave, selfless and resourceful person in spite of her circumstances and the fact that she adapts to her circumstances which is an empowering journey.
What I love about Sophie is the fact that she finds gratitude and acceptance in her circumstances, she's grateful for what she has when she leaves her home and finds Howl's home and accepts herself as an old woman immediately and that is beautiful.
Sophie shows her strength by accepting her circumstances and finding joy in her circumstances and Chihiro shows her strength through adapting through her circumstances and finding her courage in an unknown world.
The journey is empowering but these 2 characters are inspiring in who they are and I love them! 🤗
00:00 🎬 Exploring iconic Miyazaki heroines, the speaker faces challenges in describing them using common terms like "independent" and "courageous" from Western characterizations.
03:13 🧗 Miyazaki's heroines exhibit two types of courage: the daring hero who laughs in the face of danger, and the courage to act despite fear, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling duties.
05:38 🚀 The source of empowerment in Miyazaki's heroines is rooted in duty, not individual potential. Their strength comes from fulfilling obligations to family, community, or the greater good.
07:29 💪 Unlike Western empowerment narratives, Miyazaki's heroines don't seek validation or have something to prove. Their empowerment arises from a low ego, driven by a sense of duty to others.
11:04 🏞 Miyazaki's heroines often start in isolated or separated circumstances, influencing their decisions. This perspective redefines the idea of independence, emphasizing an orientation shaped by being alone.
13:39 🌍 Miyazaki's heroines inhabit closed or rigid worlds, characterized by strict dichotomies and limited compromise. This contributes to their isolated orientation and sets the stage for compelling stories.
15:03 🎶 The character Shizuku from "Whisper of the Heart" exemplifies a distinctive emotional tone found in Miyazaki's heroines, emphasizing a unique sense of tranquility and introspection.
15:45 🌟 The appeal of Studio Ghibli movies lies in the unique vibe they capture, filled with moments of relaxation and immersion.
16:43 🤔 Viewers are drawn to the daydreaming quality in Ghibli films, aspiring to embody the tranquil and focused state depicted in the characters.
18:32 😌 "Loi girl" represents a character archetype in Miyazaki's films who is not neurotic-free from overwhelming thoughts and anxiety, embodying a sense of peace with life's responsibilities.
19:13 💪 Miyazaki's female characters stand out as unapologetic, living life with purpose, moral clarity, and a strong will, which contrasts with neurotic tendencies.
20:08 🌐 There is a contrast between Miyazaki's male and female protagonists, with the men often portrayed as more neurotic and lost in finding their purpose.
21:48 🌿 Many Miyazaki women characters exhibit a rare characteristic-having little inner conflict, which contributes to their inspirational and aspirational qualities.
23:12 🌈 The energy displayed by Miyazaki's female characters is not driven by negative sources but originates from a pure spirit, unobstructed by inner struggles.
26:17 🔄 While "Loi girl" lacks significant inner conflict, maintaining character interest is challenging; external conflicts alone cannot compensate.
27:26 🤝 Miyazaki's female characters often embark on journeys with a diverse group of companions, emphasizing their openness to connect with others and heal broken worlds.
29:22 🌍 Miyazaki women act as spiritual heroes, using their spiritual strengths to save worlds from chaos, focusing on deeper values beyond superficial physical aspects.
31:30 🌐 Mizaki's women characters thrive in broken, spiritually bankrupt environments, facing challenges like cursed worlds or social hierarchies.
31:59 🌸 Mizaki's female characters embrace their womanhood without feeling inferior; they defy societal norms, showcasing strength and resilience.
32:13 💑 Mizaki's heroines maintain close relationships with men, emphasizing harmony and rejecting narratives of gender rivalry or conflict.
32:57 💔 Mizaki introduces love as a perplexing element in his stories, often featuring unconventional relationships that challenge traditional romantic norms.
34:20 💖 Mizaki's concept of love transcends romantic feelings; it focuses onsupportive partnerships, friendship, and shared goals rather than conventional romantic ideals.
36:13 🌍 Mizaki rejects the conventional Western view of romantic love and proposes a vision where deep, supportive partnerships and equality are celebrated.
37:23 ⚖ Mizaki's heroines carry a duty to bring about positive change in their worlds, demonstrating openness, fearlessness, and a willingness to connect with others.
38:19 🌟 Inner Harmony is the foundation of Mizaki's heroines' drive and energy, contributing to their magnetic presence and the healing of their worlds.
39:16 🤔 Mizaki's intuitive and nuanced approach to character creation leaves room for interpretation, with each character embodying unique traits and exceptions.
40:26 🎬 The next video will explore the saddest Miyazaki movie, followed by a discussion on the themes of "the boy and the Heron."
calm and collected in their quiet resillience. love it.
i think to fully begin to understand miyazaki/ghibli's portrayal of love, you must first forget about the traditional, heteronormative, romantic/sexual idea of love that is so prominent in our culture. because myazaki's portrayals of love are some of the most pure, beautiful, admirable shows of love that i've ever seen. frankly, it reminds me of qprs.
Hi! First of all, great video. Second, I was trying to find this word for a long time that would mean "not anxious, non chalant, being working with a life in mind", for a project, and this video resonated with it quite a lot. What you said about the Non- neurotic energy hit the right mark. What you said about freeing up all the neurotic extra effort that we put in and then see how we would be, is exactly what I was looking at when I stumbled up on the video.
So I wanted to ask, have you found/come up with a better word for this personality trait/emotion/mindset state- Non neurotic, non-anxious, nonchalant openness, something explanative that does not have a "non"- a better word for the lofi ethos.
Have you seen blue eye samurai yet? If so when do you plan on covering it (if at all)?
this is an amazing video- so well worded and constructed. thank you!
Not gonna lie, this is what I want an video analysis to be. The flow of your thought process, jumping from courage to independence to neuroticism (this part stuck with me), and asking the right questions, not being satisfied by vague meaning. Absolutely marvelous.
I only see this profound of writing in philosophy books and essays, wonder you if are into that field too.
1+ Sub :)
I feel like living in the moment, mindful living or living in the present are good terms for what you were thinking off. It strips away the layer of overthinking, overworrying about the future or the past, by just focusing on what is happening now. Whether it’s cleaning Howl’s messy house, to eating a meal after a long day working at the bathhouse. Ghibli movies are also great at visually depicting ‘slow living’ and romanticising the mundane/every-day by drawn out moments and sitting a lot longer with a scene than you would expect. This forces the audience to slow down too. You can see these themes across both their smaller/slower movies and their “big” ones like Mononoke. Even in the latter, you have these long drawn out scenes in the forest.
That "mood" or "vibe" is _peace._
this is an incredible breakdown! i love miyazaki's work, so i'm taking extensive notes for my novel. his stories can be hard to parse mechanically so you did a good job. i was also so happy when you brought up shizuku, because i love whisper of the heart; i wish you'd touched on that movie more because she fits into this picture too, but i understand that she's not a miyazaki girl. anyway great video :)
Think the most empowering thing about Ghibli women/girls IS that they know who they are, they know what they're worth, and so they don't feel the need to prove themselves. I relate to and love Sophie the most. I'm currently working on my self esteem and inner turmoil, and I hope/know that one day I will be able to find people who love me for my true self that I can have/make a family with
"Non-physical stuff like raising children..." -__- Don't have much hands on experience with kids huh?
Kiki is my favorite, maybe because it was my first Ghibli film, but also because I love coming of age stuff. Even now at 26, I relate to coming of age stories. Mostly due to being late diagnosed ADHD/ASD... but that's a different subject.
The main thing about Kiki that I love is that she ends up doing what she loves as a JOB and that took the joy and spontaneity out of flying. It used to be something she would do with her mother as a signifier for what she is; a witch. Then she does a delivery service, where not only does flying become a job instead of a joy, she realizes that 1. because she is different, people treat her differently and aren't like her close friends at home. This goes into the neurodivergent thing and how I relate.
Then, 2. the reality of life starts to set in, people aren't always grateful, or kind. Kiki delivers in the cold and rain, and she is met with snark and disdain, the girl not even really paying attention to her at all, more focused on her dumb grandma giving her another stupid fish dinner on her birthday.
This ends up burning her out quickly. She loses her spark, and thusly, her powers. She can't fly or hear Jiji anymore. Instead of looking at the hardships she's gone thru, she blames herself and thinks there's something wrong with her. Another neurodivergent trait. Thinking, what's wrong with me? Why can't I do what I used to be able to do? Oh, turns out I have Problems Disorder. And getting burnt out is difficult, because the /only/ remedy is rest over time. It's not like depression where you can take meds and change your mindset.
Then, once she's put on the spot to perform, she is able to do so, barely, just enough to save Tombo - and this isn't portrayed in the English dub, but Kiki never hears Jiji again, he meows like a cat in Japanese, a sign that she has matured and outgrown the need to have Jiji as an almost imaginary friend - and she smiles in this bittersweet way that stuck with me.
I'll never be the same person I was when I still had energy and more life and functionality... but I have matured a lot, learned a lot, and now that I know myself better, I can work with myself. I'm still a work in progress, I'm still shaky on my broomstick, and I miss my cat's voice, but I still have a lot to look forward to as well.
I just want to say, I have always wanted a channel like this. Thank you and I'm glad I stumbled upon it.
I woke up and watch both your Miyazaki videos...I was late on the last one
But this has made my morning.... maybe my entire week
Definitely going for a rewatching
So THANKS
I saw the title and immediately thought you were talking about Dark Souls' Miyazaki, which would be a weird video to make considering how much he likes feet.
I want to add to the point you made about love in Miyazaki's films.
In my opinion, one of the English language's biggest shortcomings is the fact that there is only one word for "love." It can describe so many things that it (in my opinion) loses its meaning. "Love" can describe familial relationships, romantic relationships, friendships, etc. If you look at other languages, in this case Japanese, there are many more words to describe "love." I would make a list here of some Japanese words that are translated to "love" in English, but I'm still learning Japanese and don't want to get anything wrong.
"Love" is something that tends to get lost in translation between Japanese and English and I feel it's an important thing to add to this conversation.
"they make friends with their demons" love that, resonates deeply
I liked the video a lot! I think a lot of Miyazaki's characters are well-written, specifically because they treat love not as something to acquire, but something you do.
Amazing video, I absolutely loved it ! I was just surprised to not hear anything about The Castel in the Sky which pictures love in one of the most obvious way imo.
Anyway, great content, super interesting thank you !
An inspiring essay, taking the greatness of these works and making them shine even brighter and clearer