I bet more than 50% percent of people would automatically refer to Harry Potter upon hearing those words or when asked to identify a book in that genre.
It's impressive to think of J.K.Rowling, in destitute days, sitting in the Elephant House Cafe writing of flying broomsticks, potions, encantations, evil wizards and enlightened witches; writing a novel that, like magic, would change her life forever.
However, even more than JK, I find the imagination of Miyazak and the creativity of details in his animated films so much more endearing in my childhood memories.
Maybe the fact that computer-animated scenes that look too real, but all too quickly let me realize the impossibilities of playing quidditch with friends on a saturday afternoon, upsets my conscience. In contrast, the vibrant colors, the meticulous detail, and the ability to sketch up the most absurd characters and sceneries in animation draws me more, to say nothing of the completely loveable characters (haha).
hmmm. Why I am writing a semi-essay on Rowling vs Miyazaki, I know not.
Othewise, I'm being a complete kid with this: I'm having a crazy Miyazaki phase.
I watched Howl's Moving Castle a couple of days ago:
it seemed to reflect the absurdity of wwi based on the disappearance of a prince (in lieu of the death of prince ferdinand)
recognize this??? [looks kinda like totoro]
Also, some of the animations he had directed that I had seen in the past are:
[spirited away <3>
[castle in the sky...picture does not accurately depict the fantasmic castle]
and [Kiki's Delivery Service, such loveable characters, all of them].
I'm up to watch Princess Mononoke next:
More than anything else, I find it amazing that Miyazaki is able to add historical context and commentary into these "children's" films. The outrage of war, the outbreak of poverty, the underlying consequences of hate, etc. With much of the bravado of cinematic special effects put aside, the messages of morality and humanity come across more poignantly.
It is also interesting to see the deep rooted Japanese culture of gods/spirits/demons/ shamanism (!) so strongly portrayed in these films. I can see why my mother didn't show us these films as young children. It may sound funny, but this really made me feel sorry for Japan, and made me want to pray strongly for that country. The gospel had been preached on that cluster of islands for hundreds of years, yet spiritual breakthrough is minimal, a fire always flickering.
hmm. yes. that is all.
I still have to watch totoro & ponyo.... some other day.... [probably soon ^^].
~~~EDIT~~~
watched mononoke: not bad
watched totoro: not bad
watched ponyo: worst movie everrrrrrr
watched spirited away to make up for ponyo: amazing (as always)
