Summary: Princess Mononoke

In the fifth chapter of the book "Hayao Miyazaki, Master of Japanese Animation" which was published by Stone Bridge Press in 1999, Helen McCarthy analyzed the story, origins and commentary of Miyazaki’s animation “Princess Mononoke”

Story:

Far in the past, when what would become Japan was still a collection of warring tribes fighting for control of land and resource, a young man called Ashitaka sets out to find the cure to a strange curse that behind in the north, the forest, running with wolf-gods and fighting with them against the humans who are trying to build a life on their territory. An epic struggle between gods and men is building.

The author reported that the reason of making this animation was some people found that Japanese people began to feel they could control nature, rather than having to placate or worship it. McCarthy also implied that the elements of this animation not only from his own experience, but also from Japanese history and folklore. Moreover, the author indicated that Miyazaki returned again to the themes that had inspired him in earlier works- the strength of nature, the struggle of lesser peoples against greater oppressors, the search for utopia, and the eternal importance of love. Also, Miyazaki wanted to express that whether the world loses dogma of does whatever, love remains. Miyazaki said: “I don’t like a society that parades its righteousness.” which showed the original intention of this animation. McCarthy also mentioned that modern agrochemical companies are promoting genetically modified foods for what they tell us are good reasons, but will future generations, both plant and animal, be cursed with change we can neither predict nor control. In the end, the author concluded that technological progress can make life easier, but it also brings loss.

Critique: In this chapter, the author explain the origins and the deep meaning in an object way. First, the author talked about the elements which affected Miyazaki in this animation, and then she implied the deep wisdoms of this animation from many different aspects. McCarthy also connected the story with the Japanese culture in order to avoid the culture alienating. However, the author only talked about the active aspects of “Princess Mononoke” in this chapter, the readers would also want some negative aspects about this animation in order to get the information more complete. Also, for the English readers they would want more information on the influence of this animation in the western counties.

Summary: Hayao Miyazaki, Master of Japanese Animation

In the fifth chapter of the book "Hayao Miyazaki, Master of Japanese Animation" which was published by Stone Bridge Press in 1999, Helen McCarthy analyzed the story, origins and commentary of Miyazaki’s animation “My Neighbor Totoro”. McCarthy reported this animation is a story of Totoro and the other two girls Mei and Satsuki. In the animation, the author described that nature and imagination worked the magic for Mei and Satsuki when they most need help and comfort, showing them how powerful and how precious the beautiful world around them is. McCarthy reported Miyazaki created the central figure of Totoro because he inspired by his childish imaginings of fearsome creatures living in the forest; therefore, we also find the title tells us that humans and the rest of nature are neighbors, and Miyazaki wanted to show a sweet relationship between human and nature and the power of love. The author indicated that we can find a beauty of simplicity from this animation, and this beauty is from every detail and the story’s reality. The author showed that, in the animation, every tiny image shows a level of technical mastery; moreover, many settings in the animation are from the real Japanese families’ life. However, the author explained that it also brought the “culture alienating” to the American audiences because of different customs and mores in this animation. In the end, McCarthy concluded that My Neighbor Totoro’ s apparent simplicity masks a depth of wisdom and grace found in few works for any medium.

Summary: Miyazaki's life and work.

In the first chapter of the book "Hayao Miyazaki, Mastrer of Japanese Animation" which was published by Stone Bridge Press in 1999, Helen McCarthy introduced Miyazaki's life and work. McCarthy reported that in Miyazaki's childhood there are three major things which influenced his future work.First,Miyazaki was born in 1941, and grew up in the postwar years. Second, his mather who had a very strong character and intellectual influenced him a lot. Third, his favourite comic stardom's product led him to the animation industry. McCarthy indicated that Miyazaki had a strong interest in animation, film, and children's literature when he was in the high school and the university; therefore, instead of doing business which related to his major in the university, he joined animation industry after graduating. The author reported that Miyazaki was only a inbetweener in the begining, but he didn't give up; one year later he became a handling key animation. Moreover, during his work, he explored a lot on the ideas and the techniques and built a good relationship with his colleagues and collaborators which helped in forming his later works. McCarthy wrote that the way of achieving his animation dreams was very hard, Miyazaki changed his workplaces several times with his friends; finally, he estabilished his own studio(Studio Ghibli) in 1985, and with his friends' help, the studio developed quickly thereafter. However, the animation which released in U.S. was cut and changed a lot in the structure, caused westen releases became a problem. The author also pointed out Miyazaki's animition could strike people's hearts because he always gone abroad to find inspiration, and the elements of his animation were from the real life. McCarthy reported that Studio Ghibli released a lot of outstanding product in decades, under the huge pressure of the work, Miyazaki already thought about retiring in the opportune moment. In the end, the author concluded the future works of Miyazaki were unknown, but the movie lovers around the world hoped they could seen more and more his works in the future.

Who is Siyan?~My introduction.

Hi, everyone~

My name is Siyan, and I am from China. My name’s meaning is rich and colorful mind and eloquent. Actually, I’m not really eloquent, but now I’m trying to be an eloquent person.

I came to YUELI four month ago. I think YUELI is a good place where can improve my English skills, and they give us a lot of chances to know how to study in the university. I already prepared to attend York University in January, and I think I will have a good preparation in YUELI.

I’m glad to know everyone in this class, and I wish we will have a good time in Lindsey’s Level 6 class~^_^