The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness is a documentary following the life of legendary anime writer Hayao Miyazaki. This documentary focuses on the mannerisms, quirks, and what drives Miyazaki to do what he does as both an artist and a storyboard creator. The ideal audience for this film would obviously be fans of the works of Hayao Miyazaki, but even if you are not familiar with his works you could still watch it and get full enjoyment out of it. Before you watch this film I do recommend watching other films by Miyazaki such as Spirited Away, The Wind Rises, and My Neighbor Totoro, so as to gain understanding of his style.
While watching this film you may notice the great detail Miyazaki goes into in each aspect of his life, both professional and personal. Notice the way he writes his storyboards diligently every day, or watches the sunset every evening. Miyazaki is not one to leave others to do his work for him while he sits idly by. The documentary focuses on the struggles he has pushed through to be as successful as he currently is, though I doubt he would own up to his success due to his humility.
Miyazaki writes more than stories, he writes metaphors and wisdom. If you watch this film with an open eye you will see the symbolism that seems to be prevalent throughout his movies. The way the camera will focus on the sunset or close in on a phrase seen on the wall all have inverse meanings. Keep your eyes open and you will see between the blurred lines of the camera lens. A main point Miyazaki pushes is to not lose focus on the deeper meaning of his grand tales because they are animated and supposedly for children.
This film notes that in his youth Miyazaki lived through an air raid that left him with an awe and appreciation towards flight. Specifically in the A6M3 Zero or just Zero aircraft which he has had an addiction to draw perfectly for many years now. During the film Miyazaki follows the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the creator of the Zero and notes that all of men's dreams are cursed. He believes that no matter what you do or create, it will eventually be used for evil. Miyazaki even believes that philosophy about his own works.
Miyazaki feels that the government has become too restrictive of what he can and cannot write about which makes him even more militant to what he wants to write. Though he is vigorous, his vigor will one day run out and he fears there will not be anyone to take his place. In my humble opinion I would say this film is very informative and exciting to the audience it is trying to reach. Others may find it dragging in some places, but may still find it intriguing.
While watching this film you may notice the great detail Miyazaki goes into in each aspect of his life, both professional and personal. Notice the way he writes his storyboards diligently every day, or watches the sunset every evening. Miyazaki is not one to leave others to do his work for him while he sits idly by. The documentary focuses on the struggles he has pushed through to be as successful as he currently is, though I doubt he would own up to his success due to his humility.
Miyazaki writes more than stories, he writes metaphors and wisdom. If you watch this film with an open eye you will see the symbolism that seems to be prevalent throughout his movies. The way the camera will focus on the sunset or close in on a phrase seen on the wall all have inverse meanings. Keep your eyes open and you will see between the blurred lines of the camera lens. A main point Miyazaki pushes is to not lose focus on the deeper meaning of his grand tales because they are animated and supposedly for children.
This film notes that in his youth Miyazaki lived through an air raid that left him with an awe and appreciation towards flight. Specifically in the A6M3 Zero or just Zero aircraft which he has had an addiction to draw perfectly for many years now. During the film Miyazaki follows the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the creator of the Zero and notes that all of men's dreams are cursed. He believes that no matter what you do or create, it will eventually be used for evil. Miyazaki even believes that philosophy about his own works.
Miyazaki feels that the government has become too restrictive of what he can and cannot write about which makes him even more militant to what he wants to write. Though he is vigorous, his vigor will one day run out and he fears there will not be anyone to take his place. In my humble opinion I would say this film is very informative and exciting to the audience it is trying to reach. Others may find it dragging in some places, but may still find it intriguing.