When talking about Hayao Miyazaki, most people think of a genius who created beautiful fantasy worlds. But 宮崎 駿の仕事 「風立ちぬ」1000日の記録/引退宣言 知られざる物語 takes us to see another side of him: a human who devoted his entire life to his work until almost exhausted. This NHK documentary is not just a record of the making of 'The Wind Rises,' but a mirror reflecting the soul of an artist struggling with time and his own expectations.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The documentary begins in 2010 when the 69-year-old Miyazaki starts a project he says will be his last: 'The Wind Rises,' a film about Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Zero fighter plane. Over these 1,000 days, the camera follows every step from the first sketch to the 'retirement' press conference that shocked the world. We see him angry, clashing with staff, struggling with complex scripts, and even crying when thinking about the impact of his work on his granddaughter. The documentary doesn't just focus on the creative process but delves into the meaning of 'parting'—both painful and necessary.
Acting and Characters
Of course, this documentary has no professional actors, but the main 'character' is Miyazaki himself, whose expressions in front of the camera are sincere and unembellished. We see him laugh at his own mistakes, scold when work doesn't go as planned, and fall silent when thinking about the future of Studio Ghibli. Hideotoshi Nishijima, who voiced Jiro in the Japanese version, also appears briefly, offering an actor's perspective on working with a legendary director. But the charm of this documentary lies in Miyazaki's 'imperfection,' which makes him more human.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The documentary is directed by an experienced NHK team. The camera is still and simple, not trying to create excessive drama, but it captures Miyazaki's emotional rhythm seamlessly. The use of black-and-white in some scenes emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, while color shots in the studio make us feel like we're working beside him. The music is minimal, but when present, it's often piano or strings that enhance the sad and somber mood of the moment when Miyazaki is saying goodbye to his career.
Editorial Analysis
The editorial team views this documentary as a 'mirror' of the Japanese animation industry. Revealing the stress and pressure Miyazaki faced teaches us that greatness doesn't come easily but with immense sacrifice. What's interesting is how the documentary questions the 'legacy' an artist leaves to the world. Miyazaki fears that his work, especially 'The Wind Rises' which involves war, might be misinterpreted or cause pain. This is a rare vulnerability in a public figure of his stature, and it makes us question how we ourselves will be remembered.
Verdict
For hardcore fans of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, this documentary is a precious gift that reveals the behind-the-scenes genius and vulnerability of a human being. Suitable for those who want to understand more than just the works, but to touch the soul of an artist who gave everything to his dreams.
👍 Pros
- +The most intimate and candid footage of Miyazaki ever captured
- +Reveals the animation creation process in stunning detail
- +Honest storytelling, no embellishment of the main character's emotions
👎 Cons
- −120-minute runtime may feel lengthy for non-hardcore fans
- −Some sections lack context of the outside world, making it feel claustrophobic
- −No narration or additional explanation, leaving interpretation to the viewer
Top Cast
FAQ
It records 1,000 days of Hayao Miyazaki during the making of 'The Wind Rises' and his retirement announcement in 2013.
In Thailand, it's available on Netflix or streaming platforms that have licensed it from NHK.
No, he returned to make 'The Boy and the Heron' in 2023. This documentary captures that retirement announcement, but he later resumed work.
