Happy 70th Birthday, Hayao Miyazaki!

Nice little notice here in the WAPO. And check this out:

The scene was Hall H in 2009, as Pixar founder John Lasseter introduced Miyazaki and his latest film, “Ponyo,” to the reverent anime fans. Lasseter had asked Miyazaki about his creative process. Now, Miyazaki, speaking through a translator, was about to reply: 

“My process is thinking…thinking…and thinking.

“If you have a better way,” he said, pausing for effect, “please let me know.”

The hall laughed in unison, like an ocean wave. One of the most important filmmakers in the world (as Lasseter himself underscored), the man who has given us such feats of animation as Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke,” was also a master of humility. In his self-deprecation, the genius was utterly approachable.

Priceless quote! In honor of the great animator and storyteller, some scenes from many of his movies:

Castle in the Sky (1986)

My Neighbor Tortorro (1988)

Porco Rosso (1992)

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Spirited Away (2001)

Ponyo (2008)

What’s your favorite Miyazaki movie?

H/T to my sons Will and Luke who have helped turn me on to the magic that is Miyazaki

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