resources
Readings
- Anime’s Bodies"In this chapter from her book Anime: A Critical Introduction (Bloomsbury 2015), Denison contextualizes how women’s bodies in anime are read and understood by both Japanese and Western audiences. She examines their mutable and transformative properties, arguing that these properties are crucial to understanding the genres in which they appear, from horror, to science fiction ..."
- Representation of Landscape and Ecological Vision in Miyazaki’s Filmography"This study analyzes the central role of landscape in Hayao Miyazaki’s films. The depiction of landscape in Miyazaki’s films goes beyond mere visual backdrops in order to convey deep symbolic meanings and to foster an empathic connection between the viewer and the world depicted. The renowned Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, draftsman, manga artist and film director has strongly promoted environmental awareness in his productions by paying close attention to the depiction and visualization of landscape dynamics, using details, and real and invented elements to create an engaging visual experience. The landscapes also take on emotional, metaphorical dimensions, reflecting the emotions and inner thoughts of the characters. Through an in-depth critical analysis of eleven selected films, the proposed research identifies the character-defining elements adopted by Miyazaki to stimulate reflection on a sustainable combination between urban development and the preservation of natural elements, as well as increasing focus on the beauty of the landscape, thereby highlighting the importance of its preservation. The relevance of this research is to understand Miyazaki’s approach to creating representations of natural elements and how he has managed to combine them with the plots of his various films, indirectly stimulating environmental awareness and fascination with nature in its different forms."
- The Meaning of Environmental Awareness Messages Signs through Film: Semiotic Analysis of Spirited Away Film"Environmental awareness is an issue that has never ended until now, both in the natural environment, social environment, and artificial environment. Global warming and crime rates that
continue to increase are clear evidence that there are still many people who are not aware of the critical role of humans in protecting the environment. The film "Spirited Away" is one of the Japanese animated films that discuss environmental issues and won various awards, one of which was the Oscar award. This study aimed to determine the denotative meaning, connotative meaning, and the myth of environmental awareness in the Spirited Away film. This research is qualitative research with an interpretative paradigm. The results of this study show that seven scenes have the meaning of environmental awareness, such as globalization, the loss of cultural identity, destruction of the natural environment, global warming, capitalism, and human morals. Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away is a work inspired by actual events that happened to him. This shows that this Japanese animation conveys a message based on the reality of human life that is packaged using a Japanese cultural approach that can be used as an example for the world of cinema, especially animation in Indonesia, to produce original works that have deep meaning."
- The ecological and consumption themes of the films of Hayao MiyazakiThis is not the full article. Please contact the library if you would like full access.
""Films are an underutilized media to explore and amplify the many messages of ecological economics. While a few popular films and videos have effectively addressed environmental themes, this commentary argues that they have an even greater role to play in the educational process in order to reach a broader audience and help it to rethink its role in the world's ecosystems. Hayao Miyazaki, the masterful animator from Japan, is singled out to offer ample material in many of his popular and children's films to stimulate such critical thinking on the systemic problems addressed by ecological economics ... " - Spirited Away: Film of the Fantastic and Evolving Japanese Folk Symbols" ... While the influence of western stories, art, and
architecture is evident, as Miyazaki himself expressed, Spirited Away
is replete with Japanese folklore, tradition, and symbolism ..."
- Nature and the Smiths in Hayao Miyazaki's Princess MononokeHayao Miyazaki is a keen observer of ecological problems. What he bears in mind and tries desperately to deliver, through his animated films, is a simple but critical message: to survive by coexisting with other beings
Study guides
Study Guides
- Spirited Away | Film Education"This study guide suggests cross-curricular activities based on the film Spirited Away by Hanoko Miyazaki. The activities seek to complement and extend the enjoyment of watching the film, while at the same time meeting some of the requirements of the National Curriculum and Scottish Guidelines. The subject area the study guide covers includes Art and Design, Music, English, Citizenship, People in Society, Geography and People and Places."
- Spirited Away Study Guide | Australian Screen Education"This study guide, to accompany the Japanese anime Spirited Away, has been written for students from years five to eight (ages ten to fourteen). It provides information and suggestions for learning activities across the Key Learning Areas of the Arts, English, SOSE, Science and Mathematics. Spirited Away has a multi-layered narrative and will be understood in a variety of ways depending upon the ages and cultural backgrounds of viewers, their previous experiences, especially with anime and manga, and their beliefs and values."