As you may have gathered, I am a fan of Japanese anime. So I was thrilled to find out that this year's Comic-Con boasts the first ever appearance of Hayao Miyazaki, the founder of Studio Ghibli and creator of such classic animated films as "My Neighbor Totoro," "Princess Mononoke," and "Spirited Away." In the U.S. his films have been distributed in recent years by Disney. Disney will be releasing Miyazaki's latest film, "Ponyo" (the Japanese title was the more poetic, "Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea") on August 14 inselect cities.
Miyazaki has often been described as the "Disney of Japan." But, as author Helen McCarthy pointed out, the moniker is not really accurate because he's more like the Kurosawa of animation. Miyazaki's films are more like Kurosawa's sweeping epics than Disney's child-friendly animation. But like the old classic Disney animation, Miyazaki's film are gorgeously animated and Miyazaki is still reportedly drawing elements himself. Miyazaki will be appearing on the Disney panel on Friday and this is a great opportunity to see this gifted artist and hear what he has to say about his work. Miyazaki is an artistic genius and his films have the power to hold children and adults spellbound. I run an anime club at a middle school and Miyazaki's delightful "My Neighbor Totoro" still holds even the oldest kids rapt. It's amazing. His films display a vivid imagination and a sense of wonder that can charm anyone. So I highly recommend this panel and urge everyone to see "Ponyo" when it comes out.
Here is the event listing:
Friday July 24: 12:45-2:15 Disney: Animation Panel— Walt Disney Pictures, Disney•Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios present a director panel with previously unseen footage from its upcoming animated slate, including Toy Story & Toy Story 2 – Double Feature, Beauty And The Beast, Toy Story 3, Prep & Landing, The Princess and the Frog and Ponyo. Special guests include Lee Unkrich, Kirk Wise, Ron Clements, John Musker, and Hayao Miyazaki. John Lasseter hosts the panel, with Patton Oswalt moderating. Hall H
Categories: Animation | Kids | Movies
