"I like underwater life."
About Hayao Miyazaki
Hayao Miyazaki — Life and Legacy
Hayao Miyazaki is a pivotal figure in animation, known for his ability to weave intricate narratives that celebrate nature and the human spirit. His films, such as 'Spirited Away' and 'Princess Mononoke', showcase his deep appreciation for the environment and the complexities of human emotions. Miyazaki's philosophy is encapsulated in his belief that 'the world is full of things that are not visible', urging audiences to look beyond the obvious and embrace the unseen wonders of life. His quotes often reflect a profound understanding of imagination as a means to connect with others and explore the world. For instance, he emphasizes the importance of dreams and creativity, suggesting that they are essential for personal growth and understanding. This perspective challenges the conventional boundaries of storytelling, inviting viewers to engage with the narrative on a deeper level. Miyazaki's work continues to resonate today, as it encourages a dialogue about environmental stewardship and the significance of preserving our natural world. His ability to blend fantasy with reality not only entertains but also inspires audiences to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.
Quote collection
Hayao Miyazaki quotes (page 1 of 6)
105 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I’ve become skeptical of the unwritten rule that just because a boy and girl appear in the same feature, a romance must ensue. Rather, I want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where they two mutually inspire each other to live– if I’ m able to, then perhaps I’ll be closer to portraying a true expression of love."
"Many of my movies have strong female leads - brave, self-sufficient girls that don't think twice about fighting for what they believe in with all their heart. They'll need a friend, or a supporter, but never a savior. Any woman is just as capable of being a hero as any man."
"Reality is for people that lack imagination."
"Always believe in yourself. Do this and no matter where you are, you will have nothing to fear."
"I am an animator. I feel like I'm the manager of a animation cinema factory. I am not an executive. I'm rather like a foreman, like the boss of a team of craftsmen. That is the spirit of how I work."
"When you watch the subtitled version you are probably missing just as many things. There is a layer and a nuance you're not going to get. Film crosses so many borders these days. Of course it is going to be distorted."
"Life is a winking light in the darkness."
"It is the fate of modern life that we repeatedly lose touch with nature, the environment, the planet. But we try to regain it again and again. It's like a circle. In children's hearts and souls when they're born into the world, nature already exists deep inside them. So what I want to do in my work is tap into their souls"
"I believe that fantasy in the meaning of imagination is very important. We shouldn't stick too close to everyday reality but give room to the reality of the heart, of the mind, and of the imagination."
"The creation of a single world comes from a huge number of fragments and chaos."
"You must see with eyes unclouded by hate. See the good in that which is evil, and the evil in that which is good. Pledge yourself to neither side, but vow instead to preserve the balance that exists between the two."
"There are all kinds of values within the films but I don't make message films."
"Whenever someone creates something with all of their heart, then that creation is given a soul."
"I’d like to see Manhattan underwater. I’d like to see when the human population plummets and there are no more high rises, because nobody’s buying them. I’m excited about that. Money and desire—all that is going to collapse, and wild green grasses are going to take over."
"I do believe in the power of story. I believe that stories have an important role to play in the formation of human beings, that they can stimulate, amaze and inspire their listeners."
"In my grandparents' time, it was believed that spirits existed everywhere - in trees, rivers, insects, wells, anything. My generation does not believe this, but I like the idea that we should all treasure everything because spirits might exist there, and we should treasure everything because there is a kind of life to everything."
"In the past, humans hesitated when they took lives, even non-human lives. But society had changed, and they no longer felt that way. As humans grew stronger, I think that we became quite arrogant, losing the sorrow of 'we have no other choice.' I think that in the essence of human civilization, we have the desire to become rich without limit, by taking the lives of other creatures."
"Those are shrines. Some people believe spirits live in them."
"Nobody has the right to sit in judgment and decide what's good or bad for you."