Why Does Miyazaki HATE America? Ghibli Founder's USA Beef EXPLAINED

Archie Talks Anime2 minutes read

Hayao Miyazaki, a renowned filmmaker, has a strong anti-American stance influenced by his experiences during World War II and his father's work with fighter jets. Despite conflicts with Hollywood producers like Harvey Weinstein, Miyazaki remains critical of America, yet acknowledges some positive aspects in his work.

Insights

  • Miyazaki's strong anti-American sentiments are rooted in his personal history, particularly his childhood experiences during World War II, shaping his views on war and Hollywood productions.
  • Despite his critical stance towards America, Miyazaki's nuanced perspective acknowledges the value in certain American traits, as demonstrated in his work, showcasing a complex relationship with the country and its influence on his filmmaking.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Hayao Miyazaki?

    A highly influential filmmaker known for anime movies.

  • What influenced Miyazaki's views on war?

    Childhood experiences during World War II.

  • What is Miyazaki's stance on Hollywood war movies?

    Openly criticized, particularly Pearl Harbor and Saving Private Ryan.

  • What conflicts arose from Miyazaki's "no cuts policy"?

    Conflicts with producers like Harvey Weinstein.

  • How did Miyazaki's family history influence his work?

    Fled Tokyo during firebombing, father owned air munitions factory.

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Summary

00:00

Miyazaki's Anti-American Stance and Filmmaking Legacy

  • Hayao Miyazaki is a highly influential filmmaker, known for creating beloved anime movies like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away.
  • Miyazaki expressed strong anti-American sentiments, evident in his annotations in the book "Hayao Miyazaki Image Board Collection" from 1983.
  • Miyazaki's childhood experiences during World War II, including his father's involvement in building rudders for fighter jets, influenced his views on war.
  • Miyazaki's disdain for America stems from the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as the Vietnam War.
  • Miyazaki's work often reflects his fascination with aviation, influenced by his father's profession.
  • Miyazaki openly criticized Hollywood war movies, particularly those like Pearl Harbor and Saving Private Ryan.
  • Miyazaki's strict "no cuts policy" for overseas releases led to conflicts with producers like Harvey Weinstein.
  • Disney's distribution deal with Ghibli faced challenges, notably with the release of Princess Mononoke under Weinstein's Miramax.
  • Miyazaki's refusal to compromise on his films led to confrontations with Weinstein, ultimately resulting in the release of Princess Mononoke as intended.
  • Despite his dealings with Hollywood, Miyazaki's feelings towards the United States remain unchanged, with his critical views extending to Disney's animation.

13:06

Miyazaki's Life, Work, and Critiques

  • Miyazaki's family fled Tokyo during the firebombing, influencing his life and work, with his father owning an air munitions factory.
  • Disney's handling of Ghibli movies, particularly "Spirited Away," was criticized by Miyazaki, despite the film's success.
  • Miyazaki is critical of various societies' righteousness and dislikes modern technology, comparing iPad use to masturbation.
  • While Miyazaki dislikes America and its influence, he acknowledges the value in some American traits, as seen in his portrayal of an American character in "Porco Rosso."
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