Perhaps it wasn’t a good idea to start with Ponyo. The universe looked like mine for a while, then all heck broke loose and I’m left watching a world I don’t understand. The reality shifts like sand as new and confusing characters take the stage. Why is there a long nosed wizard living under the ocean and why do his children look nothing like him? I was wowed and impressed, but consternated as well. Were there any consequences at all or would the artist just paint in a new creature to save the day?
When My Neighbor
Totoro came along, I was a little more prepared. But, Miyazaki played with
my mind again as Totoro’s little mouth widened into an unsustainable gaposis.
By the time the cat rolled around, I said, “Why not. Nothing surprises me
anymore.”
Next it was time for Princess Mononoke and by this
time Miyazaki had worn me down. I kept telling my brain to just stop it and
behave. There was something wonderful going on on screen and I didn’t want to
miss it.
Now Spirited Away; this was important. So I sat myself down
and had a little conversation. It went something like this,
“Listen, just
because your puny little brain cannot comprehend the magnitude of the genius
that is Miyazaki, doesn’t mean you’re going to waste time questioning
everything. Just go with it. If a man-sized duck spirit wants to sit in a bathhouse
with his friends, you’re going to accept it no questions asked.”
Well, that
little talking to worked, because it was a fantastic ride! I watched creatures
that lived and breathed and smelled. I saw the evolution of Chihiro unfold
before me; culminating in her courageous sacrifice to save Haku. It was a
completely surprising and satisfying story.
You win Miyazaki.
