The co-founder of Studio Ghibli and one of the most acclaimed filmmakers in history, Hayao Miyazaki’s legacy is still unparalleled. From his timeless classic Princess Mononoke to the Academy Award-winning film Spirited Away — Miyazaki has created stories that are as timeless as they are impactful. However, known for his perfectionism and elaborate approach to storytelling, Miyazaki has often pushed himself to the brink of bringing his visions to life.
In recent years, the toll of this constant pursuit of Miyazaki has become even more obvious. Despite announcing his retirement multiple times throughout his extensive career, the 82-year-old director made yet another return last year with The Boy and the Heron. However, the journey to create it was grueling, both physically and mentally, as revealed by Miyazaki himself.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Reluctant Return With The Boy and the Heron
Hayao Miyazaki has decided to retire multiple times throughout his career as a filmmaker, however, all of them didn’t last long. After his final announcement of retirement in 2013, Miyazaki seemed to have closed the chapter on his illustrious career. Yet, in a similar way, Miyazaki once again stepped into the work of animation as his idea of creating one final masterpiece seemed irresistible.
Last year, another iconic work by Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron was released with a deeply personal story, reflecting themes of loss, resilience, and the mysteries of life. But his return was not impulsive; it was driven by a calculated desire to leave behind a film that would stand as a testament to his legacy.
However, creating The Boy and the Heron was anything but easy. In the documentary, Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron, Miyazaki openly discussed the immense challenges he faced during production, not just to complete the film, but to ensure it met his exacting standards. His relentless pursuit of perfection has pushed him to the edge, as he quoted,
I think my brain is broken. It seems to be. That’s all I can say. Should I write a story about someone who opens forbidden doors, then lives a long, happy life? You go mad and die. I am losing my way for the first time.
Miyazaki is known for his perfectionism, a trait that has defined his career but also contributed to his struggles. In addition to this, Miyazaki’s age adds another layer of difficulty, as the long hours and intense focus required for animation are taxing even for younger filmmakers.
Should Hayao Miyazaki Finally Retire After All?
Without a doubt, The Boy and the Heron was a success. It has solidified itself as yet another gem in Studio Ghibli’s crown thanks to its stunning visuals and powerful storytelling. The success of this film perfectly demonstrates how keen Miyazaki’s artistic intuition is. However, the documentary, on the other hand, provides a sad glimpse of a director who fully dedicated his life to his craft, often sacrificing his well-being.
For someone as deeply passionate about storytelling as Miyazaki, retirement is not simply a decision; it’s a shift in his own identity. The documentary reveals his internal conflict: the desire to create against the need to rest. Retirement would indeed allow him to preserve his health and enjoy the fruits of his labor. However, on the other hand, letting go of his life’s work may be Miyazaki’s greatest challenge yet.
After decades of bringing joy and wonder to audiences worldwide, it’s probably time for Miyazaki to take the rest he deserves. If The Boy and the Heron is truly his swan song, it is a fitting finale to a remarkable career.
The Boy and the Heron is currently available to watch on Netflix and Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron documentary is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
