William L
It seems that so many documentaries these days try to dramatize their content to achieve some sort of effect or to elevate their supposed impact. The great thing about The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness is that it explicitly does not do that, focusing instead on the human side of the creative minds behind the world's greatest animation studio. You think it's going to be a sweeping analysis of the cultural impact of Studio Ghibli, but it's mostly Hayao Miyazaki complaining about how slow his friend works, and a cat constantly wandering around the studio looking for his next spot to doze off.
This glance behind the curtain is an interesting look at a different kind of Ghibli, not the tremendously influential and popular production studio but the very real people who created it; there was not so much a grand plan to create an animation juggernaut but a business born out of initiative, talent, and a dash of philosophy that was gradually fanned as the years went on. But being able to see the culture that Ghibli has evolved into as an entity puts an entirely different spin on what could have been a puff piece, witnessing the odd blend of rivalry, respect, and frustration between Miyazaki and fellow animation legend Isao Takahata as a series of barbs and jabs feels strangely intimate. Altogether worthwhile for the look at the practical creative process of a group dedicated to auteurship as much as commercialization.
Just don't talk about Earwig and the Witch. We don't mention that. (3.5/5)
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
07/13/22
Full Review
Audience Member
This was a deeply moving look at the work ethic and - dare I say - the spirit of Hayao Miyazaki. Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most inspirational storytellers of all time, and if you haven't already seen his movies, I recommend checking out at least one if not all of them if you're a regular filmgoer or an aspiring filmmaker. The Ghibli movies were an eye-opening experience for me growing up, and even now, I consider them to be very influential, especially those by Miyazaki. Knowing how special they were, and given how nostalgic I was feeling, I really really wanted to cry after watching this documentary, as silly as that sounds. I hope Miyazaki finishes his next movie, 'How Do You Live?' I look forward to seeing it if it comes out.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
01/30/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I'm always curious to watch a documentary about filmmakers and their craft. This documentary was very interesting to watch. I've seen two Miyazaki films and three Studio Ghibli films. It was very interesting to see a little bit of the men behind the films. The way that they think and the way that they act. I don't think that The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness was the best doc I've watched, but it was interesting nonetheless.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/23/23
Full Review
Audience Member
La vida de los maestros Isao Takahata y Hayao Miyazaki, fundadores de Studio Ghibli, en compañía de su productor Toshio Suzuki, es muy interesante. El documental, basado principalmente en Miyazaki, deja ver un poco del proceso creativo, las innumerables diferencias que hay dentro del estudio y la importancia de un líder como Suzuki, que lleve el genio de este par de maestros. Se desarrolla con especial énfasis en el complicado carácter de Miyazaki. Muy bueno.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
01/24/23
Full Review
Audience Member
"The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness" is a great documentary about the maestro of Studio Ghibli. At the end of the movie, Miyazaki walks towards the roof of Studio Ghibli and doing what he often does. He enjoys the wind and waiting for a special guest, Takahata. Miyazaki, Suzuki, and Takahata are the founders and guardians of the kingdom. However, a difficult decision when he still doesn't know where the kingdom would be taken next. It's just a small kingdom but full of dreams and inspiration. Reality inspires art then inspires reality again. To sum up, it's an endless cycle of how art, influence, and creativity never stop.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/22/23
Full Review
Audience Member
The definitive look into the mind of an artist and an enlightening walk through the process of animation under one of the strangest men in the world, this doc about animation legend Hayao Miyazaki examines the struggles of working through the final act of an impressive career. Filled with eye candy shots of Japan, and a relaxing, playful directing style and score, this is a film bound to leave you smiling, yet also motivated to make something great.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/18/23
Full Review
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