Miyazakiworld

A Life in Art

By: Susan Napier

Narrated by: Susan Napier

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

The story of filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki's life and work, including his significant impact on Japan and the world

A thirtieth-century toxic jungle, a bathhouse for tired gods, a red haired fish girl, and a furry woodland spirit - what do these have in common? They all spring from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki, one of the greatest living animators, known worldwide for films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Wind Rises.

Japanese culture and animation scholar Susan Napier explores the life and art of this extraordinary Japanese filmmaker to provide a definitive account of his oeuvre. Napier insightfully illuminates the multiple themes crisscrossing his work, from empowered women to environmental nightmares to utopian dreams, creating an unforgettable portrait of a man whose art challenged Hollywood dominance and ushered in a new chapter of global popular culture.

©2018 Susan Napier (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

An amazing life

As a fan of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, I had to give this book a listen. The author obviously did their homework and even spoke with Miyazaki directly. If you are going to pick only one book to learn about his life and movies, I’d say this is it.

My only criticism of the text is that I feel Susan Napier goes a little too far in psychoanalysis of Miyazaki, perhaps stating opinions as fact when it comes to what’s going on inside the filmmaker’s mind. Additionally, her reading in the audio version gets a little mushy at times, especially on article words; it kept taking me out of the flow. Nonetheless, she nails Japanese pronunciations (as far as this English-speaker can tell).

I also picked up the Kindle version. There are a few movie stills and other pictures, but not many, and you won’t miss out on too much of you only get the audio version.

Pretty Alright

Fans of Miyazaki will enjoy this book but you might roll your eyes at all the arm chair psychology.

Summaries and the same themes repeated

I feel it was about 4 hours too long. The same themes were repeated and lots of summaries of his movies. I learned what I wanted but had to wade through what felt like redundancy.

The director did a poor job with helping the voice over artist to have different intonation. Her pauses were big enough to drive a train through. And very monotone - was hoping for someone a bit more lively especially for such a whimsical topic. Just a bit drab

I love Miyazaki's work

...and I thought this description and analysis of his work was very interesting although I may not have agreed with everything! It gave me more insight into Miyazaki's life and his thought process during the making of his very famous and amazing movies. It's a quite nice listening if you are interested in them and love Studio Ghibli.

Repetitive and not that biographical

I was hoping to read a biography, especially cause author says that there’s next to none written about Miyazaki, instead we’ve got a book long film-review with speculations about the artistic choices. Moreover, the same theories were repeated throughout the entire book in every review. I hoped that the works of the great animator were going to be a mere chronological framework to structure the narrative about his life, but we barely heard a few words about his children or wife, or life in general. In that regard, it was a disappointment.

A must read

A great book that I use in my film studies class. The second semester needs an equivalent book focusing on the other half of the Ghibli catalog, films directed by others in the Studio's stable. Some of those are actually my favorites. In any case, for my foreign students new to Japan, I can think of no better introduction. Thank you, Prof Napier.

Well written Great cheat sheet

If you have interest in both the man and the films of Ghibli, this is a great book to add to your collection. Well researched, nice insight and a wonderful recap of the films as you follow through his ( still continuing! New movie July ‘23!) life and works.

A great insight into Miyazaki’s work.

Great way of understand more about Miyazaki’s work and thinking. Very clear point of view and perspective.

Edit the Audio!

It’s an interesting and well written biography that is almost utterly ruined by the left-in lip smacks and deep breaths.
Amateurish.

ugh..why?

Why shoehorn gun control talk into this? I respect individual beliefs and opinions...This didn't need to be a political statement. Doesn't even make sense to do so.

Excellent

I was so excited to find this audiobook release, it was unexpected. I expected the book to be of a good standard, and my expectations were surpassed. I find it hard to imagine a more thorough and accurate analysis of Miyazaki and his films. I felt in agreement with the author on many questions, and she highlighted all the tropes and moments I found most interesting myself.

I am now keen to discover more about the author, I would have a great deal of faith in her tastes and opinions. I would like to learn more about her favourite books, films, music etc. for inspiration.

The author narrating the title was ideal as well.

Fascinating insights

This has given my love for the Studio Ghibli films a new lease of life and understanding. I was initially cautious when I saw that it was read by the author, but she performed it very well, and was easy to listen to. Thank you Ms Napier!

A must listen to Miyazaki fans

I am a fan of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli animations.
I fell in love with his movies, stories, and characters many years ago. I rewatched and have his DVDs. And they are some of my favorite movies. So could I pass the opportunity to learn more about his world and himself? Not really.

Miyazaki world is an essay by Susan Napier, that sometimes feels thick. Other times pulls you into Miyazaki world and you are in his movies, living through his characters. I learn there is more more of Miyazaki outhere like manga. And the next time I will watch his movies, it's going to be a complete different experience.
I admit that although I enjoyed the Japanese pronunciation, the English sometimes was sigmatic.
Anyway, I still enjoyed the listening and would recommend it to other Miyazaki fans out there.

Excellent

An informative and thought provoking book, a great listen for fans of Ghibli and/or Miyazaki himself, along with good narration too

fascinating and complex creative

enjoyed this deep and careful analysis .Clearly read and written.It has given me insight into the films and the mind of Miyazaki.

A true legend story on art and truth

For many years I have been watching films produced by Miyazaki. An artist myself I could sense that tgere was a level of truth in all his productions. After listening to this audio, it has opened a whole new perspective on what I've been watching.
Pure brilliance. 5 starts.