In a surprising turn of events, renowned Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli is preparing to release its latest film, How Do You Live? (movie title: The Boy and the Heron) without any traditional promotional efforts or even divulging the storyline.
This highly anticipated project is set to be the final feature film of the acclaimed animator and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki.
Since the completion of his previous film, The Wind Rises, Miyazaki announced his retirement in 2013, citing the constraints of his age on his perfectionist approach to filmmaking.
However, he later returned to the studio, driven by his passion for storytelling and animation. How Do You Live? marks his latest endeavor and has been in production since 2016, with Miyazaki determined to create a remarkable cinematic experience.
Unlike previous Studio Ghibli releases, How Do You Live? has been shrouded in secrecy, leaving fans and film enthusiasts eagerly speculating about its plot and content. The film lacks a trailer, promotional materials, and even an official storyline, with only a single poster released to the public.
The absence of conventional marketing tactics has been deliberate, as Studio Ghibli aims to experiment with the idea of withholding excessive information and preserving the element of surprise for viewers.
The film’s title, How Do You Live? is derived from a classic Japanese novel published in 1937, which explores themes of poverty and spiritual growth experienced by a teenage boy and his uncle.
However, according to Toshio Suzuki, the president of Studio Ghibli, the movie and the book are unrelated, and Miyazaki was merely captivated by the title itself. This deviation from the source material emphasizes Miyazaki’s creative vision and his ability to construct unique narratives.
Fans outside of Japan eagerly await news of an international release for How Do You Live? Although there is currently no official confirmation regarding the film’s availability outside of Japan, previous Studio Ghibli releases have typically reached international audiences shortly after their domestic premiere.
Therefore, enthusiasts around the world can expect to have the opportunity to experience Miyazaki’s final film in due course.
The question of Miyazaki’s retirement remains intriguing. Despite previous announcements of retirement, the 82-year-old animator has continued to work on projects that capture his imagination and passion for animation.
Miyazaki’s decision to create How Do You Live? can be attributed to his personal desire to keep creating and exploring new avenues, suggesting that while this film may be his “final” feature-length work, it does not mark the end of his creative journey.
As Studio Ghibli prepares to release How Do You Live? in Japan on July 14, anticipation and curiosity among fans reach a fever pitch.
The film’s enigmatic nature, coupled with Miyazaki’s visionary storytelling, promises a captivating cinematic experience that will leave audiences both enchanted and nostalgic.
Studio Ghibli’s decision to forgo traditional marketing techniques only adds to the intrigue, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the world Miyazaki has meticulously crafted.
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