The 90-second clip takes place during the production of The Wind Rises, which was to be the sensei of Japanese animation's final film before he came out retirement (not for the first time) to make Boro the Caterpillar. He and filmmaker Mami Sunada share an intimate minute of voyeurism, watching a neighbor water his plants. Miyazaki's imagination quickly takes over as he envisions an epic chase unfolding across the rooftops.
The minute-and-a-half-long clip is a window into Miyazaki's famous observational skills. His attention to small details and moments of relaxation are arguably why his fantasies are so immersive. He meticulously nails human movements, cooking food, and yes, watering plants. These details root viewers in reality—right up until he launches a character over the rooftops. "Suddenly, there in your humdrum town is a magical movie," Miyazaki says in the video. "Isn't it fun to see things this way?"To illustrate his vision, the clip uses snippets from all the films that will air as part of Studio Ghibli Fest from June through November. My Neighbor Totoro owns June, Kiki's Delivery Service plays in July, Castle in the Sky in August, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind in September, Spirited Away in October, and Howl's Moving Castle in November.
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