Hayao Miyazaki shaped the course of the animation industry through his exemplary work. From Ponyo to Spirited Away, the Studio Ghibli Director has produced iconic work. It is remarkable in its storytelling and compelling themes. His films center on humanity and its relationship with the environment. However, that is not all considering its impact on Hollywood.
Miyazaki has influenced Hollywood Directors like James Cameron. Similarly, the upcoming Lord of the Rings movie takes inspiration from a classic Ghibli film. The War of the Rohirrim is an animated film from the franchise that based its heroine on Miyazaki’s movie. On top of that, both films have a core theme of war and conflict which is encapsulated beautifully.
Hayao Miyazaki’s female hero inspired this The War of the Rohirrim character
Apart from handcrafted animation, Hayao Miyazaki is known for his intricate storytelling. Most of his works highlight the ever-present conflict and discord between humanity. On top of that, his staunch perspective on art is reflected in most of his films.
As an artist, Miyazaki highlights human greed amidst the debilitating environment. This makes him a truly impeccable and remarkable filmmaker. However, that is not all considering his major impact on other media.
For decades Studio Ghibli has shaped the course of animation through its storytelling. Interestingly, the stories extend the borders and frontiers of age. In doing so, Miyazaki breaks the binaries of age and social standing through his impactful stories.
From environmental disasters to war, the Director continues to impact culture and society. This also extends to his influences on popular franchises as well.
This holds for The Lord of The Rings franchise. Its much-awaited animated film The War of the Rohirrim is set to release in December 2024. At the New York Comic Con, Gaia Wise revealed Nausicaä as the inspiration behind her character.
Wise voices the role of Hera Hammerhand in the animated movie. While the premise is different, both movies outline war and destruction in their way. This is especially true with the parallel themes of courage and conflict in both films.
Lord of The Rings and Nausicaä encapsulate the essence of war and discord
Lord of The Rings carved its niche in the genre of fantasy and adventure genre through its complex themes. The navigation of loss and tragedy is encapsulated perfectly by J.R.R. Tolkien. What the movie does is give its spin to the story through its deconstruction.
This is especially true with the strong female characters such as Hera. Apart from its inspiration from Ghibli, the movies have similar themes that run parallel throughout the story. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Both films outline chaos and destruction in different ways. Tolkien’s story outlines the fall of a kingdom and the eventual rebellion. On the other hand, Miyazaki’s film outlines the ecocide and its adversities. The years of human intervention and lack of accountability are a core theme in Ghibli movies.
On top of that, both heroines are persistent and determined to fight against all odds. Miyazaki’s characterization of heroines has drastically shaped the writing of female characters. It shows a much-needed breakdown of the hierarchical portrayal of women as damsels. And this is exactly what Kenji Kamiyama does.
Kenji Kamiyama, the animator behind Tolkien’s film has worked on notable projects. From Ghost in The Shell to Blood: The Last Vampire the Director has an impressive portfolio. Ghibli’s influence on Kamiyama’s work outlines Miyazaki’s brilliance. Especially when it comes to the movie’s teaser which looks more than promising.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is available for streaming on Netflix. Lord of The Rings: War of The Rohirrim is set to release in December 2024.
