kateshark's review against another edition
3.0
You should know going in that this is an older book, written around the millennium when there were only seven Miyazaki films to talk about (Cagliostro, Nausicaa, Castle in the Sky, Kiki, Totoro, Porco Rosso and Mononoke). No Howl, no Spirited Away... If you're already a Ghibli fan, most of the book will be old hat, but it was kind of nice to read McCarthy's gushing about these beloved films. Some fine early quotes from Miyazaki about art and process, and some info about his non-film endeavors. Nothing new really, but it will probably make you want to rewatch these seven.
colonel2sheds's review against another edition
3.0
While dated (it ends with Princess Mononoke) it's an interesting look at some of the best films ever made, though a disproportionate amount of time is spent recapping the plots (though understandable as at the time they were not easily accessible the way they are now).
bluekamille's review against another edition
3.0
McCarthy writes a book for audiences in the USA, and she intends it as a comprehensive and personal introduction to Miyazaki and what the USA will recieve shortly after or has just recieved. It includes technical facts that might be difficult to find elsewere and great pieces of information extracted from her own interview with Miyazaki and the rest of the Studio Ghiblio main cast.
However, don't read it as an academic read. She is widely personal, scattering oppinions in between explanations of the story (maybe involuntary, I'm not sure to what extent she noticed she was changing some plots as she described them), commentary and literally everything. She also has no criticism at all on the films, and lacks a few interesting insights.
All in all, it's a good place for fans and as a starting guide, maybe a good place to look up Miyazaki's whole filmography for a quick check and then progress, but not a great academic book.
However, don't read it as an academic read. She is widely personal, scattering oppinions in between explanations of the story (maybe involuntary, I'm not sure to what extent she noticed she was changing some plots as she described them), commentary and literally everything. She also has no criticism at all on the films, and lacks a few interesting insights.
All in all, it's a good place for fans and as a starting guide, maybe a good place to look up Miyazaki's whole filmography for a quick check and then progress, but not a great academic book.
suggoiai's review
5.0
In this book, Helen McCarthy dives into what turned out to be the early years of Miyazaki’s career. Published in 1999 (though this is a 2002 revises edition), it covers early life and work in one chapter, then goes into extensive details of seven of his movies (through Princess Mononoke), with a final chapter on merchandising and distribution. In the back of the book is a filmography with selected manga, endnotes (mostly sources for quotes and interviews), and a bibliography.
Thorough, thought-out, and brimming with references to interviews with Miyazaki and others, this is well worth reading to those interested in the subject in spite of being out of date.
Thorough, thought-out, and brimming with references to interviews with Miyazaki and others, this is well worth reading to those interested in the subject in spite of being out of date.
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