In the world of animated filmmaking, the name Hayao Miyazaki carries a weight of untouchable admiration. The renowned Japanese director, often called as a wizard of storytelling, has brought us a number of captivating and engaging narratives and enchanting visuals through his legendary Studio Ghibli productions. Among his most anticipated projects is “How Do You Live?”, a film that has no news or teasers of any form.
Against industry routine, Miyazaki has decided to take an unconventional approach to his latest creation. In a bold move that has fans confused and curious, he announced How Do You Live? will not receive any trailers and will not reveal a plot of any kind. The production team has not disclosed any information regarding the making of this film, nor has the voice cast been revealed.
Though it seems uncommon, releasing almost nothing relating to the anime film helps increase the anticipation around it. Since Hayao Miyazaki is aware he doesn’t need to introduce the community to his works, he chooses to let his audience decide whether this film will live up to previous expectations or not.
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Hayao Miyazaki on How Do You Live?
Miyazaki’s storytelling ability is well-documented, with his previous works such as “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Princess Mononoke” impressing viewers of all ages. His ability to portray deep emotions, dive into complex themes, and throw viewers into a dazzling world has made him a true visionary. “You get tired of doing the same thing over and over. We wanted to try something new this time,” he said in an interview with Bungeishunjū magazine.
The anime film rides on the back of a singular movie poster designed by Suzuki, a member of the production team. Suzuki also hinted at the nature of the film, stating that while it draws inspiration from Genzaburō Yoshino’s 1937 novel of the same name, it’s nowhere close to its storyline. Miyazaki’s fascination with the novel’s title has played a significant role in shaping the film’s narrative.
Suzuki’s logic towards marketing has always been on prioritizing quality and trusting those who truly understand the film’s essence to handle its promotion. Against traditional marketing strategies, Toshio Suzuki has expressed the need for change in promoting their films. Considering the overwhelming flood of information in today’s society, Suzuki expressed that the constant availability of movie details can detract from the joy of experiencing a film.
Inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s praise of a poster, Suzuki decided to let go of trailers, TV spots, and newspaper ads for their upcoming film. While Miyazaki initially had concerns about the lack of advertising, he gradually came to understand and prefer this new approach. The aim is to allow audiences to rediscover the excitement of watching a film without preconceived views or expectations, allowing them to fully understand and relate to the story.
The lack of information surrounding “How Do You Live?” only adds to the air of suspense. Rumors and speculation rise, with fans eagerly trying to figure out any part of the film by piecing together available information. The plot, characters, and even the runtime of the film remain unknown, leaving Studio Ghibli fans to fantasize and imagine what they’re about to witness.
Only one month away from the release of this film, we can only wait to experience this movie with no other source. It’s pretty genius, really. Miyazaki mentioned in the interview how Suzuki was very keen and strict about marketing campaigns for their productions. Could this be an insanely intelligent marketing strategy? Though some might think that, we’re sure Miyazaki just wants us to enjoy the movie to the fullest.
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