I just noticed on my third watch that the big stone entrance being blocked by the golden gate is the same as the opening blocked by the bed in the delivery room. HOLY SHIT. Also, I loved the uses of exposition where they explain how Lady Himi turned out fine in the end after being missing for a year, and the fact that she gave Mahito “How Do You Live?” after she learns about him.
Perfect timing-tomorrow I’ll be rewatching it (English dub this time) so I can look at it with a new light. I honestly didn’t get to enjoy it so much the first time-I felt I didn’t understand it. After watching so many video essays I think I’ll be able to enjoy the movie much more this time
Great video! Your breakdown on the narrative themes and Mahito's arc sums up part of the reason why I continue to love this film after seeing it once earlier this month. In a way, I went through similar trauma to Mahito when I was 13. I almost lost my mom in a car accident and she was left disabled with a TBI. I had a really tough time getting used to the changes from her disability and, in a way, it was like my mom passed and was replaced with someone else (which is something I learned later that is common for kids with TBI parents). I didn't realize that 13 year old me was grieving until I started therapy three years ago. Mahito's whole arc understanding the cycle of life, gaining closure with his mom, and accepting his step-mom were things that I had to go through after my mom's accident. I never felt so represented in that way by a film and it was really weird. When I first saw the film, it didn't quite impact me the way I thought it would (I thought I would be sobbing, honestly) but the more I heard other people give their takes and thought about the film's themes, the more it clicked with me. Edit: I also really wish they kept the Japanese title. It suits the film much better. I get that they didn't want it to be confused as an adaptation of the book, but "How Do You Live?" fits so much better.
Hey man, glad you enjoyed the video, and thank you for sharing this with me, I can’t imagine what that experience with you and your mom was like, but I’m glad to hear that you’ve since been able to overcome this struggle.
Great analysis. Had the privilege of watching this with my family in a packed theater (audience was great and not obnoxious). It’s a blessing to watch a brand new Miyazaki movie.
I took away similar message from what you discussed here so I’m happy I found your channel and I’m also more annoyed than most people about the changing of the title. I think most people are willing to let it go since it’s probably done to attract more viewers in the west and maybe sounds more child friendly? But it is so annoying to me personally knowing that the intended title fits the theme of his films and characters and the theme of the book where he got the title from so well.
Hey, I’m glad you found my channel and enjoyed my video, really appreciate that! But yeah I also am pissed that its original Japanese title was changed for us markets, like you said it fits the film very well. That’s why to this day I’m calling it by its Japanese title and refusing to call it by its us one
I would love to watch this again in theatres because there is a lot to digest here and your analysis does clear a few things up and makes it but more easier to understand
I don't think Himi knows mahito is her son until she is brought to the grand uncle by the parakeets. That would explain why she is so emotional when she sees mahito again and hugs him while tearing up
Too bad you didn't mention the impact of who I'd argue to be the most important character and mother-figure in the movie. Younger Kiriko. She's the one who truly taught Mahito how to live. She showed him that no matter how flawed the result of someone's efforts are, their resolve is still worthy of respect on its own. This is why Mahito apologizes to the granny dolls after witnessing Natsuko save the blob people (even if she killed some in the process) which is arguably why he finally acknowledges Natsuko as his mother.
@@timjongunproductions She's really interesting because she's the only character who made Mahito work. The only character to show no appreciation for other people's labour.
Read this slowly guis we are wEaaBoO
This guy gets it
I just noticed on my third watch that the big stone entrance being blocked by the golden gate is the same as the opening blocked by the bed in the delivery room. HOLY SHIT.
Also, I loved the uses of exposition where they explain how Lady Himi turned out fine in the end after being missing for a year, and the fact that she gave Mahito “How Do You Live?” after she learns about him.
Those are both really interesting observations!
Perfect timing-tomorrow I’ll be rewatching it (English dub this time) so I can look at it with a new light. I honestly didn’t get to enjoy it so much the first time-I felt I didn’t understand it. After watching so many video essays I think I’ll be able to enjoy the movie much more this time
That’s great to hear man, hopefully me and other video essays you’ve watched can enhance your 2nd viewing!
Great video!
Your breakdown on the narrative themes and Mahito's arc sums up part of the reason why I continue to love this film after seeing it once earlier this month. In a way, I went through similar trauma to Mahito when I was 13. I almost lost my mom in a car accident and she was left disabled with a TBI. I had a really tough time getting used to the changes from her disability and, in a way, it was like my mom passed and was replaced with someone else (which is something I learned later that is common for kids with TBI parents). I didn't realize that 13 year old me was grieving until I started therapy three years ago. Mahito's whole arc understanding the cycle of life, gaining closure with his mom, and accepting his step-mom were things that I had to go through after my mom's accident.
I never felt so represented in that way by a film and it was really weird. When I first saw the film, it didn't quite impact me the way I thought it would (I thought I would be sobbing, honestly) but the more I heard other people give their takes and thought about the film's themes, the more it clicked with me.
Edit: I also really wish they kept the Japanese title. It suits the film much better. I get that they didn't want it to be confused as an adaptation of the book, but "How Do You Live?" fits so much better.
Hey man, glad you enjoyed the video, and thank you for sharing this with me, I can’t imagine what that experience with you and your mom was like, but I’m glad to hear that you’ve since been able to overcome this struggle.
Great analysis. Had the privilege of watching this with my family in a packed theater (audience was great and not obnoxious). It’s a blessing to watch a brand new Miyazaki movie.
Thanks man, and same here, it was a pleasure to see this in theaters twice
I took away similar message from what you discussed here so I’m happy I found your channel and I’m also more annoyed than most people about the changing of the title. I think most people are willing to let it go since it’s probably done to attract more viewers in the west and maybe sounds more child friendly? But it is so annoying to me personally knowing that the intended title fits the theme of his films and characters and the theme of the book where he got the title from so well.
Hey, I’m glad you found my channel and enjoyed my video, really appreciate that! But yeah I also am pissed that its original Japanese title was changed for us markets, like you said it fits the film very well. That’s why to this day I’m calling it by its Japanese title and refusing to call it by its us one
I would love to watch this again in theatres because there is a lot to digest here and your analysis does clear a few things up and makes it but more easier to understand
Glad to be of service broski
Absolutely amazing analysis👏
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it!
Great job! Thank you!
You’re welcome, just happy you enjoyed the video!
@@timjongunproductions ❤️
Thank you that was so helpful
Of course, happy you enjoyed it!
Really great review! I’m happy that you got so much out of it and it’s definitely one of Miyazaki’s better films for sure 🙏
Thanks man! And I totally agree, I think it’s one of his best
I don't think Himi knows mahito is her son until she is brought to the grand uncle by the parakeets. That would explain why she is so emotional when she sees mahito again and hugs him while tearing up
Thanks for this video❤❤❤❤
You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it!
@@timjongunproductions loved it ❤❤❤
Couldn't have clicked the video faster.
Glad you clicked man, always a joy to see you in the comments
Brother, you sold me on going in blind. I'm clicking off, will return after i see the film. I'm trusting you on this
Glad to be of service man! Definitely looking forward to you coming back after you’ve seen it 😂
❤❤❤
Too bad you didn't mention the impact of who I'd argue to be the most important character and mother-figure in the movie. Younger Kiriko. She's the one who truly taught Mahito how to live. She showed him that no matter how flawed the result of someone's efforts are, their resolve is still worthy of respect on its own. This is why Mahito apologizes to the granny dolls after witnessing Natsuko save the blob people (even if she killed some in the process) which is arguably why he finally acknowledges Natsuko as his mother.
That is a good point, I didn’t really think about that. Thanks for pointing that out!
@@timjongunproductions She's really interesting because she's the only character who made Mahito work. The only character to show no appreciation for other people's labour.