No, Children Who Chase Lost Voices (星を追う子ども, Hoshi o Ou Kodomo) is not a Miyazaki film. While the film undoubtedly draws heavy inspiration from the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, it is the creation of Makoto Shinkai, known for his visually stunning and emotionally resonant anime such as Your Name. and Weathering With You.
Understanding Shinkai’s Influence and Oeuvre
Makoto Shinkai has consistently acknowledged the profound influence of Miyazaki and Ghibli on his artistic development. Children Who Chase Lost Voices serves as perhaps the most overt example of this influence, exhibiting thematic and stylistic similarities that invite direct comparison. However, Shinkai infuses the film with his own distinct artistic vision, exploring themes of grief, loss, and the acceptance of mortality in a way that sets it apart from Miyazaki’s narratives.
While both filmmakers create visually captivating worlds, their storytelling approaches differ significantly. Miyazaki often focuses on environmentalism, pacifism, and the power of childhood imagination. Shinkai, on the other hand, delves into the complexities of human relationships, the beauty of transient moments, and the bittersweet nature of existence. Children Who Chase Lost Voices embodies this dichotomy, blending Ghibli-esque world-building with Shinkai’s signature emotional depth.
Visual and Thematic Echoes of Ghibli
The film’s aesthetic draws heavily from Ghibli’s iconic style. The lush landscapes, fantastical creatures, and the overall sense of adventure evoke memories of films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Spirited Away. The underground world of Agartha, in particular, shares visual parallels with the bathhouse in Spirited Away, featuring intricate architecture and a host of unusual inhabitants.
Thematically, the film touches upon similar ground as Miyazaki’s works, such as the importance of respecting nature and the dangers of unchecked ambition. However, Shinkai frames these themes within a more personal and introspective narrative, focusing on the protagonist Asuna’s journey of coping with the loss of her father and finding meaning in her encounters with the people of Agartha.
Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that explore the relationship between Children Who Chase Lost Voices and the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, shedding further light on its unique identity.
1. What are the most obvious visual similarities between Children Who Chase Lost Voices and Ghibli films?
The most striking visual similarities include the detailed backgrounds, reminiscent of Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The designs of certain creatures and characters also bear a resemblance to Ghibli’s creations. Furthermore, the overall animation style, with its emphasis on fluidity and realism, echoes the hallmarks of Ghibli’s animation techniques. The use of vibrant colors and detailed lighting contributes to a similar visual experience, creating a sense of wonder and immersion.
2. What specific Ghibli films seem to have influenced Children Who Chase Lost Voices the most?
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Spirited Away, and Castle in the Sky appear to be the most significant influences. Nausicaä provides a template for the post-apocalyptic setting and the exploration of environmental themes. Spirited Away inspires the fantastical world-building and the journey into a strange and magical realm. Castle in the Sky contributes to the themes of lost civilizations and the search for a legendary paradise. The flying machines and the overall sense of adventure also echo elements of Castle in the Sky.
3. How does Shinkai’s storytelling style differ from Miyazaki’s?
Miyazaki tends to focus on grand narratives with broad social and environmental themes, often exploring the relationship between humanity and nature. Shinkai, on the other hand, concentrates on more intimate and personal stories, often revolving around themes of love, loss, and the search for connection. His characters are often introverted and grapple with complex emotions, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of modern life. While Miyazaki’s films often offer a sense of hope and optimism, Shinkai’s works often embrace a more bittersweet and melancholic tone.
4. What are the key themes explored in Children Who Chase Lost Voices?
The central themes include grief and loss, acceptance of mortality, the importance of human connection, and the search for meaning in life. The film explores Asuna’s journey of coping with the death of her father and her subsequent experiences in Agartha, which force her to confront her own mortality and the inevitability of loss. The relationships she forms with Shun and Mr. Morisaki highlight the importance of human connection and the power of empathy in overcoming adversity.
5. How does the depiction of Agartha in the film compare to the fantastical worlds in Ghibli films?
Agartha is a complex and multifaceted world, steeped in ancient mythology and lore. While it shares the sense of wonder and magic found in Ghibli’s fantastical settings, it is also portrayed as a place of decay and decline. This sense of loss and impermanence distinguishes it from the more vibrant and optimistic worlds of Ghibli. The inhabitants of Agartha are often burdened by their past and haunted by the specter of death, adding a layer of melancholy that is less prevalent in Miyazaki’s films.
6. Does Children Who Chase Lost Voices contain any overt references or homages to Ghibli films?
Yes, the film contains several subtle nods to Ghibli’s works. The visual similarities mentioned earlier can be interpreted as deliberate homages. Additionally, certain character archetypes and plot elements echo those found in Ghibli films. For example, Asuna’s adventurous spirit and her ability to connect with the natural world are reminiscent of Nausicaä. The film also incorporates elements of fantasy and mythology that are characteristic of Ghibli’s storytelling.
7. What is the significance of the film’s title?
The title, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, alludes to the film’s central theme of searching for something that is lost or unattainable. The “lost voices” can be interpreted as representing lost loved ones, lost memories, or lost opportunities. The children in the title represent the protagonists, Asuna and Shun, who are both on a journey to find something that is missing from their lives. The act of “chasing” implies a sense of hope and determination, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
8. How was Children Who Chase Lost Voices received by critics and audiences?
The film received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its stunning visuals, emotional depth, and ambitious storytelling. However, some critics also noted that the film’s reliance on Ghibli’s tropes and themes detracted from its originality. Audiences generally embraced the film, appreciating its poignant exploration of grief and loss, as well as its breathtaking animation.
9. Does Makoto Shinkai acknowledge the influence of Hayao Miyazaki on his work?
Yes, Shinkai has consistently acknowledged Miyazaki’s profound influence on his artistic development. He has stated that he grew up watching Ghibli films and that they inspired him to pursue a career in animation. While he strives to create his own unique style and voice, he recognizes the debt he owes to Miyazaki and the studio.
10. How does the music in Children Who Chase Lost Voices contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere?
The score, composed by Tenmon, plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s emotional landscape. The music is often melancholic and evocative, underscoring the themes of grief, loss, and longing. The use of orchestral arrangements and choral elements creates a sense of grandeur and wonder, while also conveying the film’s underlying sense of sadness and impermanence.
11. What is Shinkai’s most famous work and how does it compare to Children Who Chase Lost Voices?
Shinkai’s most famous work is undoubtedly Your Name. (Kimi no Na wa.). While Children Who Chase Lost Voices showcases Shinkai’s talent for world-building and emotional storytelling, Your Name. is generally considered to be a more polished and mature work. Your Name. features a more complex and engaging plot, as well as more nuanced and relatable characters. While both films explore themes of love, loss, and connection, Your Name. does so with a greater sense of originality and sophistication.
12. Where does Children Who Chase Lost Voices fit within Shinkai’s overall filmography?
Children Who Chase Lost Voices represents a pivotal point in Shinkai’s career. It marks his transition from creating primarily short films and independent works to directing full-length feature films with larger budgets and broader appeal. While it may not be his most original or critically acclaimed work, it demonstrates his growing ambition and his ability to create visually stunning and emotionally resonant anime that resonate with a wide audience. It served as a stepping stone toward his later successes, Your Name. and Weathering With You. Ultimately, it’s a testament to the enduring power of influence and how artists can build upon the foundations laid by their predecessors to create something uniquely their own.