“How the Wind Blows” (Le Vent Se Lève), Hayao Miyazaki’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece, ultimately argues that beauty and creation can exist even amidst destruction and despair, but not without acknowledging the moral complexities and personal costs inherent in pursuing one’s passion during times of crisis. The film challenges viewers to reconcile Jiro Horikoshi’s unwavering dedication to aircraft design with the devastating consequences of the warplanes he helped create, prompting a profound reflection on individual responsibility and the nature of artistic expression.
A Legacy of Flight and Controversy
Miyazaki’s swan song before his (brief) retirement, “How the Wind Blows,” is a departure from his more overtly fantastical works. It delves into the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer behind the infamous Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane. While the film beautifully portrays Jiro’s passion for aviation and his unwavering dedication to his craft, it also sparked considerable debate, particularly in Japan, regarding its portrayal of a figure directly linked to wartime aggression. The film’s power lies in its refusal to offer easy answers, instead presenting a nuanced and ultimately bittersweet exploration of ambition, love, and the enduring human spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding “How the Wind Blows,” addressing both its narrative and its deeper implications:
H3: Understanding the Plot & Characters
FAQ 1: Is “How the Wind Blows” a true story?
While the film is inspired by the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, and the novel “The Wind Has Risen” by Tatsuo Hori, it is not a strictly biographical account. Miyazaki takes liberties with the historical narrative, blending elements of Jiro’s life with fictional relationships and events, notably the romantic subplot with Nahoko Satomi. The film should be viewed as a poetic interpretation rather than a definitive historical record.
FAQ 2: Who is Nahoko Satomi and what is her significance in the film?
Nahoko Satomi is Jiro’s wife, and her character is largely fictional. She represents the sacrifices and personal costs associated with pursuing a dream during times of turmoil. Nahoko suffers from tuberculosis, and her unwavering love and support for Jiro serve as both an inspiration and a source of profound emotional conflict. Her presence highlights the film’s themes of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of beauty.
FAQ 3: What is the significance of Count Caproni in Jiro’s dreams?
Count Caproni is a recurring figure in Jiro’s dreams, a visionary Italian aircraft designer. He serves as a mentor and a symbolic representation of Jiro’s aspirations. Caproni embodies the romantic ideals of flight and the pursuit of innovation, pushing Jiro to embrace his creative vision, even in the face of practical constraints and ethical dilemmas. His appearances often provide Jiro with guidance and encouragement during moments of doubt and uncertainty.
FAQ 4: What is the overall message of “How the Wind Blows”?
“How the Wind Blows” grapples with the complex relationship between artistic creation and its potential consequences. It explores the idea that even beautiful things can be used for destructive purposes, and that individuals must grapple with the moral implications of their work. The film ultimately suggests that finding meaning and purpose in life, even amidst suffering and loss, is a fundamental human endeavor.
H3: Thematic Depth & Interpretations
FAQ 5: How does the film address the ethical concerns surrounding Jiro’s involvement in designing warplanes?
The film has been criticized for not explicitly condemning Japan’s wartime aggression. While it doesn’t shy away from portraying the destruction caused by Jiro’s planes, it primarily focuses on his personal motivations and artistic dedication. Miyazaki avoids overt political commentary, instead opting for a more nuanced exploration of Jiro’s internal conflict. He presents Jiro as an engineer driven by a passion for aviation, rather than a war profiteer, leaving the audience to grapple with the ethical implications of his creations. The absence of explicit condemnation is deliberate, prompting viewers to engage in a critical reflection on individual responsibility within a broader historical context.
FAQ 6: What role does tuberculosis play in the film’s narrative?
Tuberculosis, afflicting Nahoko and others, serves as a powerful metaphor for the decay and fragility of life amidst the backdrop of war and societal upheaval. It underscores the ephemeral nature of beauty and the inevitability of loss. Nahoko’s struggle with the disease mirrors Jiro’s own struggle to reconcile his artistic aspirations with the destructive potential of his creations. The disease highlights the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
FAQ 7: How does “How the Wind Blows” differ from Miyazaki’s other films?
Unlike Miyazaki’s more explicitly fantastical works like “Spirited Away” or “My Neighbor Totoro,” “How the Wind Blows” is grounded in historical reality, albeit with fictionalized elements. It lacks the overt magical elements and focuses on a more mature and complex theme: the intersection of beauty, creation, and destruction. The film is also notable for its less optimistic and more ambiguous ending, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions about Jiro’s legacy.
H3: Production & Cultural Context
FAQ 8: Why did Miyazaki choose to make a film about Jiro Horikoshi?
Miyazaki was fascinated by Jiro Horikoshi’s story, viewing him as a complex and compelling figure who embodied both the beauty and the potential dangers of human ingenuity. Miyazaki admired Jiro’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his pursuit of beauty, even in the face of adversity. He wanted to explore the inner world of a creative genius operating within a historical context of war and societal pressure.
FAQ 9: What were some of the controversies surrounding the film’s release in Japan?
The film sparked significant debate in Japan, with some critics accusing Miyazaki of romanticizing a figure associated with Japanese militarism. Others defended the film, arguing that it offered a nuanced portrayal of individual motivations within a complex historical context. The controversy highlighted the ongoing sensitivities surrounding Japan’s role in World War II and the challenges of representing historical figures in a way that is both accurate and ethically responsible.
FAQ 10: What is the meaning of the film’s title, “The Wind Rises” or “How the Wind Blows”?
The title is taken from a line by French poet Paul Valéry: “Le vent se lève!… Il faut tenter de vivre!” (The wind is rising!… We must try to live!). This line encapsulates the film’s central theme: the imperative to find meaning and purpose in life, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. The wind symbolizes the forces of change and the challenges that life throws our way, while the call to “try to live” emphasizes the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
H3: Legacy & Interpretation
FAQ 11: What is the lasting impact of “How the Wind Blows”?
“How the Wind Blows” remains a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that continues to spark debate and discussion. It solidified Miyazaki’s legacy as one of the most important animators of our time, and it left audiences pondering the complex relationship between art, morality, and history. Its nuanced portrayal of a controversial figure ensures its enduring relevance.
FAQ 12: What are some key takeaways from “How the Wind Blows” for aspiring artists and creators?
The film offers several valuable lessons for aspiring artists and creators. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing one’s passion with dedication and integrity, but also reminds us to be mindful of the potential consequences of our creations. It highlights the value of collaboration and mentorship, as well as the importance of staying true to one’s vision, even in the face of criticism and adversity. Ultimately, “How the Wind Blows” encourages us to strive for beauty and innovation, while remaining aware of our ethical responsibilities as creators.