The classic animated film "Howl's Moving Castle" directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli of Japan was officially released in Chinese mainland today. A few days ago, Toshio Suzuki, chairman of Studio Ghibli and a long-time friend and partner of Hayao Miyazaki, was interviewed by Time.com to share the behind-the-scenes story of "Howl's Moving Castle".
According to Toshio Suzuki, "Many of the characters in Howl's Moving Castle are lifelike and captivating, and Hisaishi's music is romantic, making it arguably one of Ghibli's most compelling masterpieces. ”
Not long ago, Toshio Suzuki came to China to promote Hayao Miyazaki's new film "How Do You Want to Live Your Life", and he revealed that after returning to Japan, he had conveyed to Miyazaki that he had been warmly welcomed in China and had achieved great success, "He was also very happy to hear the news." ”
Previously, the elderly Miyazaki was often torn between retirement and continuing to work, and Toshio Suzuki explained on behalf of Miyazaki, "When the work is completed, the creator is exhausted and feels that he never wants to create again. But as time passes, the desire to create will re-emerge and become irrepressible. I don't think the current Miyazaki has reached that state. At least for now, he hasn't mentioned retirement. ”
Mtime: Howl's Moving Castle was created in 2004, are you still impressed by the creative process of that year, and what was the biggest challenge in making this work?
Toshio Suzuki: This work was originally a project promoted by another young director. However, due to some problems, he eventually opted out and Miyazaki became the director. In the process of starting over, not only did we face challenges from the perspective of human resources and company management, but we also had a complete replacement of staff. In addition, information was kept as confidential as possible before it was disclosed, and a method of publicity without publicity was tried. Still, two weeks before the announcement, the most basic publicity was carried out.
Mtime: You said before that the protagonist of each of Miyazaki's works has a prototype, for example, the heron in "What kind of life do you want to live" was created based on you, and who is the prototype of Hal and Sophie in "Howl's Moving Castle"?
Toshio Suzuki: Hal is a charismatic and handsome young man who makes all women like him, but his appearance changes several times in the story, and there may not be a specific prototype. However, because Takuya Kimura voices him, the character has more personality. I think that Hal's thoughts and actions may reflect Miyazaki's own thoughts and fantasies, but the specific archetype of Sophie is a secret. Perhaps his work partner was one of the inspirations.
Mtime: Of all Ghibli's works, is Howl's Moving Castle anything special?
Toshio Suzuki: Since this work has an original, Miyazaki probably didn't have a lot of pressure and relaxed a little bit and concentrated on storyboarding. Many of the characters are lifelike and captivating, and Hisaishi's music is romantic, arguably one of Ghibli's most compelling masterpieces.
Mtime: Of all the many works by Ghibli, which one is your favourite and why?
Toshio Suzuki: Yes, it's a complicated question, but I think My Neighbor Totoro is the best choice. Hayao Miyazaki's charisma is completely integrated into this work, and no one can replicate it. The love received from all over the world also speaks for itself.
Mtime: I've heard that Hayao Miyazaki's next work has already been inspired, can you tell us what the theme will be?
Toshio Suzuki: Hayao Miyazaki has a lot of work that he wants to create, and his desire to create has not diminished in the slightest, but I think it is important to take into account his age and physical strength before starting to make a work. Once Miyazaki's vision is mature and established, I will consider further discussions.
Mtime: Ghibli's works always have a special preference for female characters and children, and many viewers will affectionately call themselves "Ghibli girls", what do you want to say to these audiences?
Toshio Suzuki: Women and children are able to be active because it is difficult for men to take risks in today's society. Women are more able to take risks freely and boldly, and to take on challenges bravely. I sometimes envy them for their freedom.
Mtime: Director Hayao Miyazaki has announced his retirement many times before, as a creator who loves his work, has director Hayao Miyazaki given up the idea of retiring now?
Toshio Suzuki: When the work is finished, the creator is exhausted and feels like he never wants to create again. But as time passes, the desire to create will re-emerge and become irrepressible. I don't think the current Miyazaki has reached that state. At least for now, he hasn't mentioned retirement.
Mtime: Which will be the next Ghibli animation to be imported to China?
Toshio Suzuki: Unfortunately, this is a company secret and cannot be disclosed at this time. Kidding aside, there hasn't been a concrete decision yet. We will evaluate and discuss based on the response to the currently published works.
Mtime: Have you and director Hayao Miyazaki watched any Chinese animation works recently, and do you have any favorite works?
Toshio Suzuki: Hayao Miyazaki hardly watches movies. I usually watch live-action movies, but I like the cartoons made in Shanghai in the 1960s, especially "Little Tadpole Looking for Mother" and "The Legend of Nezha".
Mtime: Not long ago, you came to China to promote "What kind of life do you want to live", did you share with director Hayao Miyazaki what you saw about this trip to China after returning to Japan?
Toshio Suzuki: I have delivered the news in time that it has been warmly welcomed and has been a great success in China. He was also very happy to hear the news.
Mtime: Do you and director Hayao Miyazaki have any plans to visit China again in the future?
Toshio Suzuki: Unfortunately, this seems to be very unlikely. Hayao Miyazaki is 83 years old and he hardly travels anymore. However, no one can say for sure what will happen in the future, so it cannot be said that it will definitely not.