Hayao Miyazaki: Master of Japanese Animation [Paperback]

McCarthy, unabashedly writing as a very enthusiastic fan, details Miyazaki's career and his seven major films from Lupin III: Cagliostro no Shiro (The Castle of Cagliostro) in 1980, to Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke), the most successful Japanese film of all time, released in 1997. While not as comprehensive of all his works as a true otaku might expect there is still much to admire here, not least being the genuine delight McCarthy takes in describing the sheer joy of seeing Miyazaki's films. Some may suggest that this leaves little room for harsher criticism or detached discernment (we rarely spend much time exposing the flaws of our favourite artists) but when the works under discussion are Miyazaki's, superlatives seem inadequate. I am as dumbstruck by the sheer talent of the man as McCarthy and equally keen to praise his films as highly as possible.

For any serious fan of anime it is a given that you will want this book. Hopefully it will help raise more awareness of Miyazaki's films (and manga) in the West. And if you think McCarthy hasn't done a good job, do as she suggests and write your own book. It would be difficult to run out of things to say.

The book is full of justifiable praise for Miyazaki, and is clearly intended to be a fan book rather than a critical analysis of his films. Each film gets its own chapter, with a heavily detailed plot synopsis of each film (completely unnecessary to those who have actually seen the films) making up the bulk of the book. Lists of characters and character backgrounds are also included. There are several blatant factual/story errors in her interpretation, which makes me think a better editor might have been useful.

There is some attempt at critical analysis, and it is appreciated, but more depth would have been better. There is a touch of history about Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, and a smap of detail about animation technology, but not enough to provide any real insight or background. I cannot say that I came away from this book with a deeper appreciation of his films.

As a fan book, it is strangely lacking in pictures and rare information. Photographs of interesting Ghibli products would have been appreciated, or rare character sketches or anything that cannot be gleaned from the films themselves. In many ways, that is its main failing. If you have the movies, there is no need for this book.

I am, however in agreement with these other reviewers about the content. This isn't for the hardcore fan who wants every detail about the "master at work" so to speak. It isn't a book about Miyazaki so much as a book about his films. The behind-the-scenes pieces on some of the DVDs would be a better place to look right now. We're still waiting for a book like that.