Starting Point and Turning Point by Hayao Miyazaki - Book Review

If you have read many of my past posts, you might know that I adore Hayao Miyazaki and most of the movies studio Ghibli has ever put out. They were a huge part of my childhood and got me through many hard times when I was in periods of great depression or anxiety. After a particularly strong period of anxiety I must have watched spirited away nearly 20-30 times in a three month period. To me there is just something calming and nostalgic about the animation, the writing and especially the music, mostly done by famed conductor Joe Hisashi.

For many outside of Japan, it might not be common knowledge about Hayao Miyazaki, where he got his start and ultimately how he was able to create one of the most beloved animation studies in the world. The books starting point and turning point, both comprised mostly of his writings, essay, interviews ect, tell that story.

Starting Point looks at his career from the start in the late 1970s all the way up until 1997 when Miyazaki was able to establish Studio Ghibli as a household name in Japan, with the release and following critical acclaim of Princess Mononoke. The book really gives a sense of how the director was able to create the relationships and friendships that would ultimately bring his company together. Along with the success of anime at the time in Japan, it also goes into the phenomenon of anime spreading to other parts of the world and how much the industry changed. Not only do we see Miyazaki change and adapt to a new more international audience, but we see the industry do the same as well while following what many believed to be the golden era of anime.

In Turning Point, the sequel to Starting Point, we get to witness Studio Ghibli at the height of their popularity internationally. With the release of Spirited away and other international hits, Miyazaki became not only a household name in Japan, but for many anime fans all over the world. This is the point in time where Miyazaki could really do no wrong and his films were continuously breaking records.

Sadly this book only goes up to 2008 and I do suspect at some point there will be an Ending point book released after the death of Miyazaki and possible death of Studio Ghibli. While they have other directors and are still making a ton of money off of merchandise, they dont really have anyone like Miyazaki on the staff. Even his son Goro Miyazaki falls a bit short compared to his father. An avid Ghibli fan like me hopes that they can find someone to continue the legacy, but that has yet to be seen.

If you are any bit of a Studio Ghibli or Hayao Miyazaki fan, I would highly recommend reading these books as well as watching the documentaries titled the same names. This inside look into the studio is the closet and most intimate you will get into the life of Miyazaki and how he was able to become such a success.