Representation of Landscape and Ecological Vision in Miyazaki’s Filmography

Cristiana Bartolomei (), Alfonso Ippolito and Davide Mezzino
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Cristiana Bartolomei: Department of Architecture, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Alfonso Ippolito: Department of History, Representation and Restoration of Architecture, Sapienza University of Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
Davide Mezzino: Faculty of Cultural Heritage, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-20

Abstract: This study analyzes the central role of landscape in Hayao Miyazaki’s films. The depiction of landscape in Miyazaki’s films goes beyond mere visual backdrops in order to convey deep symbolic meanings and to foster an empathic connection between the viewer and the world depicted. The renowned Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, draftsman, manga artist and film director has strongly promoted environmental awareness in his productions by paying close attention to the depiction and visualization of landscape dynamics, using details, and real and invented elements to create an engaging visual experience. The landscapes also take on emotional, metaphorical dimensions, reflecting the emotions and inner thoughts of the characters. Through an in-depth critical analysis of eleven selected films, the proposed research identifies the character-defining elements adopted by Miyazaki to stimulate reflection on a sustainable combination between urban development and the preservation of natural elements, as well as increasing focus on the beauty of the landscape, thereby highlighting the importance of its preservation. The relevance of this research is to understand Miyazaki’s approach to creating representations of natural elements and how he has managed to combine them with the plots of his various films, indirectly stimulating environmental awareness and fascination with nature in its different forms.

Keywords: landscape; video animation; representation; Miyazaki; sustainability; ecological vision (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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