Real Reason Hayao Miyazaki Refused Going Full CGI Despite Confirming Its Potential to “Surpass” Hand-Drawn Animation

SUMMARY

Hayao Miyazaki’s methods set a precedent in the Japanese animation industry.
Miyazaki revealed the real reason for not using CGI in his movies in an interview.
For decades, Ghibli movies have greatly impacted children and their perception of fantasy.

From witches to warlocks, Hayao Miyazaki’s world is filled with fantasy and magic. It is imbued with surrealistic elements enmeshed with conflict and war. And it would be a gross understatement to call it a wonderland.

Amidst the beauty and chaos, the Ghibli filmmaker has set a benchmark with his use of traditional and handcrafted methods of animation. This isn’t to say he’s aversive to technology, but he has a solid reason behind it.

Kiki and Jiji in a still from Kiki’s Delivery Service | Credit: Studio Ghibli

This holds especially true for his opinions regarding CGI animation. With new-age films incorporating advanced technologies, Ghibli has stuck to its guns for the most part. It has inspired several films, including The Glassworker and so on.

But that is not all considering its influence on storytelling and filmmaking on the whole. For decades, Ghibli has inspired other studios with their vision of hand-drawn methods. This also ties in well with Miyazaki reshaping children’s perception of fantasy and the world as a whole.

Hayao Miyazaki’s apprehension regarding CGI animation

Through the years Hayao Miyazaki has set a precedent with his storytelling and animation. His films reflect his brilliance as an illustrious animator and storyteller. This is evident with his highlighting of minuscule details and intricacies.

The Ghibli Director made waves for decades through his revolutionary contribution to the Japanese animation industry. His views on politics and society along with technology have inspired many artists to speak up. But there’s more to his views than meets the eye.

Chihiro in a still from Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

When it comes to machines and technology, Miyazaki is known for creating a stir through his opinions. So much so that his views on AI and anime have most fans on the Internet deeming him a Grumpy Grandpa. But that is not all.

His views have garnered support from several artists and filmmakers nonetheless. While one may assume the Ghibli animator to be aversive to technology, that isn’t the case. This is true for his opinions regarding the CGI technology.

In an interview with The Guardian, Miyazaki shared his opinions on CGI technology and its potential. He quoted:

Actually I think CGI has the potential to equal or even surpass what the human hand can do.But it is far too late for me to try it.

This might be shocking but it makes sense considering his use of CGI in his films. Miyazaki partially used the technique along with cell animation in Princess Mononoke.

The trailblazing film fuses the binary of nature versus humanity which is a common parallel in most Ghibli movies. This is reflective of its impact on children and the storytelling genre as a whole.

Ghibli’s impact on children and storytelling on the whole

For decades, Ghibli movies have come to be associated with comfort. The portrayal of the countryside and nature blended with the supernatural is a visual treat. Be it Totoro or Kodama, Miyazaki weaves intricate storytelling by enmeshing contrasting themes.

With Princess Mononoke’s exploration of war and Kiki’s Delivery Service’s commentary on creativity, Ghibli movies have had a massive impact on children’s perception. But we have barely scratched the surface with this one.

Mei and Satsuki with their mother in My Neighbor Totoro | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Despite the fantasy and supernatural elements, Miyazaki isn’t one to mince his words. His views carry weight and sensibility, especially when it comes to dealing with children. Regarding his cherished audience, he quoted:

I believe that children’s souls are the inheritors of historical memory from previous generations. It’s just that as they grow older and experience the everyday world that memory sinks lower and lower. I feel I need to make a film that reaches down to that level. If I could do that I would die happy.

Most importantly, his films aren’t constricted to a set audience per se. While his films unpack fantasy and adventure, they’re laden with reality. His views on society and war are mirrored in most of his films.

Interestingly, Miyazaki is a prolific director with a roster of versatile yet riveting films. To date, his films have greatly influenced filmmaking, art, and storytelling. And though it may be too late for him to use CGI, his firm belief in hand-drawn animation stands as a benchmark for the animation industry.