You Probably Haven't Heard About Miyazaki's Final Studio Ghibli Film - Here's Why

Movies Animation

Few names in animation are as widely respected as Hayao Miyazaki. The prolific writer, director, and animator has been behind some of the most iconic and memorable animated films of all time, including “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.” However, his latest film, “How Do You Live?” is staking its success on his well-established work and the goodwill of his fanbase in a way that few studios would dare to do.

Such is Miyazaki’s reputation that Studio Ghibli isn’t even releasing a trailer for his latest film. Not only that, the studio is barely releasing any promotional materials or plot details whatsoever with regard to the upcoming film. While this is undoubtedly a unique approach to take, especially in an age where even the biggest celebrity cameos and plot twists are often revealed in the trailer or leaked deliberately, Studio Ghibli seems to be betting that the beloved creator’s fans will likely see the film regardless, or even directly because of this lack of information.

The film is based on a book originally published in 1937

Either way, like many of Miyazaki’s movies, “How Do You Live?” is based on a book. First published in the mid-1930s, the book of the same name follows a teenage boy named Koperu, who is going through the typical trials and tribulations of someone who is coming of age. The story also explores the close relationship that he shares with his uncle.

As such, the narrative weaves back and forth between the events of Koperu’s life and a series of notes that his uncle is writing to him in hopes of addressing Koperu’s concerns and offering some of what he himself has learned to the young boy. The title comes from the closing words, as the protagonist asks the reader this very question.

What the ever-imaginative Hayao Miyazaki will do with the vastness of this concept is easily the biggest draw of the upcoming adaptation. Other than that, though, we only have two visuals to go off of. The first is a close-up of what appears to be a bird with a human eye, while the second is a drawing of a resolute Koperu. What these images will ultimately represent will not be revealed to the audience until the film is released on July 14th, 2023.