The Shanghai premiere of Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film “What Kind of Life Do You Want to Live” was a star-studded event, with Studio Ghibli Chairman and Producer Toshio Suzuki sharing insights into the legendary animator’s life and creative process.
The Oscar-winning new work made its debut in Shanghai with the presence of Toshio Suzuki, who expressed his joy at the speedy release of the film in China compared to previous Ghibli movies. Suzuki shared interesting stories about his longstanding friendship and collaboration with Miyazaki, emphasizing the deep connection they share.
The film, which took seven years to complete, is a reflection of Miyazaki’s 83 years of life experience and is hailed as his “life movie”. Suzuki revealed that the protagonist’s journey in the film mirrors Miyazaki’s own personal struggles and growth, making it a poignant and heartfelt work.
Suzuki also disclosed the hidden meanings and personal tributes in the movie, with characters representing significant figures in Miyazaki’s life. The film has a stellar behind-the-scenes team, including composer Joe Hisaishi and a star-studded cast of voice actors.
The theme song “Globe”, composed by Kenshi Yonezu, adds an emotional layer to the film and resonated deeply with Miyazaki. Chinese dubbing actors Liu Haoran, Dapeng, and Zhu Yawen shared their experiences working on the film and the impact Hayao Miyazaki’s works have had on their careers.
Audience members, including actor Sun Yang and director Huang Jiakang, expressed their admiration for Miyazaki’s contributions to the world of animation and voiced their hopes for the future of Chinese animation. The premiere was a touching tribute to Hayao Miyazaki’s enduring legacy and the impact of his works on audiences worldwide.