In any case, one of the things that he introduced was the various works of Hayao Miyazaki. (I guess the verb and noun don't agree in number in that sentence, but what the hey!) Mr. Miyazaki is a master of his craft. And his craft isn't exactly limited to one form. He is a Japanese animator, writer, director, and artist. I read that he has been compared to Walt Disney.
Recently, John provided one of Miyazaki's films for some nightly viewing. "The Secret World of Arriety" was pretty much exemplary of Miyazaki's style, and reminded me how much I enjoy watching his films.
He creates such fine characterizations. Also excellent stories. And the animation is exquisite. Oh yeah, there's also the backgrounds. Let me just put some pictures up:
"My Neighbor Totoro"
"Howl's Moving Castle"
"Princess Mononoke"
(oddly enough, even though this one contains the word "princess" in the title, it is one of the few of Miyazaki's films that does not follow the proceedings of a fairly young female protagonist)
"Castle in the Sky"
"Porco Rosso"
"Spirited Away"
All of his stuff is great, but if you have to watch one it should probably be "Spirited Away." It's pretty much his masterpiece.
