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Title: The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)
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| Cast overview: | |||
| Hayao Miyazaki | ... | Self | |
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Yumiko Miyoshi | ... | Self - Hayao Miyazaki's production manager (as Sankichi) |
| Toshio Suzuki | ... | Self | |
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Shinsuke Nonaka | ... | Self |
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Ushiko | ... | itself, Studio Ghibli's feline mascot |
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Yoshiaki Nishimura | ... | Self |
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Seiji Okuda | ... | Self - Nippon TV |
| Hideaki Anno | ... | Self | |
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Gorô Miyazaki | ... | Self - Hayao Miyazaki's son |
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Joe Hisaishi | ... | Self |
| Isao Takahata | ... | Self | |
Follows the routines of those employed at Studio Ghibli, including filmmakers Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki as they work to release two films simultaneously, The Wind Rises and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
Crafted with serenity, told with affection, and exquisitely capturing the routines & creative process inside one of the greatest & most honoured animation studios on the planet, The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness delves into the life & philosophy of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, and follows him around as he attempts to bring his then-final film to completion.
Directed by Mami Sunada, the documentary is mainly focused on Miyazaki but it also provides a rare glimpse into the working atmosphere within Studio Ghibli in addition to the essential role of Toshio Suzuki as producer. Isao Takahata is often mentioned but seldom seen. But the studio employees do talk about the friendly rivalry between the two artists and how each has inspired the other.
Although we don't get to see much of the production for The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, the storyboarding, sketching, animation & premiere of The Wind Rises is depicted in apt detail. Through the interviews, archive photos & historical info, it also illustrates the contribution of Miyazaki, Takahata & Suzuki in making Studio Ghibli the animation powerhouse it is, and ponders over its doubtful future once the masters are gone.
The calm, peaceful & untroubled camerawork mirrors the essence of Ghibli films, with small & simple details uplifting our emotional resonance with the imagery. Miyazaki's cheery persona, playful jibes & childlike excitement is both heartening & inspiring to watch but it also highlights the staff's difficulties with meeting the visionary's demands. And the last scene, a brief montage of his films, really sums up what Miyazaki & his films are all about.
Overall, The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness is as endearing as it is enchanting, and is a must for every Studio Ghibli fan out there. My only gripe with it is that it isn't very long, for I could've watched these artists work & share their wisdom for more than just a couple hours. A beautiful, heartwarming & endlessly captivating delight that invites its audience on hallowed grounds and offers an exclusive with the wizard most responsible for its success, this documentary is essential viewing.