"Starting Point: 1979-1996" by Hayao Miyazaki offers readers an intimate and illuminating look into the early years of the legendary animator's career. As the co-founder of Studio Ghibli and the creative genius behind beloved classics such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Princess Mononoke," Miyazaki's retrospective provides a captivating narrative of his artistic evolution.

The book delves into Miyazaki's thoughts, inspirations, and challenges, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of some of the most iconic animated films of our time. Miyazaki's reflections on the intersection of art, storytelling, and the human experience are both profound and enlightening.

One of the strengths of "Starting Point" lies in Miyazaki's candidness about his creative process. Readers gain insight into the struggles and triumphs that shaped his storytelling philosophy. From the environmental themes in his work to his commitment to hand-drawn animation, Miyazaki's dedication to his craft is evident throughout the pages.

The inclusion of interviews, essays, and concept art adds depth to the narrative, allowing fans to appreciate the meticulous details that go into each frame of a Miyazaki film. The book is a treasure trove for animation enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive overview of Miyazaki's influences, ideologies, and the evolution of Studio Ghibli.

Miyazaki's engaging writing style and the translated work maintain the essence of his voice, making it an accessible and enjoyable read even for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of animation. The anecdotes and personal stories shared by Miyazaki create a sense of connection between the creator and the audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the magic that unfolds on the screen.

In "Starting Point: 1979-1996," Hayao Miyazaki invites readers on a captivating journey through the formative years of his illustrious career. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the mind behind the magic, offering a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of one of animation's true visionaries. ( )

Not quite a biography nor an autobiography; Not a sampling of his animation or drawing but a collection of interviews and writings about and by Hayao Miyazaki. I loved it. It's vaguely historical in terms of time lines but it meanders this way and that in teasing out Miyazaki's approach to manga and animation and the influences in his life. The translation is marvellous. Never once did I find that awkwardness that comes from having to translate something from Japanese into English ...so full marks to the two translators. And Miyazaki himself comes across as a fascinating kind of person. Fairly direct and seemingly very honest about his intentions, successes and failures. But he is surprisingly erudite about his intentions for an artist. (I think Artists frequently adopt the stance of an Australian sculptor who was asked "why are you burying these sculptures in the soil?" ....not an unreasonable question....His reply was " If you have to ask, you can't possibly understand").
Miyazaki comes across as incredibly talented ...his first supervisor at Toei Animation, Sadao Kikuchi says. "in those days, as now, his ideas and compositions were outstanding. I Still clearly remember that his lines were free and natural in the blacksmith illustration he brought with him when he joined the company........there are many animators who are good at drawing, but in terms of composition and imaging, he is first and foremost in the animation film world."
He was also a driven workaholic ...committed to completing the projects..even at the expense of his family life...which he now regrets. (Hard to have it both ways).
He is extremely philosophical about his love for nature and his intentions in getting this across to a whole generation of children. He's been compared to Disney...but doesn't have a very high opinion of the Disney studios. Given the way the book has been put together, it's inevitable that there will be some repetition but that merely reinforces some of the messages that he has been striving to get across through his art. He is refreshingly self-critical about his work...what worked and what didn't work and it's interesting that the commercial imperative was constantly both driving him and his team but also applying a discipline on their work. I love his work, ....Totoro was the first example that I saw and my son loved this and Ponyo ....maybe Ponyo and the song that went with it was loved more.
Will I now try and read the second part of this biography? Not sure. But this first part was quite fascinating in terms of seeing something of what makes Hayao Miyazaki tick. (And I would like to visit the museum he has established on the outskirts of Tokyo).
Happy to give this book five stars. ( )

I've struggled to finish this book for months. Not because it's lacking in quality but because it's really hard to read as you would a normal book. It's a chronological mix of all of Miyazaki-san's interviews, magazine articles, production notes, Studio memos and letters to friends as well as personal thoughts written decades ago. It's difficult to read in one sitting. This is a book that requires you to have the right mood to read and always be ready for topic & style changes. If you have the patience for it you'll find nuggets of wisdom and a tiny peak into the mind of a creative genius and the struggles he went through to become one.

I only recommend it to fans of Studio Ghibli, drawing and animation.

Considering the nature of the book, a collection of articles and interviews, it is fragmented and redundant. But definitely recommended for Miyazaki-san's fans. Provides an insight into his mind and his work and creative process. ( )