List of most important Miyazaki productions

1979 – Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro (Rupan Sansei: Kariosutoro no Shiro)

A charmer chief and his companion try to save a princess, taken captive by an evil count. On his quest he discovers the secrets housing in the castle of Cagliostro, a small European country. Complete with ’70s jazzy soundtrack. Very European in style, but with an anime touch. Miyazaki’s first job as a director and produced in an amazing four months time.

Availability: English/Japanese version on DVD generally available

1984 ? Nausica? of the Valley of the Winds (Kaze no Tani no Naushika)

After the Earth is destroyed in the future, a small group of people living in the Valley of the Winds, led by princess Nausica?, is trying to understand the world. Released in a heavily changed American version as opposed to the original Japanese version.

Availability: almost impossible to find. English/Japanese version expected later this year.

1986 ? Laputa: Castle in the Sky (Tenkū no Shiro Rapyuta)

A young girl Sheeta and a young orphan boy Pazu try to find the magical floating island of Laputa, being chased by pirates. On their quest they find the true nature of the secret island, their past and the relation between man and machine.

Availability: recently released in English/Japanese version; check out stores specialized in anime/manga.

1988 ? My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro)

Two girls, that just moved to the country meet and have adventures with the wonderful forest spirits (the Totoros) living nearby.

Availability: almost impossible to find. English/Japanese version expected later this year.

1989 ? Kiki?s Delivery Service (Majo no Takkyubin)

All witched have to spend one year in a human city, trying to survive with their magic. Kiki, a young witch, sets up a delivery service by air in her year of rural internship.

Availability: recently released in English/Japanese version; check out stores specialized in anime/manga.

1992 ? Crimson Pig/Porco Rosso (Kurenai no Buta)

Porco Rosso, a pilot who was cursed and given the head of a pig is a hero and saves people kidnapped by pirates.

Availability: recently released in English/Japanese version; check out stores specialized in anime/manga.

1997 ? Princess Mononoke (Mononoke-hime)

A young prince warrior, Ashitika, is cursed and on his quest to find a cure he meets Princess Mononoke, who was raised by the Wolf God. An absolute masterpiece and said to be Miyakazi’s last film. Fortunately not.

Availability: English/Japanese version on DVD generally available.

2001 ? Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)

A young girl, Chihiro, escapes to a bathhouse of the Gods, after her parents are cursed and changed into pigs. Won an Oscar in 2003 for Best animation feature. Amazing film.

Availability: English/Japanese version on DVD generally available (in most parts of Europe the Japanese only edition is available. In the UK (and maybe more parts of Europe) a two disc English/Japanese version was recently released.) Click here for the CoP review.

2004 ? A Howl?s Moving Castle (Hauru no Ugoku Shiro)

Miyazaki?s latest release. Planned for release in English in the summer of 2005.

Miyazaki Trademarks:

Miyazaki uses a lot of metaphores and recurring elements in his movies. I am sure you can figures out lots of them by just watching his movies, or even by reading the plots as described above. Some of them are:
- Flying, flying objects, clouds, sky.
- Pigs and people who have turned into pigs
- Fast eating and gorging on food
- Cursings
- Nature
- Gods and spirits
- Castles