Yuki no Taiyou Pilot

miehmieh Feb 18, 2024

9

This was a debut short film (<5 mins) that Hayao Miyazaki directed before Princess Mononoke and it was something I randomly stumbled across.  It was abrupt and unfinished so it felt more like a very detailed trailer of an animation series instead. However, you can see how the strong-willed female character arc has always been something Miyazaki pursues in all his creations: unwavering kindness combined with the strength to smile as the world's injustice comes wave after wave. She isn't perfect. Nor is this short film perfect. But I believe its imperfection enhances its beauty and underlying message. I love it when her 'odd quirk' turned into a hard slap near the end. It gets me every time. Thanks for reading and I do hope you give it a watch!