An Analysis Of The Zen In Hayao Miyazaki's Animated Movies

Since 1980s, Hayao Miyazaki has been one of the great animation directors in the world. The deep themes, wild imaginations, love and persistence about hand-painting, detail hold as well as distinct applying of composition make his animated movies special. The charms of his movie are unique and could not be compared. What gives the movies the special charms? Researches referred to the culture psychology and aesthetic specialty of Yamato contained in his movies, which is no doubt. However, no one has named the exact source of his specialty. By analyzing three representative animated movies, which are My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and The Valley of the Wind, the author found that it is Zen in the themes, characters, composition and dialogues of the movies. As an important part of Japanese culture and values, Zen has infiltrated into Hayao Miyazaki's movies.The following thesis will introduce the meanings of dhyana, the Chan sect and Zen at first. Then the Zen in the three movies will be analyzed from three aspects, namely simplicity, consciousness and harmony. It includes analysis about structures, characters, themes graphic applying and so on, in order to conclude an expression pattern for Zen in his movies. By analyzing how Hayao Miyazaki combining cultural traditions with his movies, the thesis will supply reference for the creation of animated movies in China.