In the first two decades of his career, filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki laid the groundwork for his legendary movies. Starting Point is a collection of essays, interviews, and memoirs that go back to the roots of Miyazaki's childhood, the formulation of his theories of animation, and the founding of Studio Ghibli. Before directing such acclaimed films as Spirited Away, Miyazaki was just another salaried animator, but with a vision of his own. Follow him as he takes his first steps on the road to success, experience his frustrations with the manga and animation industries that often suffocate creativity, and realize the importance of bringing the childhood dreams of the world to life. Starting Point: 1979-1996 is not just a chronicle of the life of a man whose own dreams have come true, it is a tribute to the power of the moving image. -- VIZ Media

本書は、宮崎駿という巨人が抱く「呪い」と「祈り」が濃縮された魂の記録です。単なる成功譚ではなく、失われゆく自然への郷愁や、子供たちの魂を救いたいという切実な願いが剥き出しの言葉で綴られています。創作の原点にある鋭利な批評精神と、無垢な命への慈愛に満ちた思想は、読者の胸を激しく揺さぶり、表現の本質を突きつけます。 映像化された傑作群と本書を照らし合わせれば、スクリーンの煌めきが思索の結実であることが理解できるでしょう。テキストによる生々しい独白が、映像という光の魔法に昇華されるプロセスを知ることで、作品体験は多層的な深みへと到達します。紙上の熱量と映像の美しさが共鳴し、真のジブリワールドへと我々を誘うのです。