Show Notes
In this second part, we continue our exploration of The Films of Hayao Miyazaki, focusing on what many regard as the peak of his career and his later, possibly final, works. We begin with one of the most acclaimed films of the 21st century, Spirited Away (2001), before moving through Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Ponyo (2008), The Wind Rises (2013), and The Boy and the Heron (2023).
We start by discussing how Spirited Away became one of the greatest films of all time and earned Miyazaki his first Academy Award. We explore its themes of consumerism and capitalism, the meaning of No-Face, and why the film may not resonate with every viewer.
Next, we turn to the Academy Award-nominated Howl’s Moving Castle, considering how it became Miyazaki’s artistic response to the Iraq War and how he adapted Diana Wynne Jones’s novel for the screen.
Ponyo marks a return to childhood innocence and hand-drawn animation, prompting us to ask whether it may be Miyazaki’s most visually beautiful film. We then consider whether The Wind Rises is an overlooked work and perhaps his most personal film.
Finally, we end with The Boy and the Heron, the film that won Miyazaki his second Academy Award. We discuss whether it has the best English dub of any Miyazaki film, why he returned from retirement, and whether it could be his final feature.
We close by considering why Miyazaki’s films remain so enduring and beloved, and how his ideas have evolved from 1979 to 2023. Once again, we hope you’ll join us for this concluding part of The Films of Hayao Miyazaki.
Head to our official website for the latest film reviews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from UK Film Review Podcast
Join Callum, James and Daisy for part two of their exploration of Anne Hathaway’s filmography. Picking up from her early breakthrough roles, they turn to the films that established her as a bold, versatile performer capable of leading major studio productions while taking risks in smaller, more unusual projects. Their conversation considers how Hathaway’s choices have shaped her career and allowed her to move confidently between spectacle, comedy and intimate drama.
Join Callum, James and Anne Hathaway expert Daisy for an in-depth discussion of one of the most versatile and accomplished actresses working today. Together, they examine the qualities that have made Hathaway such a distinctive screen presence, from her ability to move confidently between comedy and drama to the commitment she brings to every performance. With Hathaway appearing in five films this year—including two of the year’s biggest box-office releases, The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Odyssey—the timing could not be better for a closer look at her career. The group considers why she continues to stand out, even when the films around her receive mixed or negative reviews, and asks what makes audiences return to her work. Rather than focusing only on awards or commercial success, they explore the range, energy and precision that Hathaway brings to roles of every size.
Jack Salvadori shares his favourite 5 films from the 2026 Venice Film Festival and what he's looking forward to at the BFI London Film Festival 2026.
Episode 43 of the UK Film Club Podcast with the latest movie reviews from Brian and Chris. In this month's episode, we cover:
Chris Olson interviews Mark Wolfe and Kerry McArthur, Canadian filmmakers behind the dark drama The Orchard.