Boro the Caterpillar: A moving story and an appreciation of the art of animation

"Boro the Caterpillar": Hayao Miyazaki's delicate worldview and hymn to life

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

March 21, 2018 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

■Frequencies

14 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

・Original work: Hayao Miyazaki

■ Director

・Director: Hayao Miyazaki

■ Production

Studio Ghibli

■Works

© 2018 Studio Ghibli

■ Story

In the grass, before dawn, the caterpillar Boro hatched from an egg. The first morning sun he saw was dazzling, and the world was filled with delicious air. Boro landed at the base of a borodaisy and stepped into a world where his senior caterpillars and predators roamed.

■Explanation

Ghibli original short animation

■Cast

・Boro the Caterpillar/Tamori

■ Main staff

・Original story: Hayao Miyazaki ・Screenplay: Hayao Miyazaki ・Director: Hayao Miyazaki ・Music: Joe Hisaishi ・Cinematography: Atsushi Okui ・Production company: Studio Ghibli

■ Main Characters

・Caterpillar Boro

The appeal and evaluation of "Boro the Caterpillar"

"Boro the Caterpillar" is a short animated film produced by Studio Ghibli, and is filled with director Hayao Miyazaki's delicate worldview and deep insight into life. This work was released at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka on March 21, 2018, and in its short 14 minutes, it deeply moved and inspired the audience.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Boro the Caterpillar" depicts the beauty of the morning sun that Boro the caterpillar sees for the first time after hatching from an egg, and the activities of life unfolding in the grass. Boro lands at the base of a ragweed tree, where he learns the joys and harshness of life through interactions with senior caterpillars and predators he meets there. This simple story symbolizes the birth and growth of life, and the beauty of the natural world, and deeply moves the audience.

Particularly impressive is the scene where Boro sees the morning sun for the first time. The moment the sunlight shines on the grass, Boro is overwhelmed by its beauty and feels the brilliance of life. This scene is filled with director Hayao Miyazaki's love and respect for nature, and the audience is also touched by its beauty.

Fusion of video and music

The visual beauty of "Boro the Caterpillar" is the result of a fusion of Studio Ghibli's technical capabilities and director Hayao Miyazaki's unique sensibility. Every detail is carefully depicted, from the subtle movements in the grass to the reflection of the morning sun's light and the expressions of the caterpillars. In particular, in the scene where Boro lands at the base of the boro daisy, the green of the grass and Boro's blue body blend beautifully together, giving the impression of the breath of life.

The music by Joe Hisaishi also adds to the film's appeal. The gentle and calming melody gently envelops Boro's adventure and growth, touching the hearts of the audience. The exquisite balance between the music and the visuals makes this short animation even more moving.

Character Appeal

Boro, the main character of "Boro the Caterpillar," is voiced by Tamori. Tamori's warm voice expresses Boro's purity and curiosity, making the audience feel a sense of familiarity with him. Although Boro is confused by this new world, he courageously takes one step at a time, and the audience can empathize with his growth and adventure.

The caterpillar seniors and enemies that Boro encounters are also all unique, giving a sense of the diversity of the natural world. Through his interactions with these characters, Boro learns the meaning of life, and the audience is moved by the process.

Message from Hayao Miyazaki

Boro the Caterpillar is a work that is imbued with director Hayao Miyazaki's love for nature and respect for life. Through this work, Hayao Miyazaki celebrates the birth and growth of life, as well as the beauty of the natural world. Through Boro's adventures, he also portrays the joy and harshness of life, conveying a profound message to the audience.

In particular, the scene where Boro sees the morning sun for the first time emphasizes the brilliance of life and the beauty of nature, and Miyazaki Hayao's deep love for nature is apparent. In addition, the scene where Boro meets the senior caterpillars and predators depicts the importance of diversity and coexistence of life, encouraging deep reflection in the audience.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Boro the Caterpillar" is one of Studio Ghibli's most highly acclaimed short animated films. In just 14 minutes, it depicts the birth and growth of life and the beauty of nature, deeply moving the audience. This work, which combines director Hayao Miyazaki's delicate worldview with Joe Hisaishi's beautiful music, will leave the audience with deep thoughts and emotions.

I highly recommend this film to anyone interested in nature and life, anyone who likes the works of director Hayao Miyazaki, and anyone looking for a moving story. It's a film you'll want to show to children in particular, and it's a great opportunity to teach them about the preciousness of life and the beauty of nature. Adults can also feel the brilliance of life and the beauty of nature through this film.

Related information

Boro the Caterpillar is on display at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka and is a must-see for Ghibli fans. Watching it alongside other Studio Ghibli works will give you a deeper understanding of Hayao Miyazaki's worldview. In particular, when compared to works such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, you can see that Hayao Miyazaki's love of nature and respect for life are consistent.

Furthermore, you can get a deeper impression by watching this work together with other short animated films by director Hayao Miyazaki. For example, works such as "Mei and the Cat Bus" and "Ronia, the Robber's Daughter" also have themes of nature and life, and by watching these works together, you can gain a deeper understanding of Hayao Miyazaki's worldview.

Conclusion

"Boro the Caterpillar" is a work filled with director Hayao Miyazaki's delicate worldview and deep insight into life, and it gives the audience deep emotion and thought. In just 14 minutes, it depicts the birth and growth of life and the beauty of nature, conveying a profound message to the audience. This work is highly recommended for those who are interested in nature and life, those who like director Hayao Miyazaki's works, and those who are looking for a moving story. Please come and see this work at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka and feel Hayao Miyazaki's worldview and respect for life.