Hayao Miyazaki, internationally-acclaimed Japanese filmmaker and founder of Studio Ghibli, is an animation legend. With his over 50-year-long reign as king of animated filmmaking, Miyazaki is a true veteran. His wisdom, passion and talent have allowed him to create some of the greatest feats in the history of animation. For decades, his animated masterpieces have touched the hearts and imaginations of viewers of all ages. However, his reign is nearing an end as Miyazaki has announced his retirement following the release of his newest film, “The Wind Rises.” Miyazaki’s final film’s expanded release is scheduled to be on Feb. 28. As the world bids farewell to a legendary filmmaker, I will take a look at some of Miyazaki’s most famous works.

“Kiki’s Delivery Service”

Miyazaki’s “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is an enchanting, mellow tale of a determined, good-hearted 13-year-old witch-in-training named Kiki (Minami Takayama) as she sets off on her own to prove her magical abilities and find her place in the world. Armed with only her talkative cat, a flying broomstick and her unyielding spirit, Kiki tackles her own insecurities while learning to control her powers and turning a small European village upside down.

In this film, Miyazaki proves his innate ability to craft relatable, realistic characters that viewers cannot help but fall in love with. Kiki and all the friends she makes throughout her journey are realistic, interesting and unique characters who serve as the driving force for this beautifully-crafted movie.

Miyazaki’s gentle style and strong, developed narrative voice is able to focus on Kiki’s character development while providing a magical, bewitching backdrop.

Additionally, the film’s meticulously detailed and beautifully traditional fluid animation captivates audiences around the world.

This film is a charming story with a strong heroine, relatable characters, a developed storytelling voice and gorgeous animation. A true masterpiece, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is sweet, simple and vibrant.

My conclusion: 10/10

“Spirited Away”

The evocative film “Spirited Away” captures the heart of childhood innocence and imagination through the lovable main character, Chihiro (Daveigh Chase). Simply spellbinding, wonderfully whimsical and vividly imaginative, this story follows a young, tenderhearted Chihiro as she struggles to find herself and protect her loved ones. When they get lost while moving to their new home, Chihiro and her parents plunge into a mystical spirit world. After her parents are turned into pigs by an angry spirit, Chihiro, with the help of her spirit friend Haku (Miyu Irino), fights to save her parents and return home.

Miyazaki’s physical character designs showcase his his lovely traditional, yet unique, manga style. By using rich colors and skillfully hand-drawn animation, Miyazaki creates a warm, delicate aura.

The spirit world in this movie is reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” However, “Spirited Away” adds even more detail and creativity, creating a story that is so complex and ambiguous, yet so simple in presentation.

Despite its wonder, it is understandable that some viewers may find the movie too bizarre and the spirit creatures may scare some of the younger viewers. However, “Spirited Away” is a lovely animated adventure that thrusts viewers into a new, fantastical world.

My conclusion: 9/10

“Princess Mononoke”

“Princess Mononoke” packs a punch with its profound underlying themes on ethics, psychology and especially ecology as it alludes to modern day issues.

When a brave, young warrior named Ashitaka (Billy Crudup) is cursed by a boar-god, he journeys to the forests of the west to find a cure. Meanwhile, Lady Eboshi (Minnie Driver) is trying to exploit the forests and the spirit-gods in order to protect her clan while the fearless Princess Mononoke (Yuriko Ishida) fights to save the wolf-gods who raised her and the forest that is her home. When Ashitaka arrives at the forests, he soon finds himself in the middle of this fierce conflict between nature and machine.

The film’s greatest triumph is the depth of its characters. The characters are so real and complex that it’s impossible to know who is the hero and who is the villain. Some viewers may find it difficult to deal with these blurred lines between hero and villain, but that is precisely the point. Miyazaki shows us that humans are not black and white and instead, are complex shades of gray.

However, “Princess Mononoke” is very unlike Miyazaki’s previous films. For example, this film has more violent, adult themes and lacks the sweet gentleness of Miyazaki’s earlier films. Even the animation style echoes this difference in mood as it is more sharp and crisp. The film is, however, still genius. It is just targeted at a more specific audience. Though, older audience members are bound to enjoy the film and understand its depth.

My conclusion: 9/10