Martin Scorsese explores Hayao Miyazaki's magic as Leonardo DiCaprio introduces him to "Spirited Away."
In a notable film industry moment, Martin Scorsese discovers Hayao Miyazaki through DiCaprio, as Leonardo DiCaprio introduces the legendary director to Studio Ghibli’s celebrated fantasy, Spirited Away, during an interview reflecting on cinematic influences. The acclaimed actors’ discussion highlights cross-cultural inspiration and underscores the power that filmmakers such as Miyazaki hold even among Hollywood’s elite.
Scorsese’s Introduction to Miyazaki’s Work
Film enthusiasts often look to Martin Scorsese for expert takes on cinema, due to his long and celebrated career as a director. He has made headlines for sharing candid thoughts on the state of the film industry, including controversial takes on blockbusters and heartfelt defenses of classics. However, Scorsese has never let debate overshadow his deep-rooted love and curiosity about movies from around the globe. Though thought to be familiar with a vast catalog of films—especially those released before 1980—Scorsese had yet to experience the magic of Hayao Miyazaki’s animation until Leonardo DiCaprio stepped in as his guide.
Following the release of Killers of the Flower Moon, DiCaprio and Scorsese appeared together in an interview with Letterboxd to discuss works that shaped their creative approaches. In a candid moment, DiCaprio was prompted on what titles he brought to Scorsese’s attention.
Image of: Martin Scorsese
“I was asked what films I introduced to you, but considering you’ve seen every film ever made up until 1980, it’s pretty hard to say. Other than, maybe Spirited Away, Miyazaki’s films, and maybe Princess Mononoke,”
—Martin Scorsese, Director. This exchange marked the beginning of Scorsese’s journey into Miyazaki’s celebrated filmography.
Why Spirited Away Stands Out in Animation
Spirited Away, a hallmark of Hayao Miyazaki’s career, follows a 10-year-old named Chihiro, voiced by Daveigh Chase, who accidentally stumbles into a supernatural world while moving to a new town with her parents. After her father’s detour, the family finds themselves trapped in a mysterious realm, where Chihiro’s parents are transformed into pigs by the formidable witch, Yubaba, played by Suzanne Pleshette. The film is lauded for its exquisite hand-drawn animation, a rich coming-of-age narrative, and the magical creatures that inhabit the story’s famous bathhouse—including the enigmatic Haku, portrayed by Jason Marsden, who reveals a dragon form, and the unforgettable No-Face. Each character adds emotional and visual layers to Miyazaki’s imaginative universe.
Spirited Away is praised for weaving environmental critique and critiques of consumer culture into its enchanting storyline. Chihiro’s parents’ transformation symbolizes Miyazaki’s commentary on Western consumerism, a recurring theme in many of his works. The film delivers a unique blend of fantasy and reality, immersing the audience in a world where every detail is meaningful and significant.
For Miyazaki, creating Spirited Away was a deeply personal project influenced by family trips and the friendships of young girls he met during those summers.
“I created a heroine who is an ordinary girl, someone with whom the audience can sympathize,”
—Hayao Miyazaki, Director. The vision for the main character was to provide a relatable protagonist amidst fantastical circumstances, amplifying the emotional resonance for viewers of all ages.
The film’s reach extended beyond Japanese cinema, inspiring notable figures in the industry. Pixar’s John Lasseter advocated for Disney’s Michael Eisner to invest in the English-language adaptation, an effort that contributed to Spirited Away securing the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature—still the only hand-drawn film to claim the prize.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Lasting Affinity for Miyazaki
Leonardo DiCaprio’s recommendation was no coincidence given his well-known appreciation for animation and Japanese film. DiCaprio’s history with the genre includes previous interest in producing adaptations of animeclassics such as Akira and Ninja Scroll. Furthermore, Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke stands out as one of DiCaprio’s personal favorites, a connection underscored by the film’s thematic focus on protecting the environment, aligning with DiCaprio’s environmental activism.
The relationship between Miyazaki and Hollywood has offered intriguing moments, such as when Studio Ghibli executive Steve Alpert, in his memoir, revealed that Miyazaki once passed up a chance for a personal meeting with Scorsese, despite their shared mutual admiration from afar. The eventual introduction of Scorsese to Miyazaki’s world through Spirited Away bridges this gap, amplifying the influence Miyazaki holds even among cinema’s most established visionaries.
This moment of cultural exchange, fueled by artistic respect and friendship, signals the enduring impact of anime on global storytelling. As DiCaprio’s selection demonstrates, the reach of Spirited Away and other Miyazaki works continues to grow, inviting new audiences and even veteran filmmakers like Martin Scorsese into its wondrous fold.
Spirited Away is currently available for streaming on Max, continuing to inspire new generations of viewers worldwide.
Looking at the Enduring Influence of Spirited Away
The moment Martin Scorsese discovers Hayao Miyazaki’s storytelling, encouraged by Leonardo DiCaprio’s passion for animation, highlights the interconnectedness of cinematic art forms across cultures. As Spirited Away endures both as a visual masterpiece and an evocative narrative, its influence remains visible—not only among fans but within the creative journeys of film luminaries like Scorsese, DiCaprio, and Lasseter. The global resonance of Miyazaki’s work promises to inspire future collaborations and further exploration of animated storytelling.
