CHAPTER :
The Birthplace of Dreams
With entries from:
Gabriel Jose Calderon   —   9 years ago

I was 13 years old,
and was visiting my friend's house. They were picking between three movies, none of which I had seen, to show me. On a whim, they decided on Spirited Away.

I, like so many others who have seen it, were blown away by it's artistry. But to me, something else was ignited in my heart. Each coming frame of the film added more and more to an inward excitement that I couldn't yet explain. When the film was over I felt confused, anxious, and joyful from top to bottom, all at once. I asked my friends if there were any other films like that one, and that was the first time I heard the name Hayao Miyazaki.

Arriving home, and in the coming weeks, I rented old DVD after old DVD and filled myself with Ghibli; Howl's Moving Castle, Nausicaa, Laputa, Totoro and Princess Mononoke. With each film, I became more and more aware of what had awoken in me when I first saw Spirited Away. The power of a story, of creativity, of a moving picture, yes for sure, these are things I learned. But most importantly, the power of a human being.

This is the moment I first realized who I was and what I was capable of. To be a vessel of joy, hope, and love for everyone and anyone around me. This is the time in my life that the world around me started to change. I felt the weight of the responsibility I had as someone with a human heart. Through the beauty of the worlds and characters you've created, and hidden complexity in their simplicity, I see the real world. The real world reflected through the lens of fantasy. A challenging, scary world, but one with so much hope. One where the dreams and optimism of childhood can be brought to life.

Mr. Miyazaki, your films have since stood for me as a beacon of the power and importance that I and every human being have. The power to create, the power to feel, and the power to love. And though no film can ever take the place of a real life experience, I don't believe I could be the same person I am today without your films. Thank you for sharing with us your mind, your heart, and your soul.

With gratitude,

Gabe Calderon
Fairfax, VA

  • 18748 |
    Emily - 6 years ago
    The description held within your words hold the feelings of me ,as well as many others in the world thank you.
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