Miyazaki Talks to the Guardian

The Guardian is running an interesting summary of an interview with Hayao Miyazaki, proclaimed 'God' of anime. In the interview Miyazaki discusses a wide range of issues from his distribution deal with Disney to the future of anime.

There is a rumour that when Harvey Weinstein was charged with handling the US release of Princess Mononoke, Miyazaki sent him a samurai sword in the post. Attached to the blade was a stark message: "No cuts."

The director chortles. "Actually, my producer did that. Although I did go to New York to meet this man, this Harvey Weinstein, and I was bombarded with this aggressive attack, all these demands for cuts." He smiles. "I defeated him."

According to Miyazaki's publicist this is the first interview he has agreed to in 10 years. Miyazaki has produced such excellent titles as "Howl's Moving Castle", "Laputa: Castle in the Sky", "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away".