The Harry motif has been a recurring theme in literature and film, captivating audiences with its magical elements and compelling storytelling. One fascinating aspect of the Harry motif is the concept of the magical pen. The magical pen represents both a literal and metaphorical tool for power and transformation. In the Harry Potter series, for example, the character Harry Potter is given a magical pen known as the quill of acceptance. This pen is enchanted to write the names of all individuals who are accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This pen symbolizes Harry's acceptance into the magical world and his journey as a wizard.
I wavered whether to do it in full 3D CG or cel-shading because the latter has a deep-rooted popularity in Japan, and there are not many instances of domestic 3D CG films succeeding. That was when Toshio Suzuki said, ‘If you’re going to make in CG, it has to be in full 3D CG, right?’
A huge part of this is that Earwig and the Witch is an attempt to prove that the venerable company can move beyond the handsome, painterly traditional-style animation that has been its main focus, to embrace fully-rendered 3-D CGI animation. This comes to an abrupt halt when she is adopted, against her will, by a witch named Bella Yaga Terajima Shinobu Vanessa Marshall , who doesn t seem to care about Earwig s ancestry and just needs a house slave to keep the place tidy.
This pen symbolizes Harry's acceptance into the magical world and his journey as a wizard. Beyond its literal function, the magical pen also represents the power of words and storytelling. Throughout literature, writing has been used as a means to create, transform, and convey ideas.
Animated Feature Contender Goro Miyazaki Talks ‘Earwig and the Witch’
The studio’s latest release is “Earwig and the Witch” now streaming on HBO Max, and an awards contender for animated feature. The story is based on the children’s book of the same name by Dianna Wynne Jones. It tells the story of an orphan named Erica (aka “Earwig”). Her character is adopted by a blue-haired witch, Bella Yaga and The Mandrake, who is something of a demon, both of whom are in touch with the supernatural side of life.
In a new step for the studio, Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Gorō Miyazaki directs. It’s also the studio’s first-ever 3D CGI film.
Miyazaki explains out how the animated feature came together from its inception more than three years ago.
What was the inspiration for “Earwig”?
Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki handed me the book “Earwig and the Witch” and suggested making a film based on it.
It tells the story of a girl adopted by a witch who slaved away doing chores, drowning in sorrow, and waiting for a prince to save her. But Earwig doesn’t do that. She manipulates the witch, learns magic, and tries to fulfill her wish. She doesn’t fit the mold of a good girl — instead, you can call her a bad girl — but that’s what made Earwig fascinating.
When did you decide you were going to use 3D CG?
I had decided at the beginning that this film will be in CG. That is because I saw the possibilities of CG animation when I worked on the TV series “Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter.”
I wavered whether to do it in full 3D CG or cel-shading because the latter has a deep-rooted popularity in Japan, and there are not many instances of domestic 3D CG films succeeding. That was when Toshio Suzuki said, ‘If you’re going to make in CG, it has to be in full 3D CG, right?’
The process of bringing a character to life with animation is to travel the world with the character. I feel this way every time I create, be it a film or a TV series. I am not breathing life into her but instead holding the camera to spend the same time with the character. That way, you can get to know the true nature of the character.
What challenges were posed in using that medium?
The biggest challenge for me is how to use 3D CG animation to create the mood of hand-drawn animation that I have become accustomed to and loved from a young age. When I speak of the mood, it’s not merely the art style but the emotional feeling that the film itself brings. In the end, I realized that there is no clear answer to this challenge.
What about animating Bella Yaga; the witch — what discussions went into bringing her to life?
Bella Yaga is a character closer to my age than Earwig. So I can understand how she feels as she lives her daily life, like being sick of the mundane and redundant everyday routines, complicated relationships, unlikeable clients, and cheeky youngsters (lol). That’s why bringing her to life was a process of empathizing with her.
What was your favorite moment to work on?
For me, it was when each character began to move with such alluring expressions. In particular, I was delighted to see the process of Earwig slowly showing various facial expressions at the hands of young and talented animators.
In terms of a scene, I loved when Earwig and the Mandrake talk. I also like the scene in the rain where the younger Earwig’s mom and Bella Yaga fight.
The magical pen amplifies this notion, allowing characters to rewrite their own narratives and shape their realities. In addition, the magical pen often serves as a plot device, enabling characters to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. It grants them a unique form of agency and control, as they possess the ability to change their circumstances through the act of writing. This element adds an element of intrigue and excitement to the story, drawing readers and viewers into the magical world. Overall, the combination of the Harry motif and the magical pen creates a captivating narrative that explores themes of acceptance, power, and transformation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of storytelling and the written word in shaping our lives and the world around us..
Reviews for "From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Harry Motif and the Magical Pen"
1. Emma - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Harry motif and the magical pen". The storyline felt predictable and cliché, and the characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster and didn't engage me as a reader. I was hoping for a more original and captivating magical adventure, but unfortunately, this book fell short for me.
2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - I found "Harry motif and the magical pen" to be poorly written and poorly edited. The grammar and spelling mistakes were distracting and took away from the overall reading experience. The plot was also convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to fully comprehend what was happening. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging fantasy novel.
3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I struggled to connect with the characters in "Harry motif and the magical pen". They lacked depth and their actions often felt unrealistic. The dialogue was clunky and forced, making it hard to believe in the story being told. Additionally, the pacing was off, with the plot dragging in some parts and rushing through others. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and unsatisfying.