Mamoru Oshii

“We weep for a bird’s cry, but not for a fish’s blood. Blessed are those with a voice.” Mamoru Oshii is a highly influential Japanese filmmaker, animator, and screenwriter known for his work in the anime and film industries. He is celebrated for his distinctive storytelling style and his contributions to the anime genre. Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts, where he studied film. His early interest in animation and film set the stage for his later work in anime and live-action films. Oshii began his career in the anime industry in the late 1970s and early 1980s, working on various television series and films. His early work included directing episodes for popular anime series like "Urusei Yatsura" and "Lupin III." Angel's Egg (1985), co-written and directed by Oshii, is a visually stunning and enigmatic anime that explores themes of faith and existentialism. Its abstract narrative and unique style earned it critical acclaim. His most famous work, Ghost in the Shell (1995), is a landmark in cyberpunk anime, exploring themes of identity, consciousness, and the relationship between humans and technology. He also directed several films in the "Patlabor" series, which is set in a future where giant robots called Labors are used in construction and police work. The Sky Crawlers (2008), based on a novel by Hiroshi Mori, showcases Oshii’s trademark philosophical and existential themes, set in a world where young pilots fight in an endless aerial war. Mamoru Oshii is regarded as one of the most influential figures in anime. His work has not only impacted anime but also left a mark on global science fiction and animation, inspiring filmmakers and creators worldwide.