teaching and mentorship

His films repeatedly explore the relationship between mentors and students, most notably in 'The 400 Blows' and 'Small Change,' where he examines how adults guide or fail young people.

His works deeply embed mentorship through characters like Yubaba and Haku in 'Spirited Away' or the relationship in 'Howl's Moving Castle,' portraying teaching as spiritual and transformative.

His films explore the darker aspects of influence and mentorship, examining how authority figures shape and manipulate those around them, particularly evident in 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar.'