Watch Jimmy Murakami: Non Alien

Jimmy Murakami: Non Alien is a documentary film that portrays the life and career of the Japanese-American animator Jimmy T. Murakami. Directed by Sé Merry Doyle, the movie was released in 2010, three years before Murakami's death in 2013. The film is a tribute to Murakami's exceptional talent and his contribution to the world of animation. It chronicles his journey from his early years in California to his success as an animator in Hollywood and later, in Europe. The movie features interviews with Murakami's family members, friends, colleagues, and collaborators who share their memories and insights about the man they knew and worked with.

The documentary portrays Murakami not only as an animator but also as a person who had a profound impact on the people around him. Through interviews with his wife and daughter, viewers get a sense of Murakami's personal life and his struggles as a Japanese-American during World War II. His passion for art, his love for Japan, and his commitment to social justice are also explored in the film.

The film traces Murakami's early years as a student at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, where he honed his skills as an artist. It was during this time that he first encountered Walt Disney's animation films and was inspired by them. He soon joined the animation department at Disney Studios, and his talent caught the attention of some of the studio's most creative minds.

Murakami's career in Hollywood took off in the 1960s when he worked on the animation for The Incredible Mr. Limpet, a feature film starring Don Knotts. He later worked on films such as Heavy Metal, When the Wind Blows, and Richard Williams' The Thief and the Cobbler. His most notable work in animation was on the film adaptation of Raymond Briggs' graphic novel, When the Wind Blows. The movie was a poignant portrayal of a couple's struggle to cope with the aftermath of a nuclear war.

The documentary also highlights Murakami's work as a director. He directed the animated TV series, The Snowman, which became a classic in children's television. He also directed the film, Battle Beyond the Stars, a sci-fi adventure that featured special effects by James Cameron.

One of the most significant events in Murakami's career was his move to Europe in the 1980s. He settled in Ireland, where he founded his animation studio, Murakami-Wolf-Swenson (MWS). The studio produced a series of successful animated shows, including Count Duckula, The Real Ghostbusters, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The documentary explores Murakami's decision to move to Europe and start his own studio, and the challenges he faced as an outsider in a new country.

The film also looks at Murakami's involvement in social activism. He was a vocal advocate for nuclear disarmament and worked with organizations such as Greenpeace and CND. He also supported human rights causes in Ireland and Japan, where he had a deep affinity for the people and culture. The documentary highlights some of the causes that Murakami cared about and his efforts to raise awareness and effect change.

The documentary ends with Murakami's return to California in the 2000s, where he spent the last years of his life. The film acknowledges his enduring legacy as an artist and his contributions to the world of animation. It portrays Murakami as a multi-faceted person, whose artistry and humanity were intertwined. His dedication to his craft and his passion for social justice are a testament to his character.

In summary, Jimmy Murakami: Non Alien is a touching and insightful documentary about one of the most influential animators of the 20th century. The film provides an intimate glimpse into Murakami's life and work, and it celebrates his creativity, his courage, and his compassion. It is a film that will inspire and entertain audiences who appreciate the art of animation and the power of human connections.

Jimmy Murakami: Non Alien is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.