| One of the most talented modern anime directors Date of Birth: Country: Japan |
Born in Tokyo on December 8, , Mamoru Oshii began his filmmaking career as a director of live-action films. In , he transitioned to the world of animation, joining Tatsunoko Production. His directorial debut was "Tear in the Eye of the Dragon" (), a documentary animated film.
In , Oshii moved to the newly established Studio Pierrot. He directed the anime television series "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" () and gained recognition for his work on the "Urusei Yatsura" series (), an adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi's manga. In , he created Japan's first OAV series, "Dallos: Dallas Hijack Order."
In , Oshii left Studio Pierrot to collaborate with Yoshitaka Amano on the groundbreaking OAV "Angel's Egg" (). This hauntingly beautiful and enigmatic film established Oshii as a master of experimental animation.
In , Oshii co-founded Headgear, a creative collective, with Masami Yuki, Akemi Takada, Yutaka Izubuchi, and Kazunori Ito. Together, they developed the "Mobile Police Patlabor" franchise, comprising an OAV series (), two feature films (, ), and a television series (). The OAV and first film showcased Oshii's innovative super-realistic animation style, which would later be used in "Ghost in the Shell."
In , Oshii achieved global renown with "Ghost in the Shell," an adaptation of Masamune Shirow's manga. The film was a critical and commercial success, establishing Oshii as one of the most influential directors in modern anime.
Oshii continued to direct live-action films, write screenplays and novels, and collaborate with other artists. In , he wrote the screenplay for "Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade" (), based on his own manga "Kenrou Densetsu." In , he released his cyberpunk film "Avalon," which was shot in Poland.
Despite shared artistic principles with Hayao Miyazaki, Oshii's films are often more cynical and realistic, exemplified by the meticulous attention to detail in "Ghost in the Shell." He remains a revered figure in the world of animation, known for his groundbreaking work and enduring legacy.