character mentorship

His films consistently explore the relationship between experienced mentors and younger proteges navigating moral complexity, most notably in Raging Bull and The Irishman.

His animated works deeply examine how mentors guide young protagonists toward self-discovery and courage, exemplified in Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle.

His films like Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk portray mentorship as intimate acts of love and guidance across generations, particularly within marginalized communities.