mentor-apprentice relationships

Repeatedly explores intense mentor-apprentice dynamics, most notably in 'Raging Bull' and 'The Irishman,' where experienced figures shape and corrupt younger proteges.

Centers growth and wisdom-transfer between generations in films like 'Spirited Away' and 'Howl's Moving Castle,' where characters learn through guidance from older mentors.

Made mentorship foundational to his samurai films, especially 'Sanjuro' and 'Seven Samurai,' depicting how masters pass skills and moral codes to younger warriors.