mentorship across generations

His films consistently explore wisdom transfer between elder and younger characters, most notably in Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle where protagonists learn through relationships with older mentors.

His filmography deeply examines apprenticeship and mentorship dynamics, from Raging Bull to The Irishman, exploring how experience and morality are passed between generations.

His films like Shoplifters and The Truth focus on intergenerational bonds and how families transmit values, survival skills, and emotional wisdom across ages.