在完成了《哈尔的移动城堡》之后，始终为工作劳累所困扰的宫崎骏迎来了难得的假期，与此同时，新的构思也在这段看似悠哉的日子里慢慢形成。NHK史无前例获得了这位一向严苛的动画导演的同意，得以派出一名纪录片导演贴身拍摄宫崎骏的日常起居及其难得一见工作场景。跟随数码摄影机的镜头，我们看到了波妞（《悬崖上的金鱼公主》）从简单的人设到概念稿再到剧本成型的全过程，也能看到宫崎骏为了心中理想的画面而与自己搏斗的揪心场面，更看到了创作《地海传奇》宫崎吾郎和父亲既遥远又靠近的微妙父子关系。
新的作品，新的挑战，这是一个动画工作者的战斗历程……

Ashitaka, a prince of the disappearing Emishi people, is cursed by a demonized boar god and must journey to the west to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters San, a young human woman fighting to protect the forest, and Lady Eboshi, who is trying to destroy it. Ashitaka must find a way to bring balance to this conflict.

Sophie, a young milliner, is turned into an elderly woman by a witch who enters her shop and curses her. She encounters a wizard named Howl and gets caught up in his resistance to fighting for the king.