Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki is a gift that keeps on giving.
It's the kind of film that's suitable for all ages and one that, no matter how many times you've seen it, makes you feel as if you're discovering something new and unique.
Spirited Away was released in 2001 and has been a popular film for over two decades. Along with its domestic and commercial success, the film has also received international critical acclaim.
Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl, and her parents are on their way to their new home in the suburbs, but suddenly, her father decides to take a shortcut. They discover a passage leading to an abandoned amusement park, which is actually ruled by gods and spirits.
Chihiro begins to notice an upset state, but her father insists they explore the place. They discover a nondescript restaurant with lots of food. Her parents sit and devour whatever they can get their hands on.
Chihiro continues to explore the area until she discovers a bathhouse. There, she meets a boy named Haku. She returns to her parents, only to discover them becoming pigs. Thus begins her journey in a world of witches, deities, and deities.
Spirited Away isn't just a movie for kids; it's also a collection of essential life lessons.
Greed is a lesson #1.
Chihiro's parents avoid eating other people's meat. She attempts to warn them, but they ignore her. They're engulfed by greed, so much that they can't stop eating.
No-Face is also greedy. The spirit has already engulfed most of the bathhouse, yet it wants more.
Leson #2: Gold isn't everything that sparkles.
Chihiro learns the hard way that looks can be deceiving. First, there's Kamaji, who appears to be nothing but a money-hating person. Second, Yubaba, who appears to be a caring mother. She will do anything to safeguard her child.
No-Face appears to be friendly and harmless enough, but he is dangerous and destructive, depending on where he is.
3.Kindness: A Lesson
Chihiro receives rewards for small kindness. The unnamed river spirit—called the Stink Spirit by Yubaba—arrives at the bathhouse, and Chihiro is tasked to bathe it in the large tub. She cleans up all the debris that clogs its body, and in turn, repays Chihiro with a special medicine.
Zeniba, Yubaba's twin sister, appears to be a teetotal beast. However, after Chihiro returns her golden seal, Zeniba is revealed to be a kind, old lady. Not only does she forgive Haku for taking her seal, but she helps Chihiro remember Haku's name.
Boh, Yubaba's only child, is a large sumo baby who is spoiled and used to having everything he wants. Zeniba transforms him into a mouse form. Boh follows Chihiro in her adventures and becomes attached to her. Because of her, Boh transforms back into a baby. He then assists Chihiro by standing up to his mother.
Resiliency is a lesson #4.
Chihiro has to work in the bathhouse to return home and serve otherworldly customers. It's not easy, especially since she's a sulky and arrogant child who also appears protected. She's at a loss for how to assist her parents and return home.
Chihiro undergoes some character development throughout the film, although she doesn't start out as strong or self-reliant, but she eventually learns to stand independently. She assists the spirits and Haku, and demonstrates to Yubaba that she will not let herself fall easily.
Spirited Away, lesson #5 reminds us that life can make you forget who you are.
Adults toil their lives, forgetting their hopes, desires, and pleasures. Yubaba controls her employees by taking their names and replacing them with new ones. This strips them of their identities and basic sense of self.