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Hayao Miyazaki has a rich filmography full of gems that are highly regarded across the world, andSpirited Awaystands out among them. His films have a unique appeal that most fans say evokes nostalgia for the unknown. Whether it’s accolades that determine a film’s merit or its critical acclaim,Spirited Awayhas it all. Miyazaki has aced the art of balancing realism with fantasy elements.
Spirited Awayis an ensemble of profound themes and a series of emotions and desires, from sadness to greed. The film never overwhelms the viewer with darkness and there’s a sense of comfort throughout. For instance, the negatives of the world are balanced by the wonder of Chihiro’s adventures in the supernatural world.
While that’s what the supernatural aspect of the film is like, the realism was incorporated with Miyazaki drawing parallels with Japanese society through subtle symbolisms. He spoke about it at length during an interview as well.
Hayao Miyazaki Speaks on HowSpirited AwayShows the Real-Life Japanese Society
Not only one of the best-animated movies of all time,Spirited Awayis regarded as a great movie across all mediums. Over the years, many fans have tried to analyze the different layers ofHayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece. And, there’s undoubtedly an overlap between the workings of the real world and that of the film’s story.
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During an interview (translations via Reddit), Miyazaki confirmed which aspects of the film were inspired by the real world. He expressed that he wanted to show the truth of the world without falling into the trap of good vs. evil. The characters were flawed and so were the practices they followed. When he was asked if he was particularly fond of pigs, consideringPorco Rossoand Chihiro’s parents, he shared that they symbolized the real Japan.
Yes, because pigs are voracious creatures that eat everything. It symbolizes Japan today!
He shared how it’s not possible to paint the full picture of society in two hours, but through the Bathhouse, he tried to portray the situation of Japanese girls. Many fans also interpreted the Bathhouse set-up as a representation of the work-culture in Japan. The work-culture in Japan is known to be extremely daunting. It strips people off any life beyond their work. Moreover, following this lifestyle is the only acceptable way to survive in society.
Yubaba’s bathhouse in the film took away their identities in a similar sense. Miyazaki also pointed out that the pigs were beyond change. Opposed to children who had the power and the innocence to bend their ways, the parents represented by pigs were consumed by the ways of the world which made them less likely to change. All these words suggest that Miyazaki isn’t particularly fond of how Japanese society operates.
An Irreplaceable Element of Studio Ghibli Films
Nature is ever-present in all Miyazaki films, andSpirited Away is no different. The world-building in the film allowed room for a seamless incorporation of environmental phenomena and crises. There are many scenes in the film that signify water pollution and how the exploitation of nature erodes the ecosystem.
“That isn’t my purpose”: Hayao Miyazaki Revealed His Real Message in Spirited Away That Many Originally Felt Was Satire
Beyond water pollution, we also see how industrialization affected nature as well. And, everything circles back to greed which is the core of every development in the story. Going through these nuances certainly explains whySpirited Awayis so highly regarded across the world, its the most pronounced testament to Miyazaki’s genius.
Spirited Awayis available to stream on Netflix.
Laveena Joshi
Anime Writer
Articles Published :925
Laveena is an anime content writer at FandomWire. Having written more than 800 articles, she’s an expert in mainstream shonen series, ranging from the bizarre world of JoJo’s to the expansive worldbuilding of One Piece.With her formal education in Journalism and Mass Communication, she explores entertainment journalism through the lens of anime and manga, from mainstream and classic titles to niche and obscure ones.
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Hayao MiyazakiSpirited AwayStudio Ghibli
