In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Spirited Away, we will explain the film’s ending.
Cast
- Chihiro Ogino/Sen – Rumi Hiiragi
- Haku – Miyu Irino
- Yubaba – Mari Natsuki
- Zeniba – Mari Natsuki
- Lin – Yoomi Tamai
- Chichiyaku – Tsunehiko Kamijō
- No-Face – Akio Nakamura
- Akio Ogino – Takashi Naito
- Yūko Ogino – Yasuko Sawaguchi
- Chichiyaku – Tsunehiko Kamijō
- Aniyaku – Takehiko Ono
- Kamaji – Bunta Sugawara
- Hayao Miyazaki – Writer and director
The end of Spirited Away explained
Recap
No-Face is rampantly consuming large quantities of food and begins to devour the workers as well. Up in the penthouse, a hidden shikigami transforms into Zeniba, Yubaba’s twin sister, turning Yubaba’s baby boy, Boh, into a tiny mouse. Chihiro, Haku, and Boh tumble into the boiler room, where Chihiro gives Haku a piece of dumpling that will make No-Face vomit. This leads to Haku throwing up the stolen seal, lifting the lethal curse off him. Determined to return the seal and apologize to Zeniba, Chihiro decides to take Boh along.
She faces a bloated No-Face, who confesses his intense loneliness. Chihiro gives No-Face the remaining dumpling, leading him to follow her out of the bathhouse while slowly expelling all he had consumed. Lin guides Chihiro to the train station to meet Zeniba, and despite Lin’s objections, Chihiro encourages No-Face to tag along. Accompanied by No-Face and Boh, Chihiro travels using tickets provided by Kamaji. Meanwhile, Yubaba orders the execution of Chihiro’s parents, but Haku discloses Boh’s absence.
In exchange for bringing back Boh, Haku proposes a deal for the release of Chihiro and her parents. Yubaba consents, but only if Chihiro can successfully accomplish a last challenge. Chihiro visits Zeniba, who creates a magical hairband for her. Haku, in his dragon form, appears, and together with Chihiro and Boh, he departs for the bathhouse, leaving No-Face in Zeniba’s care. While in flight, Chihiro realizes Haku’s true identity as the spirit of the Kohaku River. Upon arrival, Chihiro successfully completes Yubaba’s challenge by claiming that none of the pigs are her parents, earning her the right to leave. Haku promises to meet her again, but she departs the spirit world with her oblivious parents, who have no memory of events post the initial restaurant visit.
Meaning
For this breakdown, we’re going to walk back through these final thirty minutes of the film and observe how they resolve Chihiro’s coming-of-age journey in Spirited Away.
Chihiro’s compassion for No-Face
The relationship between Chihiro and No-Face evolves from initial fear and misunderstanding to a deeper mutual respect and empathy. This evolution reflects the personal growth Chihiro experiences throughout the story.
No-Face initially appears as a silent, mysterious figure who is neither harmful nor particularly helpful. As the narrative progresses, No-Face becomes more dangerous and unpredictable, driven by loneliness, a desire for companionship, and the misguided belief that he can buy affection and attention through consumption and gift-giving. These attributes can be seen as a reflection of unchecked desire, consumerism, and the problems they can create.
Chihiro’s interactions with No-Face are key in her maturation process. While she initially fears him due to his alien nature, she does not reject him outright. Instead, she shows him kindness, giving him the attention he craves. When No-Face’s consumption becomes destructive, it is Chihiro who takes responsibility, feeds him the emetic dumpling, and guides him away from the bathhouse, a place that had amplified his negative behaviors. Her empathy, courage, and decisiveness in handling No-Face indicate her growth from a timid, scared child to a wise, brave young woman.
In terms of Shinto beliefs, No-Face can be viewed through the lens of Kami (a concept we discussed in the Themes and Meaning section), a term that describes the spirits or phenomena that are worshiped in the religion. Kami can be elements of the landscape, forces of nature, or spirits of the deceased, among others. They are not inherently good or evil but can bring fortune or disaster depending on how they are treated.
No-Face’s character aligns with this concept. He is sensitive to the environment and the behaviors of those around him, taking on the greed and gluttony prevalent in the bathhouse. When treated with kindness and respect by Chihiro, however, he calms down and becomes less destructive. This dynamic mirrors the Shinto belief that maintaining a respectful and balanced relationship with Kami is crucial for harmony.
Thus, No-Face’s role underscores one of the major themes of the film: that actions have consequences, and treating others with kindness and respect—regardless of who they are or how they appear—is a sign of maturity and wisdom. This understanding is a key part of Chihiro’s personal growth and forms an essential lesson in her coming-of-age journey. This is representative of her spiritual growth and why she’s ready for Yubaba’s final test.
Haku’s true identity
Chihiro and Haku’s relationship in Spirited Away is crucial to Chihiro’s transformation and self-discovery, representing her progression from dependence to interdependence, and mirroring her journey towards self-empowerment and maturity. When she remembers Haku’s true identity as the Kohaku River, it’s representative of her spiritual growth and brings resolution to several of the film’s themes.
Initially, Haku appears as Chihiro’s guide, protector, and mentor in the spirit world. He helps her navigate the initially overwhelming world of the bathhouse, instructing her on how to survive, introducing her to her tasks, and providing comfort in a scary, unknown world. This dynamic represents Chihiro’s initial state of dependence and lack of self-confidence.
However, as the story unfolds, Chihiro grows in courage and determination. She begins to take initiative and responsibility for her actions, and this transformation is exemplified in her relationship with Haku. When Haku is cursed and falls into a near-death state, Chihiro becomes his protector, showing initiative and bravery to save him. She takes a perilous journey to Zeniba to return the stolen seal, and feeds Haku the medicine that ultimately saves him.
This shift signifies Chihiro’s progression from a dependent child to a young woman capable of making her own decisions and taking care of others. Moreover, her ability to remember Haku’s true name symbolizes her newfound intuition and spiritual growth, showing her ability to see beyond the surface and perceive the deeper truth.
In the film, Haku had forgotten his true name and was under Yubaba’s control because of it. The theme of names and identity is a strong motif in the film, as losing one’s name equates to losing one’s sense of self, and thus, losing freedom. For Haku, being bound to Yubaba symbolizes this loss of personal identity and freedom.
Chihiro, in her process of self-discovery and growth, realizes Haku’s true name. As a child, Chihiro had fallen into the Kohaku River and could have drowned, but the river swept her safely to the shore. By the time she meets Haku in the spirit world, she has forgotten this incident. It’s only when she sees Haku in his dragon form, injured and near-death, that this memory resurfaces. In a moment of intuitive clarity, she remembers not only the incident but also the name of the river: Kohaku. Recognizing this name as Haku’s true name, she is able to break the spell over him.
The significance of this memory is multifold. Firstly, it represents the deep, forgotten connection between Chihiro and Haku. The Kohaku River, which saved Chihiro’s life, and Haku, who guides and protects her in the spirit world, are one and the same. This revelation brings depth to their relationship and shows that their bond was formed long before their encounter in the spirit world.
Secondly, this memory reflects Chihiro’s growth and her increasing spiritual sensitivity. Her ability to recall this memory in a crucial moment signifies her heightened intuition and empathy, the result of her experiences and growth throughout her journey.
Lastly, the revelation of Haku’s true identity through this memory is instrumental in resolving the movie’s central themes of identity, memory, and freedom. By helping Haku remember his true identity, Chihiro asserts the power of selfhood against forces of control and manipulation (as represented by Yubaba), underscoring the importance of remembering one’s roots and the power of names.
Yubaba’s final test
Yubaba’s final test is indicative of Chihiro’s growth throughout the film. At the beginning of the story, Chihiro was a fearful and reliant child who clung to her parents. As she navigates the spirit world, she gains independence, resourcefulness, and intuition. Her assertion that none of the pigs are her parents showcases her confidence and her developed intuitive understanding, qualities that she lacked at the beginning of her journey.
This test also brings resolution to the movie’s key themes. The theme of identity and selfhood is illustrated here as Chihiro displays her newfound wisdom and maturity. Despite Yubaba’s attempt to confuse her, Chihiro stands her ground, asserting her own understanding of her parents’ identity. The theme of love, specifically filial love, is evident in this scene as well. Chihiro’s unwavering determination to save her parents, despite all odds, reflects her deep love and concern for them. Lastly, the theme of freedom and liberation comes into play. By passing Yubaba’s test, Chihiro secures not only her freedom but also the release of her parents. This act symbolizes her triumph over the forces (Yubaba) that seek to control and manipulate others by erasing their identities.
The power of the final shot
With all this context, the very ending of the movie is incredibly satisfying emotionally. When they return to their car, the parents are bewildered that its covered in leaves and branches—a sign that several days (and perhaps weeks) have passed. The parents are consumed by the situation, which seems fairly menial and meaningless given the epic journey Chihiro just experienced. As this simple, everyday problem absorbs them, you can’t help but think about Chihiro’s spiritual growth: she has met strange and fascinating people, she has broadened her emotional intelligence, and she has grown more compassionate and thoughtful. She seems fairly centered in this moment. As her parents discuss the vehicle, she simply stares back at the tunnel where her journey began.
The father calls to Chihiro, “We’re off, Chihiro.” Then the mother, “Chihiro! Hurry up!” There’s something so beautiful about their call, as they have no idea what Chihiro has just gone through. For them, it’s simple: it’s time to go; we need to hurry. But Chihiro is leaving this fantastical land where she learned to remain still, to slow down and appreciate the world around her. It was in this mental state that she gained confidence and strength. She has experienced an intense emotional journey that’s for her and her alone—but that doesn’t mean the world stops. It is time to go. She does need to move on with her life. And you fully believe that in this new town, she’ll be ready to for the next stage of her growth, her maturation, her evolution. She may be leaving this place, but it will forever remain with her. Spiritually.
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