In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Spirited Away, we look at important motifs that help us understand the film.
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
Important motifs in Spirited Away
Identity and Names
In Spirited Away, names are crucial to the identities of characters. When Yubaba takes away Chihiro’s name, leaving her with the name Sen, it signifies the loss of Chihiro’s identity and freedom. When Haku forgets his name, he becomes Yubaba’s servant, unable to break free. Chihiro’s quest to remember her name and Haku’s is a journey of reclaiming their identities. The restoration of their true names represents personal freedom, self-discovery, and independence. It shows the power of remembering one’s roots and selfhood against forces of manipulation and control.
Environmentalism
Environmentalism, though not a direct motif, subtly permeates throughout the film and is closely linked to several of its themes. This motif aligns with director Hayao Miyazaki’s known advocacy for environmental preservation, which is evident in many of his other works.
One of the most significant environmental motifs is the polluted river spirit that comes to the bathhouse. At first, it is so polluted and full of sludge that the bathhouse workers mistake it for a stink spirit. Chihiro, through patience and courage, removes a massive amount of trash from the spirit, revealing its true form: a clean and serene river god. This sequence is a powerful commentary on the impact of pollution on natural resources, illustrating how human disregard for the environment can corrupt and disguise the true beauty of nature. It’s only through conscious effort and respect for the environment that we can restore its purity.
Haku’s identity as the spirit of the Kohaku River, which has been filled in and replaced by apartments, further emphasizes this motif. Haku’s loss of home due to human development reflects real-world issues of environmental destruction for urban expansion.
Greed and Gluttony
The film heavily features the theme of greed and gluttony. Chihiro’s parents are transformed into pigs due to their gluttonous consumption of food from the spirit world. No-Face’s rampage in the bathhouse is driven by his desire to consume everything. These instances serve as a commentary on unchecked desire and overconsumption. They highlight the destructive consequences of greed and the importance of self-control and moderation.
Friendship and Reciprocity
The bond between Chihiro and Haku, as well as Chihiro’s interactions with other characters like Lin, Kamaji, and No-Face, demonstrate the significance of friendship and mutual assistance. The concept of On—a sense of reciprocal obligation—plays out in these relationships. Chihiro’s willingness to help others even in dire circumstances underscores the importance of kindness, empathy, and reciprocal respect in building and maintaining relationships.
Transformation and Growth
Chihiro’s journey from a frightened and dependent child to a resourceful, brave, empathetic young woman is central to the narrative. Her experiences in the spirit world force her to adapt, think on her feet, and act courageously. This motif of transformation is echoed in other characters too: Haku transforms into a dragon; her parents into pigs; No-Face changes with his environment. These transformations signify personal growth, adaptation, and the inherent potential for change within all beings.
Share your thoughts
Are there more motifs you think should be part of the Colossus Movie Guide for Spirited Away? Leave your thoughts below and we’ll consider them for the guide.
