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Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001-released movie,Spirited Awayhas been constantly enchanting people worldwide to this day. Winner of theAcademy Awardfor Best Animated Feature in 2003, this Studio Ghibli masterpiece transcends age and culture; weaving a tale that resonates with both children and adults. However, aside from its empowering themes, an insight offered by Miyazaki cast the movie’s conclusion in a more melancholic light.
According to the legendary filmmaker,Spirited Awayis not just a tale of victory but also of loss and the inevitable passage of time. This reflection unveils a bittersweet truth about Chihiro’s journey; one that forever changes how fans perceive her final moments.
Hayao Miyazaki’s perspective onSpirited Away‘s ending
In an interview featured on page 224 ofTurning Point(shared byobachuka on Reddit), Hayao Miyazaki noted the subtle sadness in the ending ofSpirited Away. He explained that Chihiro’s return to the actual world was a heartfelt farewell to the magical land she had grown to love. Although her experiences shaped her personality, she had to leave behind the relationships and ties she had made; a truth that Miyazaki found deeply heart-wrenching. He reflected,
After all, just when Chihiro has finally been accepted by the people she has met in the other world, she has to leave it. If she could have stayed a little longer, she could have gotten to know the frog-men and the slug-women better. She would have realized that there are all sorts of people in the world, including good people and stupid idiots. But she has to leave it all behind. It’s very sad, really. Even I, the one making the film, felt sad.
Miyazaki further revealed that the spirits and their world were in fact, not a dream but a tangible reality, as evidenced by the leaves on the family car and the hairpin Chihiro retained. Yet, this reality was fleeting; leaving both Chihiro and the audience to grapple with the bittersweet aspect of her journey.
“I don’t think Chihiro saved her parents”: Hayao Miyazaki Doesn’t Believe That ‘Spirited Away’ Had a Happy Ending to Show the Dark Side of Japan
The hairpin was more than just a memento; it represented the lessons Chihiro had learned and the courage she had gained. It was a reminder that while she might not consciously remember every detail of her time in the spirit world, the experience has indelibly shaped her.
Why does the ending ofSpirited Awayresonate on a deeper level?
A recurring theme inHayao Miyazaki‘s movies is the interplay between memory and forgetting. InSpirited Away, Miyazaki revealed that while she might not retain a conscious memory of the spirit world, the experience remained etched in her subconscious; influencing hercharacter and outlook on life, just like Zeniba remarked, that we“never forget anything that happens”.
Miyazaki’s revelation about the sadness ofSpirited Away‘s ending reframes the movie’s conclusion as a meditation on growth, loss, and acceptance. Chihiro’s journey represents the universal human experience of leaving behind cherished moments and moving forward. This bittersweet truth resonates deeply, particularly for adult viewers who can relate to the fleeting nature of childhood wonder.
“They should all learn Japanese”: Hayao Miyazaki’s Blunt Response to Making ‘Spirited Away’ Make Sense to Americans
The leaves on the family car and the hairpin served as subtle evidence that Chihiro’s adventure was real, but the spirit world is now a chapter closed. Miyazaki’s decision to imbue the ending with sadness reflects his belief in the beauty and inevitability of change; a recurring theme across his body of work.
Spirited Awayis currently available to watch on Netflix.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
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Hayao MiyazakiSpirited Away
