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Released in 2001, the Oscar-winning film, Hayao Miyazaki’sSpirited Awayis often hailed as one of the greatest animated movies of all time. With its enchanting world, richly detailed animation, and deeply symbolic storytelling, the movie has garnered universal acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. However, despite its accolades and undeniable artistry, the movie’s ending has left many fans feeling disheartened and unfulfilled.
The polarizing conclusion has spurred intense debates throughout the years. While some praise the ending’s complex and thematic consistency, others believe that it falls short of Miyazaki’s typically excellent storytelling. But, what exactly are the reasons the ending has disappointed fans? Let’s dive deeper!
The ending ofSpirited Away: A mixed bag of resolution
From the beginning,Spirited Awaydrew viewers into a magical world that felt both otherworldly and familiar. While the storyline is laced with themes of identity, growth, and the impact of human greed on the natural world, for many fans, the ending does not deliver the exact emotional or narrative payoff they had hoped for. u/apocalypsefowl on Reddit has highlighted the unsatisfying plot threads of this groundbreaking movie.
First of all, the revelation that Haku was the spirit of the Kohaku River was foreshadowed earlier in the film. While it was logical and thematically fitting, many fans find it underwhelming. The simplicity of the explanation contrasts sharply with the rich complexity of the rest of the story.
Hayao Miyazaki Had the Most Bizarre Inspiration Behind Studio Ghibli’s Name Before Attaching a Deeper Meaning to It
Most importantly, Chihiro’s parents inSpirited Awayremained oblivious to their actions and transformation till the end. Even though they did get transformed into humans, they didn’t remember anything and thus, they learned nothing from this entire journey.Their oblivionreinforces the cyclical nature of their selfishness, and it feels like a missed opportunity for meaningful reflection or change.
Additionally, the explanation behindNo Face’s corrupted naturein the bathhouse has been viewed by many as lazy writing. His decision to stay with Zeniba also brought his arc to an abrupt and unsatisfying end. Fans have lamented that such a complex character was sidelined instead of being further explored inSpirited Away.
How doesSpirited Awaycompare to other Hayao Miyazaki movies?
Hayao Miyazakiis a master storyteller, as evidenced by the fascinating conclusions of movies likePrincess MononokeandMy Neighbor Totoro. In these works, the endings are emotionally resonant and thematically rich. However, inSpirited Away, the finale feels rushed and overly simplistic compared to the well-detailed stories that precede it.
Princess Mononokeis the one movie that delivers a satisfying ending by balancing its thematic depth with emotional closure. Miyazaki often embraces ambiguity in his storytelling, leaving viewers to interpret his endings. While this approach works well in films likeNausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, where the ambiguity enhances the storytelling, it feels less effective inSpirited Away.
“Logical storylines sacrifice creativity”: Hayao Miyazaki Would Never Compromise the Essence of Studio Ghibli for the Sake of Simplicity
However,Spirited Awayremains a monumental achievement in animation and storytelling despite its dissapointing factors. The movie’s brilliance lies in its ability to transport audiences to a world brimming with wonder and complexity, even if the final moments don’t fully deliver on the promise of its setup.
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
