Hayao Miyazaki is a director whose movies are loved by people of all ages around the world. One of his most famous films is “Spirited Away,” released in 2001. It won an Academy Award and became popular worldwide. Even after more than 20 years, people still talk about it. I think one reason is that everyone understands the movie in a different way.
The story is about a girl named Chihiro who enters a strange world on the way to her new home. Her parents turn into pigs, and she has to work at a bathhouse for spirits to save them. It looks like a fantasy movie, but it also talks about growing up, nature, memory, and identity.
Ms. Somer Rickards, EF’s current journalism teacher, said she doesn’t remember every small detail from the first time she watched it, but she clearly remembers how beautiful the backgrounds were. She said the animation really impressed her. At first, she felt a little irritated by Chihiro. However, as the story continued, she began to like her more as she saw Chihiro grow and care about others.
Rickards also said one scene was unforgettable, when Chihiro cleans the dirty river spirit. When all the trash comes out and the spirit becomes clean again, it feels really powerful. She said it shows environmental problems, but it also feels like something heavy is finally released.
Another unforgettable moment for her was when Haku remembered his real name. She said that scene was very important, because remembering his real name means remembering who he truly is.
Iris Ryu had a different opinion. She said “Spirited Away” feels more emotional and heavier than other animated movies. She was really moved by the relationship between humans and nature. She also liked that the characters are not just good or bad. She said the story stayed with her even after the movie ended.
After hearing both of them, I realized that people focus on different things in the same movie. Rickards talked more about culture and social themes, while Ryu talked more about feelings and nature.
For me, the most important part was the relationship between Haku and Chihiro. When Haku says he has known her for a long time, it doesn’t feel like just a small detail. In the story, both of them lose their names and forget who they are. When they remember their real names, they remember their true selves.
I don’t see this movie as only a story about growing up. I see it as a story about memory and finding yourself again. Haku is not just a river spirit. To me, he feels like Chihiro’s past, or a memory she almost lost.
That’s why their reunion and farewell feel so emotional. It’s not just fantasy. It feels personal and meaningful.
