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Week
A Journey 5

to the Other World

in Hayao Miyazaki’s

Spirited Away

• Ma. Doreen Evita L. Garcia

f one day, you wake up to a world, Chihiro, out of confusion, frantically
unlike our own, what would you runs this way and that, desperate to
Ido? A lot of shows, video games, find a way out. She meets Haku, a kind
and novels have already tackled this spirit who looks just like a human. Haku
concept, and it indeed is fun to explore urges Chihiro to leave the spirit world
a new place filled with twists and immediately by crossing the river. But
turns. Thanks to our world’s beauty it is too late for the sun has already set.
and vastness, we never run out of Haku then advises Chihiro that she
sceneries and experiences to fuel our must get a job in the bathhouse, as it
enduring imagination. So, going back is the only way that she will be able to
to the question, what would you do? In survive while she looks for her parents.
a different world ripe with possibilities, Chihiro meets various kinds of
would you bravely face the unknown? magical spirits. Some shun her because

In Hayao Miyazaki’s 2002 animated she is human, while others guide her
film Spirited Away, 10-year-old heroine in her journey. She is an admirable
Chihiro Ogino does exactly that. While on protagonist who does not back down
their way to their new house, Chihiro’s from any sort of challenge.
father decides to take a shortcut in In an interview with famed film critic
the forest. This family of three ends up Roger Ebert, Hayao Miyazaki revealed
exploring an old and dark tunnel, which that most of the scenes in Spirited
eventually leads them to an abandoned Away are handdrawn. This just shows
amusement park. Much to their surprise, how much love and attention to detail
Chihiro’s parents spot a stall with a lot Miyazaki poured into the film. Indeed,
of food. They happily eat large portions, the lush scenes and compelling storyline
not aware of the fact that they are slowly makes Spirited Away a timeless classic
turning into pigs. for everyone.
Soon, Chihiro realizes that they are Photo credits:
no longer in the human world. Spirits Jacob Burns Film Center.
Ridgefield Playhouse.
are starting to roam the park, and

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