Common Themes In Animated Films

When it comes to animated films, Hayao Miyazaki is a household name. Miyazaki’s films are highly celebrated for its complex storylines, intricate metaphors, and stunning visuals. More than just sharing the same creator; these films explore common themes as well. This essay will analyze the films Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.

A fair share of Miyazaki’s films falls under the fantasy genre, and these two are no exception. Fantasy films often feature world building that is rich in imagination and contain magic or supernatural elements. The setting of Spirited Away is a ‘spirit world’ existing parallel to the human’s reality, where uniquely designed spirits inspired by Japanese folklore roam the land and use magic in their daily lives. Chihiro,

Haku helps Chihiro by acting as her guide; advising her on how to save her parents and return to her reality. Lin and Kamaji helped her to get a job so that she can stay in the spirit world, despite being initially dismissive of her. Chihiro also uses the river spirit’s gift to help Haku and No-Face, even though she wanted to save it for her parents. This sends the message that the bond of friendship has the ability to inspire selflessness in people.

In My Neighbor Totoro, Kanta and his grandmother helped Satsuki to search for her sister, even managing to rope in the help of the farming community of the village. Totoro, being a friend of Satsuki and Mei, helps her by summoning to Catbus. In times of need, true friends are those who will weather the storm with you.

Thus, Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro shares the themes of the great power of love, and the bond of friendship. While Miyazaki’s films may be set in completely unique worlds, the audience is still able to relate to these films due to the themes of the stories that resonate with them. Therefore, it is without a doubt that Miyazaki’s films will continue to inspire generations to