Feminism In Hayou Miyazaki's Film Spirited Away

Hayou Miyazaki’s film “Spirited Away” is immersed on the transformation and empowerment of the protagonist, a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro, while confined in a supernatural realm once her parents are placed under an evil spell and transformed into pigs. Miyazaki’s film takes a jab at our society by digging into what mankind has produced, and what a woman has to offer it, eliminating violence and encouraging empathy. Miyazaki exposes themes of feminism and human impact on the environment throughout his film by the style of anime. His depiction of the female heroine showcases his attitude on the future of mankind, posing the female as an alternative solution to the problems within society. Having a young girl rise as the film’s hero is due to the fact that society conventionally gives control to man, in Japan and in the rest of the world for that matter. We are at progressive era where the male-oriented manner of thinking is reaching a limit. Now the woman has more room for growth and flexibility. Ultimately, Chihiro is victorious throughout her many tribulations and rescues her parents by discovering herself and “saving the day” against unnatural adversaries exclusive of violence. It is her implementation of compassion and empathy that allow her to be free of this universe. Although not physically threatening, Chihiro is an unsuspecting hero, leading to the thought of a change in the direction of mankind. By …show more content…
Miyazaki critiques the male figure to a degree within the film, including to his theme of feminism. Chihiro overcomes her challenges not through domination or annihilating her foes but through empathy and compassion. In a society that “traditionally accords control to man”, to have feelings such as empathy and compassion can be interpreted as weakness to a male