Acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki joins the podcast to discuss his mystical and dreamy animated film Spirited Away. Topics explored include the beauty of argument, desire for shorter episodes, critiquing social psychology, communication dynamics, Miyazaki's portrayal of stillness, themes and maturation in Spirited Away, transformation and help from Haku, the boiler room character and sit sprites, the power of names, coming of age and devastation, identity and No Face, cleaning the stink spirit, Miyazaki's message, No Face's self-destruction, and shadow people and perspectives.
Spirited Away critiques capitalism and greed through the portrayal of Yubaba, the bathhouse owner.
The movie emphasizes the importance of identity and finding one's place in the world through Chihiro's encounters with different spirits.
Spirited Away uses surreal and imaginative imagery to convey the confusion, fear, wonder, and beauty of the spirit world and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
The main character's journey in Spirited Away showcases personal growth, independence, and taking responsibility for oneself and others.
Deep dives
Journey of Self-Discovery and Maturation
Spirited Away follows the story of Chihiro, a young girl who is thrust into a spirit world and undergoes a journey of self-discovery and maturation.
Critique of Capitalism and Greed
The movie critiques capitalism and greed through the portrayal of Yubaba, the bathhouse owner, who exploits the spirits and values profit over humanity.
The Importance of Identity and Finding One's Place
Chihiro's encounter with No-Face and her interactions with different spirits emphasize the importance of identity and finding one's place in the world.
'Liminality' and Surreal Imagery
The movie explores liminality and uses surreal and imaginative imagery to convey the confusion, fear, wonder, and beauty of the spirit world and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Hero's Journey and Personal Growth
The podcast episode discusses the main character's journey and personal growth throughout the movie. From being timid and reliant on her parents to becoming independent and courageous, she learns to take responsibility for herself and others. She overcomes various challenges and matures in the process.
Themes of Identity and Memory
The podcast explores the themes of identity and memory in the movie. The idea that everything that happens to you stays with you, even if you can't remember it, is discussed. The main character, Chihiro, has to remember who she is and where she comes from, and this is vital for her growth and development.
Symbolism and Metaphors
The podcast highlights the symbolism and metaphors used in the film. The train ride representing a transition phase, the river spirit's transformation representing self-discovery and the acceptance of one's true nature, and the character of No-Face symbolizing the impact of external influences on one's identity.
David and Tamler board the train for Hayao Miyazaki’s mystical dreamy coming of age masterpiece Spirited Away. This is a true VBW deep dive. Plus a study by our secret crush suggests we may not be optimizing the value of our conversations.
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