Rewatching Spirited Away: A Surprising Connection with No-Face as an Adult!

It seems you’re referring to a moment when you recall your past, specifically childhood memories, and recognize the significant transformation you’ve undergone over the past few years.

Over the past few years, I’ve revisited Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki films numerous times. I’ve enjoyed each one consecutively, and they hold a special place in my heart. For years to come, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on them. Although Howl’s Moving Castle is close to my heart, Spirited Away stands out as my all-time favorite. It’s a movie that both children and adults can appreciate.

Reflecting on it, I’ve found myself reminiscing about how this movie influenced me during my younger years. However, upon rewatching it more recently, I’ve come to understand that I’m not resonating with the same character as before – instead, I find myself drawn to one I previously didn’t appreciate. As an older person now… oof, it’s a stark reminder of my advancing years.

As A Kid, I Always Connected The Most With Chihiro From Spirited Away

I mean, obviously, this shouldn’t be that surprising.

As an avid anime enthusiast, I often find myself drawn more towards the younger characters than the adult ones, whether I’m immersed in a Studio Ghibli film or a TV series. It seems like I can relate to the young protagonists almost every time.

If you’re into the world of Pokémon, it’s likely that you’d engage more with characters like Ash, or others, as they resonate with you. Similarly, if Demon Slayer is your thing and you’re a young teenager, chances are you’ll identify more with Nezuko or Tanjiro rather than the older characters – it just feels more relatable!

In my opinion, I’ve always felt a strong affinity for Chihiro. To put it another way, the movie “Spirited Away” is indeed a captivating portrayal of a heroic journey, offering a compelling narrative from Chihiro’s perspective. As an adult, I remain intrigued by her story and find it brimming with vitality.

As I’ve grown older (from 26 years old to 23 when I watched it again for the first time), so much has transformed, and now I’m astonished by whom I feel a connection with.

But As An Adult, I Find Myself Connecting More To No-Face

It’s unclear whether this connection with No-Face is positive or negative…yet, I found myself particularly drawn to him in this instance.

As a child, I was completely petrified of this…entity. I’m still not entirely sure what it represents. In essence, it’s a spirit that can consume anything it desires. When someone demonstrates kindness towards it (Chihiro), it becomes fixated on them. However, it also symbolizes greed to some extent.

Either way, he freaked me out as a kid.

It’s intriguing, given my lifelong affection for horror films, that creatures such as No-Face no longer unnerve me. Yet, I must admit, he never was a favorite of mine. However, lately, I find myself resonating more with the creature… and I believe I understand why.

Like No-Face, There’s A Certain Loneliness In The World We Seek To Fill

There’s a great deal of analysis in No-Face that continues to resonate today, over two decades since its release. A dominant theme that stands out is loneliness.

Chihiro grapples with a hollow feeling, as if she’s lost a crucial part of herself by being apart from her parents. Yet, this struggle also serves as an opportunity for her to regain her individuality and summon the courage to embrace it – a journey that holds immense power.

With No-Face, there’s a unique form of loneliness that I think many people can relate to – it’s an intense, yearning kind. Despite being given everything he desires when he demonstrates his power, terrifying the Bath House attendants, it’s only when Chihiro isn’t frightened and shows him kindness instead, that he desires her company.

Fundamentally, what he yearned for was companionship. Feeling shunned in a society that seemed to overlook him, it was only when he revealed himself that he was perceived as frightening. Such solitude could shape him into someone covetous upon receiving even the slightest bit of recognition.

In today’s digital era, surprisingly, I often sense a deeper loneliness than before, despite the multitude of ways to connect online. While these platforms offer means to communicate, they lack the authentic human connection we experience in everyday situations – chatting over coffee, bumping into someone at the grocery store, or socializing with friends in the evening. We yearn for genuine companionship, and No-Face symbolizes that longing quite aptly.

Greed Has Consumed A Lot Of Our Culture, Which Only Makes Him More Relevant

As a film enthusiast, what truly resonates with me in the character of No-Face is his insatiable hunger for recognition – yet this craving extends far beyond mere attention. When he devours every morsel offered to him or expels it all and trails Chihiro, seeking her affection, I see a reflection of my own longing, tinted with greed.

Over the past decade or so, people have become increasingly driven by avarice, constantly seeking the newest trends, validation, and ways to demonstrate their value. Just like movies that rely on sequels, reboots, and remakes rather than original concepts because they recognize it’s profitable, this insatiable hunger for more only escalates. Similarly, influencers push products onto us as a means to maintain popularity, making the desire for possessions an even greater force.

Despite being unlike most people, the desire within No-Face for endless accumulation is a feeling that many can understand – a sentiment I’ve personally encountered before as well.

And The Want To Be Seen Is Something I’ve Struggled With As Well

What stands out most about No-Face is his deep desire for recognition, despite being characterized by greed, loneliness, and an eerie presence. Isn’t this, in essence, a reflection of the everyday human experience?

In today’s world, numerous individuals yearn for their moment in the spotlight amidst countless others with similar aspirations. It can be challenging to distinguish oneself, much like a fish trying to stand out in a shoal where everyone seems indistinguishable. Remarkable people are those who manage to rise above the crowd and reach the top.

In a way that resonates with most people, No-Face is similar: a hidden entity in others’ lives yearning for recognition, yet at times, only a special someone can make one feel truly recognized. This is exactly what happened between No-Face and Chihiro.

He strived to appear significant by wielding power and instilling fear, yet it was kindness that ultimately allowed No-Face to perceive himself no longer as unseen. This message deeply touched me as an adult, reminding me of the profound impact kindness can have.

Overall, It’s Kind Of Shocking How Much Has Changed Over The Last Several Years Or So

It’s only been a short while since I last watched this movie, but I’ve definitely seen plenty of anime in the meantime – from discussing the thrills of “Solo Leveling” to getting excited about sports anime and many other genres. Yet, I found myself feeling more attached to it than I ever did previously.

In these instances, I often pause to reflect on my past actions from the past couple of years, and surprisingly, I find myself drawn to a tale I hadn’t anticipated connecting with. I’m grateful for this unexpected encounter, and it encourages me to share it with others who might be willing to listen.

Although No-Face might seem frightening, there’s a part of him within each of us – I believe this is true for everyone at certain moments in their life. All we need is the courage to recognize it and combat the solitude that sometimes arises with the most powerful weapon – compassion.

2025-06-26 22:12