The legendary director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki is known for crafting films that resonate across age groups and cultures. His works, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, and Kiki’s Delivery Service, often explore themes of growth, environmentalism, and human connection. However, with his groundbreaking movie, Spirited Away, Miyazaki set out to do something entirely unconventional: rebel against the prevailing trends in anime culture.

The transformation of her parents catalyzed Chihiro’s growth | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Released in 2001, the story of Spirited Away follows a 10-year-old girl, Chihiro’s journey of self-discovery and resilience in a fantastical world; subverting the traditional coming-of-age storylines that are often dominated by external validation or romantic undertones. This movie became monumental in anime history, which still serves as a rebellion against the genre’s norms and a display of inner strength and authenticity.

The premise of Spirited Away...