Episode 95: Spirited Away: Shintoism, Anime, and Eastern Influences on Modern Films

A Lost Plot

In this conversation, Maverick and Chad discuss and review the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.

They explore the themes of courage, cultural differences in storytelling, and the contrast between Western and Eastern narratives. They also discuss the symbolism and mirroring in the film, as well as the character development of Chihiro. The conversation touches on the animation style of Studio Ghibli and the cultural influences on the story. Overall, they both appreciate the film and its narrative quality. The conversation explores the concept of using the 'Pope in a pool' technique in storytelling, where a distracting element is used to cover up exposition. The discussion also delves into the development of the main character, Chihiro, and her journey from fear and reservation to courage and determination. The importance of primal themes and values in storytelling is highlighted, as well as the significance of the bond between Chihiro and Haku. The plot progression and the use of the 'but therefore' principle in storytelling are also discussed. In this final part of the conversation, Maverick and Chad discuss the characters of Yubaba and No-Face in Spirited Away. They explore the nuanced motivations of Yubaba, who is driven by money and personal gain, and the contrast between her and Zaniba. They also delve into the symbolism of No-Face, who represents loneliness and the dangers of toxic relationships. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the message of the film, which emphasizes the importance of facing fears with courage and finding abundance in serving others.

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Highlights:

0:00 “Spirited Away” Introduction

7:25 Summary and Rating of "Spirited Away"

20:23 Dark and Symbolic Elements in Spirited Away

30:12 The "Pope in the Pool" Moment

34:48 Chihiro's Character Arc

38:44 The South Park Technique

48:35 Chihiro and Haku's Bond

1:01:30 Yubaba and the Opposing Spirits

1:14:03 The Symbolism of No-Face: Loneliness and Toxic Relationships

1:23:36 Message Going Forward

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Show Notes:

9 Points Rating System: https://www.alostplot.com/9-points/

John Wick Review: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/maverick51411/episodes/2023-12-06T17_00_00-08_00

Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace Review: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/maverick51411/episodes/2023-12-20T18_00_00-08_00

Kingdom of Heaven Review: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/maverick51411/episodes/2024-05-01T17_24_32-07_00

#spiritedaway #studioghibli #culturaldifferences #alostplot #filmreview #popeinthepool #symbolism #loneliness #noface #chihiro #haku #alostplot #values #shintoism #dragons #moviethoughts #characterdevelopment #motivations #storytelling #courage #southpark #toxicrelationships #servingothers