Critics never fail to comment on how visually pleasing the Studio Ghibli films are. Hayao Miyazaki’s works are forever cherished and always find a place in the viewers’ hearts. Spirited Away is one such gem. The 2001 film brings Chihiro into the spirit world and forces her to live like an adult. The film depicts the greed infilled-real world. However, a heartwarming ending concludes it. It is notable that the ending still intrigues the fans decades later. Questions such as- Will Chihiro ever meet Haku again? What happens to Chihiro after she exits the spirit world? Keep reading Spirited Away Ending Explained.
Spirited Away begins with Chihiro and her parents on their way to a new neighborhood to start a new life. The family has shifted places, and the 10-year old seems off on the news of attending a new school. When the father happens to take a wrong turn, the family enters the realms of a new world. The world later tests Chihiro’s maturity and prepares her for the real world. There she meets Haku, who forms an essential part of the story.
Spirited Away Ending Explained: Chihiro Frees Haku And Her Parents
At the beginning of the film, it is seen that Chihiro isn’t happy about starting a new life and making new friends. Upon stepping into the spirit world, her parents turn into pigs after overfeeding at the food stalls. And Chihiro is forced to complete adult chores to make a living and free her parents. Firstly she acquires a job at the bathhouse at the cost of her name. Newly known as Sen, she fulfills the needs of the unpleasing guests.
Around her time at the bathhouse, Sen learns a lot of lessons and gains a sense of maturity, leading to her escape from the spirit world. After finally conquering her fear of the adult world, Chihiro also recalls Haku’s identity. Haku is the spirit of the Kohaku River. He is the being who saves Chihiro when she falls into the river as a child. So when Haku said he had known her since she was very young, he wasn’t kidding. With this, Yubaba’s spell over Haku is finally broken. It is evident that both her parents and Haku are now free.
Spirited Away Ending Explained: Will Haku And Chihiro Meet Again?
By the end of the film, Chihiro’s mother reminds her about the new school and a new home. To which the initially scared Chihiro responds with much confidence that she’ll be able to handle it. This brings the movie to where it began. Chihiro isn’t afraid anymore, and her life in the spirit world has made her courageous and polite. The 10-year old took on many obstacles and consistently nailed them.
On her way to the car, viewers notice that Chihiro can’t seem to put together what has happened. Miyazaki confirms that the time did pass as the grass around the entrance is longer, and dust covers the car. He also adds that even if Chihiro can’t recall the events right away, she will soon in the future. And does she meet Haku again? Since Haku promised her that they will, it is certain that they do.
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Some fans speculate that Haku dies after Chihiro exits the spirit world as per Yubaba’s statement. And the glitters shining on Chihiro’s hair tie are his tears. Another theory claims that Chihiro meets him once again after she dies since Haku is a river spirit. Regardless, Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is a masterpiece with a lot of hidden meanings. The film will remain a fan favorite.