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H-Japan April 16, 2005 From: James Mitchell <baidarka@earthlink.net> In reviewing the web site referral regarding "Chihiro", I think the reviewer missed one important point regarding Miyasaki's portrayal of the character "No Face". The reviewer seems confused by this character, trying to fit No Face into an overlay of Shinto imagery. "Chihiro" ("Spirited Away") is one of my favorite works of cinema of all time. If what I have read is true, Miyasaki intended the character of No Face to be autobiographical. He inserts himself into his film, interacting overtly with the lead character of his own creation. This interpretation of the character makes the whole bath house scene, where Sen is cleaning the river of bent bicycles and trash, far more coherent. To me, this is artistic genius and humor, as Chihiro (Sen) allows Miyasaki to sit beside her on the train, "if you behave yourself". During my brief experience of living in rural Japan, my heart was warmed by the constant presence of kami in the lives of the people who became my friends. I even began bowing to the "spirit houses" as I would jog along the river in the morning. The constant reminder that we are more than concrete and wires was a refreshing change from my American city. I sensed a smooth integration of Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity that enriched our daily lives. My homeland has much to learn. James Mitchell baidarka@earthlink.net 3815 N. Pearl Tacoma WA 98407 USA 425-273-0884 ======================================================= TO POST A MESSAGE TO THE H-JAPAN LIST SEND MAIL TO h-japan@h-net.msu.edu =======================================================
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