Spirited Away Christian Review

It’s not every day you come across a film as captivating as Spirited Away. When I first watched it, I was blown away by how easily it draws you into a world so unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The story—a young girl named Chihiro being thrown into this strange, magical world where spirits, talking frogs, and shape-shifting animals are the norm—had me hooked from the start. But as I watched it, I couldn’t help but look at it from a Christian perspective. It’s a beautiful film, no doubt, but the deeper I went into it, the more questions I had about its spiritual layers.

A Visual Feast With Layers of Meaning

One thing you can’t deny about Spirited Away is its artistic brilliance. The visuals are mesmerizing—every frame feels like a painting, with so much attention to detail that it’s almost overwhelming. The combination of traditional Japanese clothing, architecture, and fantastical creatures makes it a feast for the eyes. It’s not just about pretty visuals though. The movie creates an immersive atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re walking beside Chihiro, holding your breath as she navigates this bizarre, spirit-filled world.

For anyone watching, especially in the U.S., where anime might not be as familiar to some, it’s an introduction to a whole new way of storytelling. But the real beauty here isn’t just the animation or the imaginative creatures—it’s the journey itself. Chihiro’s transformation from a scared little girl into a courageous, determined young woman is deeply touching. She starts off frightened and confused, and honestly, who wouldn’t be? Thrown into a world where her parents are turned into pigs and the only way out is through hard work and bravery, she has no choice but to grow up fast.

This journey of self-discovery feels universal, even though the story is set in a deeply Japanese context. We all face moments where we have to dig deep to find strength, and Chihiro’s story is an inspiring reminder of that. But for a Christian, while we can admire her bravery and growth, there’s something that lingers beneath the surface—something that might make us pause.

The Spiritual Side of Things

Now, let’s talk about the spiritual aspect of this movie, because, as beautiful as the animation is, it’s the spirituality that might make some Christians raise an eyebrow. The movie is deeply rooted in Shinto beliefs, and that’s where things get a little tricky for a Christian audience. Shinto, as you may know, is an ancient Japanese religion that revolves around the worship of kami—spirits that are believed to inhabit everything from trees to rivers, animals, and even objects. In Spirited Away, these spirits fill the bathhouse, the main setting of the film, and Chihiro is constantly interacting with them.

From a Christian perspective, this can be disconcerting. The Bible is very clear that there is only one God, and the idea of spirits inhabiting all things can feel at odds with that. There’s a moment in the film where Chihiro has to serve a stink spirit, a giant, oozing creature that comes into the bathhouse covered in grime. It’s later revealed that this spirit is actually a polluted river god. While the scene speaks volumes about environmentalism and the purity of nature, it also delves into the Shinto belief in nature spirits, which is far removed from a Christian understanding of creation.

It’s important to recognize the cultural context of the film here. In Japan, Shintoism is not just a religion; it’s a part of everyday life and culture. That said, it’s easy to enjoy the film while recognizing that the spiritual worldview presented in it is not one that aligns with Christian beliefs. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw the whole thing out the window. It’s a matter of discernment—enjoying the film for what it is while understanding that some of the spiritual elements aren’t compatible with a Christian worldview.

Morality and Materialism

Where the film really shines from a Christian perspective is in its portrayal of human nature. Spirited Away deals heavily with themes of greed, materialism, and transformation—both literal and figurative. The bathhouse is a place where characters come to be cleansed, but it’s also a place where their flaws are exposed. Chihiro’s parents, for instance, are turned into pigs after they gorge themselves on food that doesn’t belong to them. It’s a stark portrayal of how greed can dehumanize us, and there’s something very Biblical about that.

The Bible warns repeatedly about the dangers of wealth and materialism, and this theme runs strong through Spirited Away. Many of the characters are driven by their desires, whether it’s for food, money, or power. No-Face, a mysterious spirit who starts off as harmless, becomes monstrous when he consumes too much and craves more. It’s a powerful image of how unchecked desire can corrupt even the most innocent beings. There’s a clear message here: the more you want, the more you lose yourself.

Chihiro’s Growth: A Christian Parallel?

As Chihiro grows throughout the film, she becomes more selfless and brave. She faces her fears, helps those around her, and refuses to compromise her values, even in a world that’s full of deception and greed. This reminded me of the Christian idea of sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ. While the film never explicitly touches on Christian themes, Chihiro’s journey has echoes of a moral transformation that Christians can recognize. She learns to care for others, to work hard, and to trust in something greater than herself, even if that “something” is not God, as we understand Him.

In the bathhouse, Chihiro must purify and cleanse herself, not just physically but morally and spiritually. The Christian life, too, is often described as a process of purification. We are constantly being refined, being made new, and in a way, Chihiro’s story mirrors that. But again, the underlying spiritual framework here is different—Chihiro’s world is filled with gods and spirits that Christians do not believe in. So while her journey is admirable, it’s important to make the distinction between her story and a Christian’s spiritual journey.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Balance

At the end of the day, Spirited Away is a beautiful, moving film that has a lot to offer, both visually and morally. It’s a story about transformation, courage, and the dangers of materialism, all of which resonate with Christian values. However, the film’s heavy emphasis on Shinto spirituality requires discernment. For Christians watching, it’s important to enjoy the film while keeping in mind that the spiritual worldview it presents is different from our own.

That being said, it’s not necessary to reject the film altogether. Like many works of art, Spirited Away invites us to reflect on the human experience—its beauty, its struggles, and its potential for growth. As Christians, we can appreciate those themes while staying rooted in our own beliefs.

So, would I recommend Spirited Away? Absolutely. Just watch it with open eyes and an open heart, and take the spiritual elements with a grain of salt.