Spirited Away

Rated PG

A fantastical journey that leaves a young girl much more prepared for the chaotic, corrupted, beautiful, and glorious aspects of growing up in the real world.

Discussion:

• After meeting Chihiro what is your opinion? Did it change by the end of the film?

• What can the abandon amusement park symbolize?

• The character No Face lashes out due to loneliness, but Chihiro defends him. Why?

• What do you think the message of this film is?

Intrigued by the animation in this strikingly beautiful film? Check out the director’s, Hayao Miyazaki, other films! My personal fave is Princess Mononoke, which looks at the age-old battle of nature and man.

Image link: teachwithmovies

A great book to pair with this film is T.A. Barrow’s The Ancient One. This book is about a young girl trying to save a forest only to be catapulted back in time 500 years! Once there she is thrown into a similar situation.

Image link: robertlhunton



What are your thoughts on this film? Creeped out by a certain character? Why? We may share the same one! Please give us your feedback in the comments below!

Activity idea: Hayao Miyazaki's films all have very similar themes such as mythology, Japanese history, the environment, and strong lead roles. Take two of his films and analyze at least one common theme. Another route you may want to look into is Miyazaki's choice in animation. How does this choice enhance his films?

Whale Rider

Whale Rider.  Directed by Niki Caro.  Dolby Digital, 2002.  101 minutes.  ASIN: B0000CABBW
Genre:  Drama, Family
Rated: PG

Pai believes that she is to be her tribes next whale rider, the member that connects the tribe to the whales that are credited with their existence.  Since the whale rider is traditionally a male, Koro passes over Pai as the possible whale rider.  When a group of whales become stranded on the beach the tribe must act quickly to ensure its existence. 
Whale Rider is an empowering story about how one young girl that teaches her tribe that sometimes tradition must be broken for people to progress. 

Awards: 2003 BAFTA Children’s Awards

Discussion:

Sometimes our family's expectations of us conflict with our own ideas of what we want and who we want to become.  How do you communicate these feelings with those around you?  What are some helpful ways we can get those close to us to listen to us, and accept our decisions?

The movie also touches on animal welfare.  Though we may not all ever have a chance of riding a whale out to see (though I'm sure we are all brave enough), what can each of us do to help wild animals and their diverse home environments?

If you enjoyed this movie, you also may be interested in reading Ihimaera's book.

Ihimaera, Witi.  (1987).  The Whale Rider.  New Zealand: Heinemann. ISBN: 0-86863-684-3

You may also like the movie Eye of the Dolphin, another coming-of-age movie about improving communication with dolphins and your loved ones.

Eye of the Dolphin.  Directed by Michael D. Sellers.  Quantum Entertainment, 2006.  100 Minutes.
Genre:  Drama, Family
Rating: PG-13

Activity idea:  Pai’s tribe depends on the whales for rituals, and people all over depend on animals to sustain balance in nature.  Are you passionate about conservation and sustainability? There are many books and videos that can help you get started on campaigning for your own cause.  Also, did you ever think it would be fun to learn ethnic or indigenous dances or martial arts like the Maori children?   Contact a cultural center to see if they have shows or provide lessons. 
Whale Rider Trailer link: youtube

Whale Rider Book cover link: thebookhut
DVD cover for Eye of the Dolphin: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465407/