In "Spirited Away", the smiling statue that houses the tunnel that separates the two worlds is inspired by those who are placed in front of the tombs and protect the souls of the deceased; as well as the guardians of Shinto temples.
At the end of the film, the two faces of the statue have disappeared, symbolizing the end of the vital transit that Chihiro completes.
The fact that the statue no longer smiles or has a face means that it no longer welcomes or says goodbye, that is, it represents that there is no more road to travel.
That's why Haku and Chihiro never met.
Comments (5)
Wow..... that increases to a whole other level of depth and meaning.... as Chihiro wouldn’t ever meet Haku or the bathhouse, As the words Miyazaki said that chihiro didn't the time she spent in the spirit world afterwards. I really like this idea because it makes me think that all of us, even though we cant it, were once in this world and spent time with friends like Haku there. And maybe, as Haku said, we'll return there some day once again...
What do you mean Haku and Chihiro never met at the end? 🥺
Wow... I never really think of that! Truly it's just too slightly to notice but could be such deep meaning behind it!
Woaaahhh very interesting