Japanese animation (particularly fantasy) is not a popular genre among adults, but has become an important part of this generation’s childhood and has affected many in shaping their views of the world. By combining the real world with that of fantasy and by incorporating strong female role models, films such as The Secret World of Arrietty, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Wolf Children, are able to explore key life themes such as growing up and building relationships. In the stories they tell, these films appeal not only to children, but to adults as well.
All three films are able to seamlessly combine the real world with one of fantasy and magic. The Secret World of Arrietty takes place in our world, but alongside humans exist a tiny (although …show more content…
All three films express themes of growing up, finding yourself, and building relationships with others. The film Arrietty begins with her first time embarking on a borrowing expedition with her father to obtain essential household items and food. This is a clear signal of growing up and marks a new stage in Arrietty’s life. Arrietty also has a strong emphasis on relationships; it could be said that a person’s mentality and character in the story depend on how connected they feel with other people. Hara, the scheming maid, has no positive relationships with others; she is the villain of the story. It is by forming a relationship with Arrietty that Sho, a sickly human boy, finds his will to live. In Kiki’s Delivery Service, Kiki has just turned 13 when she sets off on a journey all by herself to a distant city. Through her delivery service, she encounters all sorts of different characters. The story revolves around the different people she meets and her interactions with them. Near the end of the movie, Kiki loses faith in herself and loses her powers; she needs to find her true identity to rediscover those powers. Finally, Wolf Children follows Hana through thirteen years of her life. Even though she is an older character, the film still shows how she changes and grows as well as how her children grow up in different ways, choosing their own paths. Wolf Children has a great emphasis on family relationships and familial love. All these themes are important to children who are just starting to figure out who they are and starting to build relationships with others, but they can apply to those of any