It is worth studying the similarities and differences between the two studios and the representations of young female characters. Studio Ghibli films often have a strong female protagonist.
The music is similar and a soundtrack is composed using classical music to guide the emotions of an audience. For example, listen to the music in the opening scene. It is sad to begin with to evoke Chihiro's emotion at leaving her old home. It reaches a crescendo when her father drives fast and is forced to brake suddenly.
The use of a soundtrack remind me of a classic Disney film 'Fantasia' which includes The Sorcerer's Apprentice'. The music is an essential component and the film was made when talking films were just beginning. The orchestral arrangement is paramount to understanding although we tend to remember the visual part of film.
You may get a question like, 'How is sound used in 'Spirited Away'?
Another area that is likely to be a focus is representation and here you can discuss Disney films and how they have represented women in the past. You could look at older Disney classics like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. The idea being that traditionally Disney has been conservative and represented young women as being defined by stereotypical societal roles. They aspire to be kissed by a Prince and being happy ever after through marriage. Japan is also quite a conservative society that would want film to promote these traditional roles and values.
Only recently have Disney films started to challenge these defined roles for young women. Analyse the representations in these two films and explain how they differ from traditional Disney films.
In relation to your film. How does the character of Chihiro reflect the changing representations of young women in animated films?
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