No Face

Spirited Away, directed by the one and only Hayao Miyazaki, is considered one of the greatest animated films of all time. It centers around a young girl named Chihiro who navigates the mystifying realm of spirits to save her parents from becoming pigs. Along the way, she encounters a variety of whimsical characters, including a particular favorite among fans: No Face.

No Face is initially introduced as a silent and solitary figure, looming in the background of the spirit world’s bustling bathhouse. His appearance is striking yet inscrutable, a combination of a black cloak that completely veils his figure, a white mask featuring only a mouth and two staring white eyes, and two spindly arms that emerge from the cloak’s sleeves. Despite his eerie aura, Chihiro is the only one who senses his loneliness and, upon offering him some food, sets off a chain of events that brings No Face into the heart of the story.

There are a number of reasons why No Face has become such a beloved character over the years. For some, it’s his enigmatic nature – he rarely speaks, and his motivations remain ambiguous throughout the film. Is he a malevolent or benevolent force? Is he a spirit, a monster, or something else entirely? These questions only add to his allure, inviting us to draw our own interpretations.

Perhaps the most iconic and memorable aspect of No Face, though, is his transformation throughout the film. Initially, he’s a blank slate – literally and metaphorically – a mysterious figure who befriends Chihiro before slowly revealing darker tendencies. As he ingests more and more of the bathhouse’s occupants, his body and demeanor change, becoming more monstrous and aggressive. When Chihiro confronts him, though, his true nature is exposed: he’s not evil, but rather deeply lonely and searching for connection. In a moment of compassion, Chihiro invites him to come with her as she tries to save Haku, another character who’s dear to her.

This act of kindness transforms No Face once again, this time into a lovable and endearing character. He becomes attached to Chihiro and her companions and helps them navigate the spirit world’s perils. He presents gifts to the bathhouse’s staff, impressing them with his material wealth. Most comically, he dons a makeshift drag outfit and prances around the bathhouse, much to the delight of audiences. In a way, No Face represents a core theme of Spirited Away – the transformative power of love and compassion.

There are also some fascinating cultural and mythological aspects to No Face. The white mask he wears is a reference to Noh theater, a form of Japanese drama that puts emphasis on the actors’ expressions rather than their dialogue. The mask also bears some resemblance to a Japanese yokai called nurikabe, a spirit that’s said to manifest as a long, flat wall and impede travelers on their journey. Whether intentional or not, these connections add to the intrigue and depth of his character.

All of these factors come together to create a character that’s at once creepy, captivating, and charming. No Face is a character that inspires a range of emotions and interpretations – fear, curiosity, sympathy, adoration – and that’s a testament to the power of Miyazaki’s filmmaking. He’s crafted a character that defies easy categorization, a character whose true nature is only revealed through connection and empathy.

At the end of the film, No Face departs from the spirit world along with Chihiro, but not before leaving behind some valuable lessons. He’s a reminder that we shouldn’t judge people – or spirits – by appearances alone, that love and kindness can transform even the most mysterious and sinister of beings, and that even the loneliest and lost among us can find a home and a purpose with the right companions. No Face might not be the protagonist of Spirited Away, but he’s certainly a character that earns a place in our hearts and imaginations.