The document is a 1018-word compare and contrast essay analyzing the animated films Spirited Away and The Incredibles. It compares the character development of Chihiro/Sen and Mr. Incredible, the different settings of Japan and modern cities, and the different themes of the power of names and responsible use of powers. It also contrasts the films as traditional 2D animation for Spirited Away versus 3D computer animation for The Incredibles. The essay concludes animated films can benefit society through entertainment and messages while different types should be recognized.

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
THE DESIGN SCHOOL
FOUNDATION IN NATURAL BUILD ENVIRONMENT
NAME: Teoh Jun Xiang
STUDENT ID NO: 0322099
FILMS SELECTED: The Incredibles and Spirited Away
WORD COUNT: 1020 words
ENGLISH 2 (ELG 30605)
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1: COMPARE – CONTRAST ESSAY
LECTURER: CASSANDRA WIJESURIA
SUBMISSION DATE: 28TH SEPTEMBER 2015

2. Compare and Contrast Essay
Animated films are films in which individual drawings, paintings or illustrations
appear to move and give the illusion of movement to the audiences. In the 21st century, the
animated film genre has reached phenomenal heights prior to the innovation of better and
more advanced computer graphics technologies. The animated film genre is able to generate
tremendous amount of income worldwide as the storyline and development of characters in
the films are able to satisfy the taste buds of a wide range of audiences, ranging from naïve
children to matured adults. For this assignment, I am comparing two different animated films,
which are Spirited Away and The Incredibles as they show multiple differences in terms of
the development of the characters, the setting of the films, the themes of the films as well as
the type of animated films.
Firstly, the protagonists of both films show different character development. In
Spirited Away, the heroine Chichiro Ogino developed from a childish girl to a matured and
capable young adult. SparkNotes LLC (2015) suggested that Chichiro, a whiny and
overprotected 10 year-old girl showed her frustration and disapproval towards her parents for
moving the entire family to a new town. Although her parents encouraged her to think that
the move was an adventurous journey, Chichiro refused to accept the fact. However, after her
name was changed to Sen, she portrayed bravery and optimism to free herself and her parents
from the spirit world. By adapting to the harsh environments, she was able to put aside her
fears and rescue them in the end. In The Incredibles, the development of Mr. Incredible was
the direct opposite. According to Wikia (2015), Mr. Incredible was a superhero who
possesses great strength and durability. However, after all superheroes were forced to retire
as they were being outlawed, he resumed his actual identity as Bob Parr and started working.
Bob lacked optimism and interest to lead his normal and dull life. As such, there was a
contrast between the character development of Chichiro and Bob as they were directly
opposite of each other.
Secondly, the settings of both films are completely different as well. The story of
Spirited Away started off in an abandoned amusement park in the suburbs of Japan. Pseudo-
Western styled buildings available during the Meiji period were located everywhere.
Moreover, the interior architecture of the buildings were heavily influenced by Japanese
styles as well, such as the inclusion of wooden sliding doors and tea rooms. However, the
story of The Incredibles took place in the modern society. The characters lived in cities or
suburban areas filled with soaring skyscrapers and efficient transportation systems. As the
story progresses, the audiences were able to observe the sleek and modern interior
compounds of the characters’ residences and working areas. For instance, Wikia (2015)
indicated that Syndrome’s headquarters was fully equipped with heavy machinery and
modern gadgets. As such, it is evident that both movies chose different settings of Western
and Eastern influences to develop the story over the course of time.
Thirdly, both movies had different themes. One of the themes available in Spirited
Away is the power of words and names. MyAnimeList LLC (2015) suggested that after
Chichiro signed a contract with Yubaba to work in her bathhouse, Yubaba seized her true
name and changed her name to Sen. By doing so, Yubaba was able to control all her workers
as they had no identity. Luckily, Haku reminded Sen that she should not forget her real name

3. as she will be trapped in the spirit world forever. SparkNotes LLC (2015) indicated that
because Sen remembered her true name, she was able to escape the spirit world with her true
identity. On the other hand, the main theme of The Incredibles was the responsibility of using
one’s powers. Since the beginning of the movie, superheroes were forced to retire from duty
as a large number of civilians sued them for causing unwanted damages to their daily lives.
As such, it was important for the superheroes to not reveal their identity as it may attract
unwanted problems. However, the rule was broken when the main antagonist, Syndrome
started attacking innocent civilians. Mr. Incredible and his family utilized their unique
abilities to save the day as they thought it was their responsibility to act on behalf of the
citizens’ safety. As such, both movies had completely different themes.
Lastly, both Spirited Away and The Incredibles represented two different types of
animated films. Spirited Away and other animated films produced by Studio Ghibli were
classified as traditional animated films. This was because the effects as well as characters of
the films were created using only 2-dimensional drawing methods. As the films were rarely
produced using computer graphic technologies, the entire movie appeared to be authentic and
natural at the same time. Audiences, like me, were always in awe after observing how Studio
Ghibli was able to create 3-dimensional effects in the movie using 2-dimensional drawing
methods. However, The Incredibles was a standard Disney Pixar animated film. Wikia (2015)
stated that the film can be classified as a 3-dimensional computer graphics animated feature
film as Photo Realistic Renderman technologies were used to create high level of details on
skin, hair and clothing of each characters. The main goal of the producers was to make the
characters look like actual humans as possible. In conclusion, it is evident that both films are
completely different in terms of their production styles.
In a nutshell, animated films can benefit the society by providing necessary
entertainment and also to convey important messages. After conducting my research, it is
evident that Spirited Away and The Incredibles show multiple differences in terms of the
development of the characters, the setting of the films, the themes of the films as well as their
classifications. As such, one must be responsible and cautious when choosing the type of
animated films to watch to ensure that he or she is able to receive maximum entertainment.
Therefore, the public should be taught to differentiate the different types of animated films to
raise awareness on the vibrancy of the filming industry.
(1018 words)

4. References
Chihiro Ogino (Sen). (2015). Retrieved September 28, 2015 from Spirited Away Wikia’s
website: http://spiritedaway.wikia.com/wiki/Chihiro_Ogino_(Sen)
Howe, M. W. (2015). SPIRITED AWAY. Retrieved September 28, 2015 from
http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/sen/synopsis/sen_synopsis_howe.txt
Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi. (2015). Retrieved September 28, 2015 from MyAnimeList
LLC’s website: http://myanimelist.net/anime/199/Sen_to_Chihiro_no_Kamikakushi
Spirited Away. (2015). Retrieved September 28, 2015 from Rotten Tomatoes’ website:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spirited_away/
SPITITED AWAY. (Analysis of Main Characters). (2015). Retrieved September 28, 2015
SparkNotes LLC’s website:
http://www.sparknotes.com/film/spiritedaway/canalysis.html#Chihiro/Sen
SPIRITED AWAY. (Character List). (2015). Retrieved September 28, 2015 from SparkNotes
LLC’s website: http://www.sparknotes.com/film/spiritedaway/characters.html
SPIRITED AWAY (Plot Overview). (2015). Retrieved September 28, 2015 SparkNotes
LLC’s website: http://www.sparknotes.com/film/spiritedaway/summary.html
SPIRITED AWAY (Themes, Motifs and Symbols). (2015). Retrieved September 28, 2015
SparkNotes LLC’s website: http://www.sparknotes.com/film/spiritedaway/themes.html
Wainer, A. (August 5, 2008). What Makes the Incredibles Superheroic? HEROISM IN
CHARACTER, NOT ABILITIES. Retrieved September 28, 2015 from BREAKPOINT’s
website: http://www.breakpoint.org/component/content/article/71-features/1172-what-makes-
the-incredibles-superheroic