Ghibli’s top 3 empowered female characters of the 2000s

Since its establishment in 1984, Studio Ghibli has continued to create many films showcasing inspiring characters, especially women and girls. In the previous article, I featured characters from the 1990s or earlier, so I’ll focus on the films of the 2000s this time. Here are my top three picks for empowered Ghibli females from the decade which I will also compare with those from the 1990s.

Chihiro from “Spirited Away” (2001)

Chihiro, the protagonist of the film, is portrayed as an over-protected and spoiled young girl who cannot do anything by herself at the beginning of the story. However, as the story develops, she transforms into a responsible and brave girl. During her adventure at the bathhouse as Sen (Yubaba changes her name), she helps Haku, Boh and other spirits who need help with her honesty, kindness and moral fiber. Especially when Chihiro decides to save Haku, who is seriously injured by the curse, her fearless and determined face reveals how strong and resilient she becomes in order to save her loved ones.

Sophie from “Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004)

Those who haven’t watched the entire film may wonder why I pick Sophie as a strong female character. In fact, she is dutiful, patient and incredibly loyal yet passive and insecure. However, after a curse transforms her into an old lady, she ironically becomes energetic and brave as she is suddenly free from a feeling of inferiority. She knows what’s right or wrong as much as she has the courage to stand up to the great witch to protect Howl. Although she isn’t physically strong, she always encourages Howl and the inhabitants of the castle and shows the right path to them. Without her leadership, the castle would have certainly collapsed.

Lisa from “Ponyo” (2008)

Lisa is a mother to Sosuke, who is an additonal protagonist besides Ponyo. Lisa is kind-hearted, energetic, courageous and responsible. I really like the way she refuses to coddle her son, but instead treats him as an equal, and this makes their relationship stronger than that of a typical parent-child bond. There is a scene when a huge storm strikes the town and Lisa decides to leave Sosuke and Ponyo alone in the house and to go rescue elderly people who are stuck in the nursing facility. Lisa tells Sosuke, “You’re only five, but you’re very smart. Sometimes we have to take a leap.” I see her strength in her decision-making skill and in the trusting relationship that she creates with Sosuke.

None of these characters are physically strong compared to Nausicaa or San, but their inner strength is the trait that can save their loved ones. I respect Studio Ghibli films because they make stories in which girls save boys, unlike old fairytales. And their relationships aren’t necessarily romantic. I strongly feel that their unconventional films and characters offer not only women but the audience in general courage and pride in themselves, regardless of gender.