No-Face is a mysterious and strange character in Hayao Miyazaki’s movie Spirited Away. He looks like a black ghost and can take on the traits of anyone he eats.
No-Face is often seen as a symbol of greed and desire. His ability to make gold and his change into a greedy monster show how wanting too much can lead to trouble. Chihiro’s kindness and refusal to take his gold highlight the movie’s message about the importance of being kind and honest, not greedy.
No-Face is an important character in Spirited Away. His story shows the dangers of greed and the power of kindness and change.
Synopsis
He first appears on a bridge, silently watching Chihiro and Haku as they hurry by, trying to avoid being noticed by the spirits. The next morning, he is seen again on the bridge, watching Chihiro with interest. Chihiro, seeing him standing in the rain, kindly lets him into the Bathhouse. Grateful, No-Face steals a Bath Token for her, but when he tries to give her more, she says she only needs one. This makes him sad, and he disappears.
Later, No-Face sees the Bathhouse workers celebrating after a spirit leaves behind gold. He learns that gold is valuable and tricks a frog spirit named Aogaeru, eating him and taking on his bad traits. No-Face starts demanding luxury and giving out gold, which makes him grow larger as he eats more food.
No-Face becomes popular with the workers because of his gold, but he is upset when Chihiro rejects his offerings. He drops the gold in despair, causing the workers to fight over it. Angered, he eats two workers, showing his monstrous side.
He throws a tantrum, demanding to see Chihiro, and is sad when she says he can’t give her what she truly wants. She feeds him a piece of a magic dumpling, which makes him throw up everything he ate and return to his quiet self. No-Face then follows Chihiro to a train station, and they go to Zeniba’s home. Zeniba offers him a place to stay, and he is last seen waving goodbye to Chihiro as she leaves on Haku’s back.
No-Face’s Abilities
- Mimicry: He can copy the voice and traits of those he eats. After eating Aogaeru, he speaks like him and acts like a frog.
- Alchemy: He can turn mud into gold, which he uses to control the Bathhouse workers.
- Absorbing: He can eat anything, including food and spirits.
- Vomiting: He can throw up things he has eaten, which helps him return to his original form.
