One of the most intriguing plot points in the movie(to me at least) was the removal of a name. chihiro and kohaku both having lost their name and to see chihiro slowly lose who she was and really turn into sen was a very intriguing idea. the thought that what label you carry can affect who you are was used well through the story, and I almost thought that through chihiro losing herself to sen she could finally throw off the shackles of who she was and start to grow.

anyone else have a similar experience? or am I just a freak?

That is certainly an intriguing thought. I never thought about it that way, the storyline is wonderful, it has a point

The thought of names having such power actually isn't a new thing of course, but I totally agree that the movie really showed that in a new light that was very compelling and thought provoking... thinking about it, name changing happens a lot in the world. The most extreme example would be the thing with cults or groups changing their member's names to reinforce the indoctrination. Even the Catholic church will do that actually. But also, in history, when cultures would take slaves from other lands, they'd often give the slaves they took new names that were easier for them to remember or understand (also trying to bring them into their own cultural context I'd imagine). And another example that's both obvious and not so obvious because it's so widely accepted is that a woman will have to change her name when married. That sends the message that the man is more important, the head of the family, and, symbolically, places the woman in a secondary or even subservient position. A lot of it is just thought really, but thought's what most things in our world come from, so it is important I think... I've also wondered sometimes, how when you meet someone, their name seems to fit them just a little too much, you know? I kinda wonder, does the name given some how influence what kind of person the one to whom it's given will turn into?

Hi

With the taking away of your name, i think especially in the movie it seemed to me like it was a way of owning you. I mean Kohaku couldn't leave because he did not know his name.

august199

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And another example that's both obvious and not so obvious because it's so widely accepted is that a woman will have to change her name when married...

I read somewhere that the reason why was for the need to identify ownership of property. But i agree though with what you said about it. But as they say, the man may be the head of the house, but the woman is the neck, and she can turn the head whichever way she wants.

Just my opinion... but very interesting topic.

*nods* This is a very true point. A name is very important. Like in Shakespear's 'Romeo and Juliet': 'Is a rose? A rose. By any other name' [something like that.]

But a name is very important because it does identify who you are. The real point is to not let it consume you and decide for you. Who you are. Every name has a meaning behind it. Like my name; Shelley. I always hated it and it still sounds odd to me and rather plain. But I looked in this old book of names and found what it ment. Literal meaning: From the medow on the ledge. [Personally, I see that is true in retrospect of my life.] The Godly meaning or Suggested charactor quality: Protector of life. Now, this said does that make me have to 'protect life'? No, its just a name but knowing it makes me empowered; if I want; or an scare the living daylights outta me.
So, there is a lot of power in a name. Take the christian faith. Us, christian, have the 'name' above all 'names'; Jesus: God with us. Giving power threw the tongue. So, it doesn't take away from life or personality. It gives life and power to the one who believes and use's the 'name'.

*nods* That's about my point. A name doesn't have take away or lable. You are who you are and you control what your name means.

::Angel-chan::