Haku (Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi) in Spirited Away is easily my favorite Ghibli character.
Although Haku appears 12-year-old, his mental age is far beyond that - demonstrated by his behaviors, confidence and his real identity being a god (he’s probably as old as the river). His thoughts are wise, and actions decisive. Although he forgot his real name and therefore lost his identity, he retained his good side that was aware of the status quo of the world he was trapped in. Because of his understanding of that world, he tried to save Chihiro from being consumed by it.
The moment that Haku proved himself a trustworthy character is the emotion in his eyes when Chihiro was reaching to touch his hand: He showed a genuine relief when he’s gained her trust. Haku appeared at Chihiro’s side at the time when she desperately needed someone. He guided Chihiro on the right path, but didn’t hold her hand too much as to make her completely dependent on him. When he has chosen to protect someone, he goes to great lengths to do so, even at the expense of his life (remember the scene when Yubaba said she would take his life in exchange for Chihiro’s safe return).
I always find the scene in which Haku and Chihiro were falling through the darkness into the bottomless pit spine-tingling. For the fact that they were so close to both killing themselves at that very second, but Haku surprisingly managed to take every ounce of his inner being to stay awake and save them both from a horrible fate.
Haku is like a calm river that breathes life into things. Objectively, he is a better guardian to Chihiro than her parents seem to be at the beginning of the film. At the end, even at the time of parting, Haku also gives Chihiro hope and peace of mind by reassuring her that they will meet again.
Miyazaki said that due to an attempt to keep the film’s duration to 2 hours and the fast-approaching deadline, he had to cut a lot of scenes, therefore Haku was “greatly simplified” in the film we see. This makes me curious about what other dimensions of him that Miyazaki had in mind. We don’t really get to know Haku as well as Howl and Ashitaka.
But, I am pleased with what I see.
When you were in the most trying period of your life and alone, frustrated and lost and the world you knew fell apart, wouldn’t it be reassuring to have someone there who put his arms around your shoulders, consoled you and told you, “It’ll be all right, I’m here”?
Itsumo nando demo
