In 2001, Chihiro’s journey It became an absolute phenomenon. Studio Ghibli’s film not only surpassed Princess Mononoke, also kept the title of the highest grossing Japanese film of all time, something that seemed untouchable for years.
Chihiro’s journey gives up his crown
But that historical mark has just been surpassed. According to the Japanese portal Oricon, the new film Infinity Castle It has already reached more than 33 billion yen at the box office (about US$224 million), leaving behind the 31.68 billion it collected Chihiro’s journey on its premiere. And eye, because with this it becomes the second production of Demon Slayer that manages to pass the Hayao Miyazaki classic, after the boom of Mugen Train in 2020.
But beyond the numbers, the interesting thing is to dwell on what both films offer and why they connected so much with the public.
on the one hand, Chihiro’s journey It is a profoundly symbolic work that mixes childhood innocence with the harshness of the adult world. introduces us to Chihiro, a girl who falls into a world full of gods, spirits and magical creatures, where she must learn to fend for herself. The tape speaks of growth, resilience and the power of personal identity in a hostile environment. His central message is clear: even in the darkest places, kindness, empathy and courage are what allows us to move forward.
On the other hand, Infinity Castle It closes with a finishing touch one of the greatest phenomena of modern anime. the saga of Demon Slayer Not only is it a fast-paced action story and spectacular battles, it is also a story about sacrifice, the importance of family ties and the weight of duty. The film takes the demon hunters to the final showdown against kibutsuji muzan, Showing how far the human spirit can go when fighting to protect loved ones. Like Mugen Train, manages to balance the visual spectacularity with an emotional touch that immediately connects with the audience.
Although separated by more than twenty years, both tapes teach the same thing: Growing means facing pain, but also discovering the strength that is born of love and hope. Chihiro He learned it in a fantastic world of spirits, while Tanjiro And his companions live it in his fight against darkness.
The contrast is strong. Miyazaki He gave us an introspective journey full of metaphors. Demon Slayer It gives us an epic epic loaded with adrenaline. But deep down, both films demonstrate something in common: anime always knows how to reach the heart of its audience.
today, Chihiro’s journey Stop being the absolute queen of the box office. However, his legacy remains intact. many of those who filled the rooms to see Infinity Castle They grew up with the movies Studio Ghibli. Surely they remember the first time they heard the unforgettable music of Joe Hisaishi.
see a new generation embrace with so much passion, Demon Slayer It is nostalgic and hopeful. Anime, like the cinema itself, never stops. It changes, evolves and transforms. But something never changes: it will always have the power to move us and unite generations.
