Examples of Contemporary Global Cinema
Spirited Away and Roma, while very different styles of film, represent examples of contemporary global cinema because they are artistic tools that give us the opportunity to reflect themes such as greed, class, and power. These films are recognized for their ability to shed light on these issues while also keeping the viewer entertained and engrossed in the experience of the story. The directors use well-thought-out plots and cinematic direction in order to draw the viewer in and keep them hooked.
Spirited Away is a Japanese film that tells the story of Chihiro, who is whisked into a world of fantastic spirits and must use her wits to survive and find a way to her parents and return to the normal world. The movie uses Japanese folklore to shed light on issues of greed, overconsumption, class, and power through Chihiro’s experience with spirits and demons. From how her parents are transformed into pigs from overeating at the beginning of the movie to her role working in the hotel, to the sorceress Yubaba’s extravagance, grandeur, and ego in the movie, there are lots of tiny lessons placed throughout that make the viewer reassess their values.
Roma, is the story of Cleo, one of two domestic workers, who help Antonio and Sofía take care of their four children in 1970s Mexico City. The film follows their story as Antonio suddenly runs away with his mistress and Cleo finds out that she’s pregnant. Roma similarly makes social commentary about class and love through the story’s plot. It is clear there are major social inequities from the onset as we watch Cleo and her fellow domestic worker cook, clean, take care of the children, and manage the household, with barely a small room to themselves in the big house. Even when the viewer feels like Cleo is somewhat part of the family, the illusion is broken when she is asked to do more work. Her “class” is also called out when she finds out she is pregnant and finds her boyfriend to tell him, instead of supporting her, he disparages and threatens her for contacting him, calling her a servant as he leaves. Sofia similarly is put into a precarious situation when her husband is found having an affair – and the film delves into the strange relationship of love, but also awkward boundaries between homeowners and domestic workers.
In conclusion, the themes and art direction make the two films powerful tools that shed light on societal issues. They have inspired a generation of filmmakers and audiences to look at life from a different perspective, and I am incredibly grateful for that.
