News On Japan

Iconic 'Spirited Away' Scene Recreated By Hand

TOKYO, Feb 01 (News On Japan) - A video that recreates a famous scene from "Spirited Away" is becoming a hot topic on social media. It captures the moment when the protagonist, Chihiro, has her name taken away by the witch Yubaba, but here’s the twist: there’s no CG or editing involved. The video was shot using only "rubber, magnets, and gravity."

The creator is a system engineer in his 50s who previously made parody videos using CG. He thought it would be interesting to attempt a live-action version. However, it turned out to be a series of trial and error.

Initially, he tried cutting out rubber sheets to make the letters fly but ended up scattering them randomly. The solution? Connecting the letters with transparent sewing thread.

But the real challenge began there. According to the engineer, ensuring the letters separated at the same time was the hardest part. To achieve the desired effect, he attached magnet sheets behind the magnet letters on a board, playing with the magnetic force's intensity to mimic the ideal separation.

After one and a half months of preparation, the shooting day arrived. At a local park, after repeatedly launching the letters and reaching his concentration limit, he finally succeeded on the 35th attempt.

The high-quality finish has garnered praise for its creativity and ingenuity, demonstrating that with enough perseverance, even the most enchanting film moments can be brought to life without the need for digital effects.

Source: FNN

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