Spirited Away
Details
- Japanese: 千と千尋の神隠し
- Hepburn: Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
- Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
- Produced by: Toshio Suzuki
- Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
- Music by: Joe Hisaishi
- Cinematography: Atsushi Okui
- Edited by: Takeshi Seyama
- Production company: Studio Ghibli
- Distributed by: Toho (Japan)
- Release date: 20 July 2001 (Japan)
- Running time: 125 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Language: Japanese
Synopsis
From MyAnimeList:Stubborn, spoiled, and naïve, 10-year-old Chihiro Ogino is less than pleased when she and her parents discover an abandoned amusement park on the way to their new house. Cautiously venturing inside, she realizes that there is more to this place than meets the eye, as strange things begin to happen once dusk falls. Ghostly apparitions and food that turns her parents into pigs are just the start—Chihiro has unwittingly crossed over into the spirit world. Now trapped, she must summon the courage to live and work amongst spirits, with the help of the enigmatic Haku and the cast of unique characters she meets along the way.
Vivid and intriguing, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi tells the story of Chihiro's journey through an unfamiliar world as she strives to save her parents and return home.
Story
Fantastic. One word to sum up. True to its name, Spirited Away takes us from the seat deep into this mythical mystical world where fantasy is reality. Its gorgeous writing and clever dialogue were very entertaining. I remember laughing just because of one's character voice and diction. It is very traditional yet in a sense very modern and realistic. It is remarkable to see how Miyazaki can craft seemingly mundane scenes to make us feel that we are really into the film.There are so many messages that can be found along with many symbolic meanings which I think so cleverly hidden that many won't realize. The film itself is endlessly filled with western childhood fantasy so it is very easy to digress yet hidden deep within itself are numerous concepts that I think only adults can relate to. So, a child and an adolescence who watch the film will arrive in different conclusions.
However, the ending can be interpreted differently by each person. I found that even if it doesn't really give us solace, it helps to make the film more enigmatic. It is because of this particular quality that one of my friends seems to dislike the movie. I just can't help to wonder if what really happens is only a dream.
Visual
Man, what's more to say? It's surely the pinnacle of animation history. It is inconceivable to think that it was released in 2001. Miyazaki's hands can be seen in all of the visual aspects. How detailed the appearance of characters, gorgeous backdrops, and cheerful color tone help to make it one of the closest animation for kids I've seen to the real world. The cinematography is also wonderfully done. Have I mentioned there is a flight scene just like every Ghibli film? Man, riding a dragon is every children fantasy.Audio
Joe Hisaishi is shown to be quite a maestro. Even right from the start, I had goosebumps listening to opening theme. The soundtrack itself is as important as the characters for bringing out the emotions. It is loyally inducing the current situation and mood, making the whole soundtrack both chilling and packed with feelings.Characters
Creating interesting antagonists is Miyazaki's innate talent. Throughout the film, Yubaba and her sister are seen as those who are harsh and cruel to others, but the inhabitants don't regard them as villain rather as people with a degree of honor. No-Face with his heavy feels face and eternal sorrow which make me kind of feel bad for him is memorable even though his character design is very simple.
Chihiro is just being Chihiro... What I mean by that is she is just being a child like what she is supposed to be. Sulky demeanor yet at the same time is prepared to endure what it takes to save her 'boyfriend'. Haku on the other hand is kind of interesting in a different way. My mother told me afterwards that he is 'handsome'. His character is not really explained thoroughly, just like most of the cast. But, his conflicting morality and confusion as the result of his forgotten past really drives Chihiro further.
Conclusion
Truly a masterpiece quality material. Spirited Away seems will be forever regarded as the pinnacle of what animation can achieve. Sure, from time to time many will try to overthrow its throne, but it shall prevail. Even now I can still remember how fun it is to watch the movie with my family. I hope those of you who haven't watched it yet will experience the same magical moments that are exerted throughout the film.