Spirited Away is the greatest animated film of all time, in my opinion. But to even call the Oscar-winning masterpiece an “animated film” feels like an insult to Hayao Miyazaki. It was a game-changer for all of cinema, one that defied the perceived limits of animated films, one that continues to influence brilliant works from the likes of Studio Ghibli to Pixar. Each scene, most of which being hand-drawn, is visually breathtaking. The plot is dense enough to constitute its own little dynamic world. The characters are complex, unique, and always evolving. Joe Hisaishi’s score is breathtaking & iconic. The themes are deeply profound & texturized. The hidden details & symbols will surprise you with each viewing. But make no mistake: Spirited Away is no “kid film.” It’s about a girl who gets trapped inside another dimension, a netherworld of spirits and demons, and must fight to survive AND find her missing parents! Dark, right? But with it comes immense & uniquely human depth. It’s a story of adversity, facing your battles, and growing up.
The coming-of-age film begins with Chihiro—an immature, anxious, timid protagonist. After her parents get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, she is suddenly lost, alone, and scared. She soon finds herself in front of a huge, ominous bathhouse (Shinto imagery & themes are rampant here and throughout the film). As the night falls, the human world around her is engulfed by a vibrant spirit world. Chihiro meets a few friends, like Haku, but is surrounded by hundreds who reject, doubt, belittle, threaten, and try to harm her. She gets the worst job at the bathhouse and has no choice but to adapt. She must push herself in all ways. And she embarks upon the ultimate journey—slowly evolving into a fearless, cerebral, respected young adult. It is the magnum opus of a director, composer, and studio that teamed up for 40 years of timeless films. They’re all incredible (even better if you watch them in their original Japanese language with just English subtitles). Of course, not all of you who haven’t seen it will like Spirited Away. Art is too subjective. But if you watch carefully with an open mind, you’ll be astonished.
Rating: 10/10
P.S. Here’s just one of the songs from Hisaishi’s masterful score for the film. It’s minimalistic & reflective, which is why it wasn’t used in the action-packed trailer above, but it is a truly marvelous composition. That’s him on the piano.
Thanks so much!
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I’ve only watched Howl’s Moving Castle (same director) but like you I heard Spirited Away is a very great film.
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Love Howl’s Moving Castle. The depth and creativity of the animation is incredible, right? I found it too long for its plot compared to most of Miyazaki’s works, but I def recommend Spirited Away, The Wind Rises, Castle in the Sky, & Nausicaa a lot if you like Howl’s. Cheers!
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Really good review! I’ve watched some of Studio Ghibli’s films and they have created some interesting work! I’ve not only reviewed ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’, but I also nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Here are the links to the two posts:
https://18cinemalane.wordpress.com/2019/01/31/take-3-howls-moving-castle-review/
https://18cinemalane.wordpress.com/2020/04/10/i-won-sunshine-blogger-award-number-four/
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Check the posts out now. Thanks so much!
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You’re welcome! Can’t wait to read your award post!
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Studio ghibli has released so many great films but this was the one that got me hooked! Love it and the music, it’s just magical!!!
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The nostalgia—it’s palpable.
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Yoooooooooo
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Glad to see you on WordPress. The world deserves to read what you have to say. Reading your posts rn. Come visit at Harvard next year plz!
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Great ish per usual. Ur blog’s becoming my go-to resource
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Can’t ask for a better compliment. Thanks a ton. Hope you’re enjoying some new content!
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❤
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Well, you know what this means, right? I will have to watch it. I realised recently that I am not a fan of animation. Sometimes, one will surprise me and I will enjoy it. I think I have a problem with talking animals. 🙂
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Ha I totally get it! The way I think about it is that Miyazaki’s films are like Pixar—Ratatouille, Inside Out, Up, and stuff like that. Very mature and adult-oriented even if people take their kids to see them
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lol. I hate Ratatouille. Really hated it. I would not like a rat in the kitchen cooking. I am going to watch Spirited Away, but only for you.
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Haha hope you enjoy!
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I just thought of you because The Academy posted Spirited Away. with the following test. “There are 1415 different shots in ‘Spirited Away.’ When starting the project, I had envisioned about 1200, but the film told me no, it had to be more than 1200. It’s not me who makes the film. The film makes itself and I have no choice but to follow.” – Hayao Miyazaki
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Lovely quote. Cheers to the man himself!
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Are you a fan of any of the Pixars?
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I can list the animated films that I like for you. 1. The Emperor’s New Groove. 2. Toy Story 3. maybe a few more, but I cannot remember them.
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The Emperor’s New Groove is underrated, to be fair. 😎
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I like that you are fair.
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Not an anime fan
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Fun fact: I’m not either. I’ve enjoyed a couple of great anime shows at some point in my life but overall am not a fan of most animes. I can assure you that this isn’t anime, though. Many Americans call it that because it’s an animated Japanese film but it’s nothing like the classic cheesy, histrionic, romance/action animes. I like to think of Studio Ghibli as the Pixar of the east—far better than other animation studios. Hope ya consider it. Thanks for the feedback!
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I get that. Maybe I’ll try it someday
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🥳
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To this day Spirited Away is on a Pantheon for me. Studio Ghibli really was/is a treasure
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Yess! What are your fav Ghibli films?
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Hmm..Spirited Away, Hal’s Moving Castle, Kikis Delivery Service
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Big fan of all of those! I love how there are so many amazing options that everyone has different favorites
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interesting , man. keep on keeping on!
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Thanks for your continued support
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that graphic too! do you use photoshop?
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Thx! I just use iPhone apps for the most part
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P.S. Here are the trailers for my other favorite Studio Ghibli films:
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Ohhhh, this is an amazing film! I love the visuals and the story of Mononoke. I also enjoyed the mythology of spirited away
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Mononoke is so underrated, right!?
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Absolutely. Deserves so much more attention than it gets
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Incredible soundtrack as well
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I recommend Nausicaa, Castle in the Sky, Totoro, Porco Rosso, and Howl’s Moving Castle too
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Luv it
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🤠
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