Spirited Away Review

Sprited Away

Japanese Title: 千と千尋の神隠し

Chinese Title: 千與千尋

The Spiriting Away of Sen and Chihiro

Genre: Fantasy- Adventure

Language: Japanese

Year: 2001

Synopsis:

Ten-year-old Chihiro, together with her parents, is on her way to their new home. She is upset about the move and her parents try to convince her that the change isn’t so bad. They get lost and reach an old building with a dark entrance. Curious, her parents decide to go in despite Chihiro’s protest. They get in and find themselves in what seems like an abandoned theme park. They go further into the area and find lines of restaurants with food on the counter. Chihiro’s parents start to eat while Chihiro looks at the place in awe. It starts to get dark, but when Chihiro goes back to her parents, both have already turned into pigs. As she panics, a mysterious boy named Haku comes to her rescue. She learns that humans aren’t welcomed there, and Haku tells her to find work in order to stay and to save her parents. She is later faced with Yubaba, the head of the bathhouse. Yubaba allows her to work in the bathhouse in exchange for her name. She is now called Sen instead. She starts living in the strange world where she encounters different interesting creatures. At the same time, she tries not to forget who she is and why she is there.

Cheerfulnuts’ Review:

This is not just “another” Hayao Miyazaki movie, but rather, this is one of the movies that had rose Mr. Miyazaki more to fame. Spirited Away is magical and memorable. You will see many interesting (and some creepy) creatures in the movie. As a non-Japanese, I am amused seeing even trivial things that are Japanese. I love everything about the bathhouse. The animation is very fluid and an eye-candy. It is not a bit surprising that it had won the Best Animation at the 75^th Academy Award. Anyone who sees the movie would be immediately glued to the screen.

We could also see how Chihiro, the main character, developed into a better person. From a little girl who is afraid of change or trying new things, to a girl who is more courageous, mature, and loyal. I love seeing her grow and develop some friendships in her adventure.

Like most of Studio Ghibli’s movies, Spirited Away has its subtle romance. Even for a movie that caters to younger audience, the romance is not too cheesy and not too corny. It’s just right for all ages.

I really can’t think of a flaw in this movie, except that I don’t get it 100%. Spirited Away is one of those movies that you don’t understand completely but still love. After I finished watching it, there were some questions in my head. But my questions simply made Spirited Away more mysterious and more fascinating. This movie is something I’d love to watch over and over again, making it my all-time favourite. I highly recommend it to everyone. This is a great movie that is very engaging and would keep your eyes glued to the screen from beginning till end.

Cheerfulnuts’ Verdict:

10 out of 10 stars

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