Written by Isekai South Africa
Spirited Away is an animated film that enchants audiences with its mesmerizing storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and profound themes.
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, the film stands as a timeless classic in the world of animation.
Spirited Away narrates the story of Chihiro Ogino; a ten-year-old girl, who is moving to a new neighbourhood with her parents. Whilst on their journey, Chihiro's father stops to explore an abandoned amusement park despite Chihiro's protests. After her parents are turned into pigs by the witch Yubaba, Chihiro takes up a job working in Yubaba's bathhouse to find a way to free herself and her parents and ultimately, return to the human world.
From the mom
ent ten-year old Chihiro stumbles into the mysterious world of spirits, viewers are transported into a captivating realm filled with wonder and danger. The animation is spectacular in itself, showcasing Miyazaki's signature attention to detail and his ability to create landscapes that are both fantastical and grounded in emotion.
The characters in the film are beautifully crafted, each with a unique look and personality which further adds to the story. What makes Spirited Away so great is the depth of each character we meet, no matter how major or minor their role is in the story. An example of this would be the Soot Sprites which are tiny spirits that mainly show their personalities through their movements, or the Radish Spirit who is first assumed to be ill-tempered from his appearance but proves to be kind and helpful, and is even seen dancing when everyone is celebrating. Chihiro's coming-of-age journey is both relatable and inspiring, as she transforms from a timid and unsure girl into a brave and determined young woman. The rest of the cast, including the enigmatic No-Face, the mysterious Haku, the wise Kamaji, and the eccentric Yubaba, contribute to the film's rich tapestry of characters, making it a truly immersive experience.
Another strength of the film lies in its exploration of themes such as abandonment, greed, environmentalism, and the resilience of the human spirit. Miyazaki skillfully weaves these elements into the narrative, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels and leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
Beyond its technical brilliance, Spirited Away is a film that appeals to both children and adults, transcending age groups with its universal themes and emotionally resonant storytelling. It's a testament to the power of animation as an art form and Miyazaki's ability to create a cinematic experience that is both magical and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, Spirited Away is a milestone in the cinematic universe that continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide, to this day. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, and it remains a must-watch for anyone seeking a magical and emotionally resonant journey into the world of animation.
Overall, we would rate Spirited Away a 9.7 out of 10. Personally, we really enjoyed watching the film. The entire story; from the animation, the characters, the themes, messages and the music, were extremely well thought-out and wonderfully put-together. This Ghibli film is near absolute perfection and the only critique we have is that we longed for a bit more of a deeper story to No Face, who had a bigger role in the story than most of the other spirits.