Spirited Away

Hayao Miyazaki has been referred to as the Walt Disney of his generation and it’s easy to see why. The patriarch of Studio Ghibli has produced, directed, and written several animated films that both critics and fans alike have taken to calling masterpieces. Spirited Away is no exception. It is without a doubt the finest piece of cinema to spring forth from Mr. Miyazaki’s amazing imagination. It transcends its own genre as few animated films do and takes the viewer on an adventure they won’t soon forget.

The film centers around the character of Chihiro Ogino, an ordinary girl who falls into a fantastical world of magic and desperately searches for a way home. While this may seem reminiscent of Alice in Wonder Land or the Wizard of Oz, Spirited Away distinguishes itself through its imaginative cast of characters. Unlike other well known protagonists who are prone to being enchanted by the worlds they enter, Chihiro acts as though a normal person would. Upon entering the world, her fear is apparent as the fate of her parents is grim and her ability to return home doubtful. She is a reluctant hero; an innocent child that must find the courage to overcome her despair and find a way back, forcing her to grow beyond her childhood identity.

Aiding her is Haku, a young boy whose true appearance is that of a dragon. He appears to be everything she isn’t. He is brave and cunning having decided on a path that he believes will eventually lead to his freedom. His strength becomes her strength and by the end it is Chihiro that is coming to his rescue.

Holding both their fates in her hands is Yubaba, a witch whose personality is comparable to many real world bosses. She manages a bath house with several otherworldly spirits under her employ of which she appears to care nothing for. Both Chihiro and Haku have been forced into her service in exchange for what they treasure. Yubaba’s motivation is money, as she is often shown putting on a fake smile in the hopes of delivering customer satisfaction that will guarantee her a huge payday, even if it’s at the expense of her employees.

These are the inventive characters that people have come to expect of Miyazaki, each with a unique look and personality to call its own. The distinctive style that Miyazaki is known for only adds to the supernatural feel of the film and lends itself especially well to animation.

Speaking of the animation, Studio Ghibli has outdone itself. It truly is a sight to behold as the characters move in a fluid manner that is exceptional for hand drawn animation. Everyone displays an unnatural level of realism that further demonstrates why Miyazaki is unequaled in this day and age. The lush and vibrant colors combine with masterfully drawn backgrounds to make each frame a work of art.

The pacing is perfect, allowing the audience just enough time to take in the world projected to them without rushing from scene to scene. This is helped in part by the music which is charming and breathes a sense of wonder into the film. Miyazaki simply takes the perfect amount of time needed for each scene to make its impact.

Despite the fact that this is an animated film intended for children, it’s easily enjoyable by people of all ages. Never once does it insult the audience, rather it rewards them with an amazing story, breathtaking animation, and sympathetic characters that all come together to form a brilliant piece of fantasy. Its mix of wide eyed innocence and compelling story elements make it a modern cinematic masterpiece that lingers in the viewer’s conscious long after the final credits roll, leaving them breathless and craving more.

Spirited Away – A+