'Spirited Away' - A Movie Review

I don’t think we should take a short cut through the spirit world! We’ll only be trapped!

Spirited Away hit theaters in 2001. Chihiro and her parents trespass in the spirit world. Turning her parents into pigs for their wrongdoings, now, Chihiro must find the courage to rescue her parents as she ventures this obscure world.

Out of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, Spirited Away is my favorite! Spirited Away won the award for Best Animated Feature. The film is a beautifully animated and well-written story. If you have not yet seen this masterpiece, I recommend that you view it to witness an important story about coming-of-age.

Ten-year-old Chihiro overcomes fear turning into a resilient child in an engaging story. No child would ever want to be in her place as she unfairly has her parents taken from her, frightfully running throughout the streets scared by all the strange-looking spirits. She dons an important message about bravery. It’s okay to be scared but we need to have the courage and be confident.

I love the detail on Chihiro, especially the way she runs with her arms waving about in a child-like manner. She is the biggest clutz you’ll ever meet, trampling downstairs and face-planting no matter where she is! Even vocally, Chihiro evolves through a powerful and eye-opening contrast from the beginning of the film. Nobody ever knows what they’re capable of until experiencing it.

Originally aired in Japan, Spirited Away has been dubbed in English. Deveigh Chase (who was the voice of the protagonist in Lilo and Stitch) does a superb job as Chihiro! Though at times her voice was a little too high-pitched, it did not stop her from a magnificent performance.

Other voice talents include Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette in her final film credit, David Ogden Stiers, Susan Egan, John Ratzenberger, and many other incredible individuals to bring to life a powerful story.

Lin has become one of my favorite characters in the film. At first, turned off by Chihiro and refusing to offer help, she soon grows to love her, looking after Chihiro at every second. She definitely wins the award for the best sarcastic comebacks!

One of my favorite character designs is Yubaba. Animators made her look as menacing in her witch-like appearance with moles growing from her pointy nose and daunting big eyes. While she is holding Chihiro back from reaching her dreams, Yubaba is still a fun character to watch having more of a heart than one thinks.

Spirited Away is a great example of friendship. Haku and Chihiro share a close bond. Trust your friends. They will make even the scariest situations feel all the better. There are so many tender moments in this film that really touched my heart.

Miyazaki pays attention to detail at every moment never missing a beat. The spirits have unique designs whether they resemble an animal or some other creature. The backgrounds are breathtaking! Every single shot of this film is a beautiful work of art. The moment where the River Spirit covered in sludge slowly moves throughout the bathhouse is a signature scene of animation.

At some moments, Spirited Away is very dark. There are some startling scenes and alarming character designs that may be frightening to young children. I love how no matter what age anyone can connect with young Chihiro. Her journey is a powerful lesson about bravery, confidence, and having to accept being in charge to solve problems.

Spirited Away is an important story that has resonated with many audiences. It is the highest-grossing Japanese film and is considered to be one of the best animated films ever made! If you have not seen this film, I highly recommend this endearing tale.