[Taste of Asia] Spirited Away (2001)

Spirited Away, one of Japans most successful films, was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and was released in 2001.  This animation is filled with incredible detail and realism and  despite its fantasy setting, the anime is grounded in the real world. It steers away from pop culture references, providing the audience with a strong female character, undertaking an incredible adventure of self discovery.

Miyazaki is a gifted writer and director, able to drill down to the essence of emotions and sharing them with his audiences. He was able to capture the fantasy and wonderment of magic a young child experienced when exploring. Miyazaki was passionate about ensuring his artists gained a sense of realism from research and this is evident throughout the film.

Artwork is vibrant with stunning depictions of the world discovered by the main character. The animation is true to life including movement nuances which serve to strengthen characterisation.

One of the best things about Spirited Away is the tight script. The delivery is simple enough for young children to follow easily, yet multilayered to be appreciated by an older viewer. Characters are not cliched, with even the most evil retaining some redeeming feature.

The plot surrounds the main character, Chihiro moving with her parents to a new home. She is upset with the decision as they travel, sparking insights into  her life and personal growth as the film progresses. When she and her parents become lost in a disbanded fairground, she must fend for herself; resulting in her transformation as a person.

The audience is at Chihiro’s eye-level, and are allowed to explore the fantasy world unfolding around her.  Miyazaki understands children enough to portray Chihiro as innocent, but not guileless or stupid, whimsical, but not dreamy.

Chihiro encounters a number of mythical beasts and characters, some distinctly animal like, others shapes or beings; all sent to teach her something about herself.

Disneys endless resources have provided excellent dubbing and the music score is stunning.

Spirited Away has drawn some parallels with Alice in Wonderlands Through the Looking Glass though these are fairly tenuous.

Spirited Away has been bestowed a number of awards, including 2003 Academy Award for “Best Animated Film”, shifting Titanic from Japans favourite film. Miyazaki has steeped the film in the iconography and spirituality of Japan, able to share it with his viewers in a medium accessible to an international audience. Well worth watching and enjoying with anyone with a young heart.

International Film Poster Image via Wikipedia