This article continues a series where A&E Staff member and film reviewer Jacob DiLandro discusses and reviews classic films from as recent as last month to as far back as the 40’s.
If anything is clear given the recent animated films that have littered the big screen, it’s that Hollywood is still content to put quantity above quality. However, the small Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli has been consistently creating incredible animated films since 1985.
While the movies aren’t released every year, when they are, consistent quality on par with a company like Pixar can be expected; at times, Ghibli’s films have even exceed in ingenuity. In the 90’s, Disney even inked a deal where they release official English dubs of mostly all the films in America, making the films more accessible.
Now, to help celebrate the 15th anniversary of what is referred to as the studio’s best film, it’s time to look at “Spirited Away.”
“Spirited Away” is a hand drawn animated film released in 2001 that tells the story of a lazy, spoiled young girl named Chihiro. She and her family have moved to a new town, and she is less than enthused. However, after a misunderstanding involving what they believe to be an abandoned theme park, Chihiro is now forced to stay and work at a giant bath house resort for the spirit world until she can find a way to rescue her parents.
Chihiro is one of the films biggest strengths. Her character is lazy and very much spoiled; however, it is never pushed to the point of being irritating. She's easily relatable all the while witnessing true growth throughout her adventure.
The strong themes of family, along with good and evil, are weaved expertly, but the real theme is identity. The film details how sometimes allowing yourself to forget who you are can hurt those around you and lead you to become trapped in awful routines and regrets.
Given that the film is animated by hand, the landscapes and characters are incredible. In regards to animated films, especially with the advancements of detailed CGI, the word ‘gorgeous’ is used often, but “Spirited Away,” as with many other Ghibli films, truly earns it.
Water ripples with realistic weight, and the bath house is a sight to behold. Sequences late in the film involve a flooded train track, and the entire second half of the film feels like a sequence of paintings brought to life.
This is not just a simple animated film. The weighty themes, along with a sense of danger and menace from some characters may lead to younger children feeling frightened, although it isn’t for cheap reasons. The film treats the audience with such an intelligence, never over-explaining any detail of this fascinating world, that it practically begs you to watch further.
A wonderful world and story- coupled with gorgeous animation from director, Hayao Miyazaki, and music from the legendary Joe Hisaishi, “Spirited Away” is a film that should be seen by all.
Not only does the film deserve its praise, it fills you with a strange sense of happiness, yet emptiness once it ends- making you want to watch it all over again. This film is, without a doubt, the best animated film this reviewer has ever seen. 5/5
This is a screen grab from the animated film, "Spirited Away."
