Retro Film Review: Spirited Away (2001)

9 months ago

(source: tmdb.org)

The author of this review doesn't watch as much anime films as he would like to. When this occurs, I make a concerted effort to view the finest films available. In the case of Spirited Away, the 2001 film by Hayao Miyazaki, my options were limited for a simple reason - it was the sole anime film regularly distributed in my country. The justification for its acclaim lies in the array of awards it garnered and the reputation it has cultivated over recent years, extending beyond circles well-versed in anime films.

The narrative unfolds as 10-year-old Chihiro (voiced by Rumi Hiragi) accompanies her parents to their new abode. Along the journey, they take a wrong turn and find themselves in what appears to be an abandoned theme park. Chihiro soon discovers that this park exists in a parallel universe, frequented by various gods and spirits who view humans with disdain. Her parents undergo a transformation into pigs, compelling Chihiro to utilise her skills, determination, and assistance from benevolent locals to dispel the enchantment, restore her parents to human form, and return to the normal world.

A standout aspect of Spirited Away is its screenplay, which strikes a balance - simple enough for children to grasp yet intricate and multi-layered for adult appreciation. The film amalgamates elements reminiscent of children's classics like Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, while offering a lens through which Miyazaki's commentary on contemporary issues such as labour dynamics and environmental conservation in modern Japan can be discerned. What distinguishes Spirited Away from many American animated productions is the absence of clearly delineated villains; nearly every character exhibits redeeming qualities, defying simplistic black-and-white portrayals. This complexity contributes to Spirited Away emerging as one of Japan's most successful box-office hits.

Given Miyazaki's esteemed status in the anime realm, it comes as no surprise that Spirited Away is visually striking. The film showcases meticulous attention to detail not only in its captivating and innovative visuals but also in their sheer abundance. Clocking in at over two hours, Spirited Away stands as one of the lengthiest animated features in recent memory, offering a gratifying alternative for those who find conventional Western animations too brief or simplistic.

However, the author of this review found the experience of Spirited Away to be somewhat less awe-inspiring than anticipated. Despite grappling to pinpoint imperfections within the film, a deficiency was eventually identified in Joe Hisaishi's musical score, which fell short of the lofty standards set by the rest of the production.

Nonetheless, this minor flaw pales in comparison, and Spirited Away warrants commendation as a highly accomplished piece of filmmaking.

RATING: 8/10 (+++)

(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)