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Spirited
Away
Take a
young girl moving to a new city, going to have to make new
friends, attending a new school. Her parents are only excited
about the change in lifestyle. A wrong turn takes them on
a detour that sends the entire family to a mystical place
in the spirit land, and the adventure begins.
The simplicity
of the overall plot makes for the foundation of an amazing
tale that Studio Ghibli and Director Hayao Miyazaki (Princess
Mononoke) put together yet again. Chihiro is the 10-year-old
main character, stuck in this world after her father refuses
to ask for directions. When they reach the end of a road,
it leads into a tunnel that they decide to go into just for
the heck of it. On the other side of this tunnel is an endless
field of green and an abandoned theme park.
After
reaching the theme park, Chihiro's father and mother smell
good cookin' and decide to make themselves at home. Chihiro
herself wanders off, but as night is about to fall, she goes
looking for her parents. Unfortunately for her, the parents
have turned into gigantic pigs. Now she has to save them and
return home. The only problem in her plan is that she has
no idea where she is or how to get back. Scared, she knows
nobody in this realm. Or does she?
Along
this journey she meets Haku, a young boy who has some pretty
amazing powers. A cast of other allies, demons, and unknowns
will keep you guessing throughout the film. For Chihiro to
survive in this realm, she must give up her name to a witch
so that she can work to survive, taking on the name "Sen".
Over time she may forget her real name and initial purpose.
If that happens she will forever be tied to this place, with
no chance of returning.
Miyazaki
has given the audience a chance to think about the characters
they are watching. Motivations stick to the individuals throughout
this adventure, while the attitudes and comments make for
great characters and funny dialog at times. The film also
makes subtle references to old traditions and beliefs of the
Far East and Japan. (Has Disney changed this for American
audiences?)
Complementing
the themes of the spirit world and the mood setting is gorgeous
art. Breathtaking views and background sets make for even
more enjoyment while you watch this adventure unfold. Miyazaki's
designs for the spirit world and its characters are fun, and
sometimes familiar. Much of it brings to mind Studio Ghibli's
earlier work on great films like Totoro and Princess
Mononoke.
At times,
Spirited Away may be too scary for the very young,
with all its demons, ghosts and what-not, but it still taps
into that kids' imagination quite well. Keeping with the fundamental
beliefs of the young and young at heart, the film believes
that if you concentrate on doing good and what is right, you
will succeed. It's a lesson that Studio Ghibli and Disney
often advocate, and Spirited Away does the job, and
much much more.
After
watching this, you'll know that we ain't in Kansas anymore,
Totoro.
What's
It Worth? $9.50
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