Spirited Away (2001)

 

An absolute masterpiece. Ranks among the best animated features ever produced. 

Hyperbole, you say? Not bloody likely. There's a lot that is simply magical about this film and when it all comes together so beautifully, there's not a lot else to do but sit there and enjoy it from start to finish. 

So there. 

Oh, you want some more explanation, of course. Allow me to oblige. 

Chihiro and her parents are moving and she is none too happy about that. But on their way to their new house, her dad takes a wrong turn and they end up in front of an ominous tunnel. Because they still have time, they decide to investigate and find what they believe to be an abandoned amusement park. Chihiro doesn't like it one bit, but her parents find some delicious food and start tucking in. But when Chihiro returns to them after she begins to see spectres looming, her parents have been turned into pigs!

Not only that, but her way back is cut off thanks to a massive lake. She is found by a young boy named Haku, who helps her before she fades away. See, she is now in the spirit world and this is the location of a humongous bath house that can accomodate about 8 million gods. She has to apply for a job, as humans are not normally tolerated here. She convinces the head of the operation - a witch called Yubaba - that she can work and off she goes. 

In her time there, she gets to learn more about herself and the wonderous creatures present and she even befriends a strange spirit, who is only known as No Face. But things take an ugly turn when No Face becomes an absolute glutton and only Chihiro can persuade him to change. 

There is a lot more, as she also finds out that Haku is not all he seems to be. Well, actually: no one is. Maybe that is just one of the many messages, to look beyond what is on the surface. The river god whom everyone assumes is a stink god is also a good example. 

In the end, everything Chihiro does is to return her parents back to normal and to find their way into the 'regular world', which is nowhere near as colourful and intriguing. 

There is a lot more going on than this short description can give, but this is one of those films where you don't want to spoil too much in order to preserve the sensations you will experience whilst watching. There is so much to love: the animation is absolutely flawless; the colours and characters are vibrant and several are extremely memorable (No Face is a classic); the voice acting is spot on (do go for the original Japanese though, English dubs can never quite capture the magic); ... 

There's a lot to take in and every time you watch this, you will discover new nuances and details. This is all aided in a wonderful way by the beautiful music. 

The fun about this one is that, like in several other Ghibli films, there isn't a real 'enemy' or anything of the kind. It's more about the journey and the growth of characters. Chihiro has to face problems, yes, but it is not as if she has to battle anyone, as all creatures and people present feel and act as rounded characters instead of one note scribblings. 

But none of these words can truly do this film any justice. It has to be experienced first hand and it can truly open your heart to the wondrous realm that is 'Spirited Away'.