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A Brand New SPIRITED AWAY Review... Yeah, Seriously!!
Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
When I was in Cancun, our hosts threw a party for the press to watch the Oscars. Nice Mexican buffet. Nice environment. The group watching was all rooting for different things, though. I knew I was in the wrong group when the Best Animated Film category came up, and I started cheering for Miyazaki-san, the world’s greatest living director of animation. The other reporters around me all hissed his name, saying they hated the film. One said he walked out of it. Another said it was one of the worst films last year.
Thankfully, he won, and now Disney’s doing the right thing for a few weeks, releasing SPIRITED AWAY again to give people a chance to see it in theaters before it hits on DVD later in the month.
Our guest reviewer today saw the film finally, and they were so moved that they had to write about it. I’m in the mood for talk about Miyazaki, so here’s a review to remind you that if this just (finally) opened in your area, it’s a very special opportunity, and I hope you get the chance to enjoy it for yourself.
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
The official English title is Spirited Away. The title literally means The Spiriting Away of Sen and Chihiro.
Synopsis:
Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi is a fantasy adventure with a ten year-old girl, which starts in everyday Japan but goes somewhere very different. For young Chihiro and her family, a mysterious tunnel and haunted town lead to the Land of Spirits, inhabited by gods and monsters and ruled by the greedy witch Yu-baba. Chihiro's parents are transformed into pigs; to rescue them, she must surrender her name and serve in this world. Luckily she finds friends and allies, including the handsome but mysterious boy Haku. Initially sulky and listless, Chihiro (or Sen, as she's now called) finds inner strengths and establishes an identity in this strange world. But can she win back her name and return home?
Courtesy of: http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/sen/faq.html
I just returned from seeing the animated film Spirited Away with my father. After the film, the first thing he said to me was, "This would be a good film to own on DVD." Although you most likely don't know my father, his simple statement carries a lot of weight. He owns no films on DVD. This movie is that good. Our ensuing conversation covered a lot of ground. We discussed films in general, animation, the decline of Disney (as we see it), film distribution, shady business practices (A big, "Hello," to select film studios including Disney and Miramix), and much more.
Spirited Away is a fairy tale about a little girl thrown into an unusual situation and her adventures as she attempts to deal with it. And what wonderful adventures she has!
Chihiro's family is moving. Moving can be a traumatic event for anyone. She's not happy about it. Why should she be? All of her friends are left behind along with all the places she's familar with... the house she grew up in. Her parents try to assay her woes by being upbeat, but you can tell they're not necessarily happy, either. Needless to say, Chihiro's down in the dumps.
On the way to their new home, Chihiro's father takes a wrong turn. Is this a simple twist of fate or destiny? They decide to explore an abandoned road. It seems to lead in the general direction of their destination and will come out somewhere close eventually, right? Why not explore and see where the road leads... There's really no rush, as the movers have keys to the house. Famous last words.
The overgrown road winds through a lush forest. The car seems to almost steer itself, faster and faster. Chihiro and her mother urge Dad to slow down. Then suddenly the forest clears and... stop! They just miss a large post in the road, which has come to an end. Where are they? They get out of the car. Hmmm... What is this? An abandoned temple? A forgotten amusement park? Look, a tunnel!
Chihiro's father wants to explore the dark tunnel. It'll only take a minute. There'll be plenty of time to get to the house. Mom accompanies Dad, but Chihiro doesn't want to. She'd rather go with them rather than be alone, so hurries after. A light appears, first dimly, then growing in strength. The end of the tunnel. But where does it lead?
To say more would be a crime. Needless to say, the end of the tunnel leads to a wondrous and magical adventure of a lifetime. This is a film that feels as though it always existed. Was there a time that I had not known this story?
Timeless. Funny. Thought provoking. Strikenly original. Scary. Awe inspiring. Informative. These are just a few of the ways I would descibe this film.
I'm thankful that this film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature... Had it not been for this award (one of many that this film has rightfully garnered), I would not have had the opportunity to see this film in a theatre. What an experience! It's no shock to me that this film is including on an enourmous number of "best of" lists. I wouldn't be surprised to find this film popping on "100 greatest" lists, either. Really.
I like to know who else is watching a film with me, so I usually look around before a film to see what type of crowd was in attendance. I saw Spirited Away durning an afternoon showing during the work week, so the audience was rather small (approximately 15 people - all things considered, I was actually impressed that there were this many). The mix was interesting, though. The ages ranged from approximately 4 through 70, with an even mix of genders.
During a film, I enjoy looking around to gauge the audience's reaction. Prior to the film, I was a bit nervous, because a lot of people were really talkative (I don't like asking people to be quiet). My fears were shortly put to rest, as this was one of the quietest films I've been to. The audience, that is. As I looked around, everyone seemed to be held in rapt wonder. It was a really good experience. After the show, I asked several audience members how they liked the film. There were no goods or bads. All of them seemed to share my feelings, in that they just experienced something very special. How fantastic!
Later, we talked about issues the film addressed, the believable story that pulled no punches, the beautiful images, the wonderful musical score (by long-time personal favourite Joe Hisaishi), and wondered what happened to the characters from the story. We cared. We bought the fantastic world presented to us by Hayao Miyazaki hook, line and sinker. We wanted more, but were immensely satisfied with our brief glimpse.
My father considers this film a classic, although it's only several years old. Does the amount of time that passes from a movie's release matter? I'm not sure. I agree with him, though. Spirited Away is a timeless classic suitable for any age. [Please note that several parts of the film are intense. I don't think this is bad, as life can sometimes be frightening. Children know this. Most good fairy tales are a bit scary... The frightening bits may even be essential to their goodness.] I feel confident that time will prove this statement to be correct.
Spirited Away is slated to be released on DVD (NTSC, Region 1) via Buena Vista Home Entertainment on April 15, 2003.
Specs:
124 minutes. 2 Discs. 2.00:1 Anamorphic widescreen. English (DD 5.1), Japanese (DD 5.1), French, and Spanish audio tracks. English subtitles. Also includes storyboards, The Art of Spirited Away featurette, The Making of "Spirited Away" featurette, voice talent featurette, trailers and an introduction by John Lasseter.
I'm preordering a copy today and can't wait to share this film with my daughter. She usually has trouble sitting through an entire film, but later enjoys returning to it. After watching this film, I'm sure she will frequently request it, along with her current favourites: Goblin King (Labyrinth), Monster Movie (Monsters, Inc.), Scary Movie (The Nightmare Before Christmas), and Beauty Beast (Beauty and the Beast). I wonder what she'll call it... Pigs? Monsters (What can I say, she loves them)? The little girl movie? When she gets older, I think the word may be "classic".
Lo Fi Cat Thanks, man. Can’t wait to see this one again.
"Moriarty" out.
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Happy to see this film getting some more exposure as it truly deserves it. Best of 2002!
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Better than Fellowship, better than Tenenbaums, Better than Wonder Boys. Awooogaaaahh. I got just about everyone I could to see it with me, which was pretty rewarding. I can't wait to see it again. This film really deserves a little more exposure than it initially got, but maybe his next film will get a larger release.
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WOW Right you are! We have owned the Japanese DVD for some time (with English and Chinese subtitles). It is artistry in motion. One thing I love about Miyazake,is that he ALWAYS has some type of environmental theme...one that is close to my heart. My favorite film to watch, just for the fun of it, is MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO. Funny, moving, and truly beautiful..if you haven't seen it, RUN AND GET IT! I too, and very happy to see him receive the award he so righly deserves! May he take pen to cel for many productions to come!
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I know that everything has detractors, we all have different tastes, and that Miyazaki's films in particular have been smacked around by a few for various excuses--I mean, reasons, often pertaining to a dislike of anime(which is odd since Miyazaki's films aren't the violent graphic type that usually give anime the bad rep). But "worst film"? The only complaint I've ever heard that made any sense to me about Spirited Away was that it was too long--and I don't happen to agree with that, I just can see why it would bother some. But I can't justify anyone calling it the worst film of the year. Even as hyperbole, why the hell would someone have that much venom for this movie?
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Sorry, just kiddin'! But I couldn't miss this joke. "Spirited Away" made me cry, and I'll never forgive it for doing so... never forget it, either. Lovely, lovely anime.
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Lo Fi Cat's review was spot on! I ordered the DVD from France (with English voiceover) about two months ago, after being told by a friend that the film was brilliant. I'm not into anime/Manga (is this film either?), and I'd never heard of the director before I saw the film, but I was blown away. So much so that I immediately sought out and bought Princess Mononoke on DVD (which I absolutely loved.) I'm a convert! If you haven't seen it, believe me it's absolutely fantastic. Go see!
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If you want to see an incredible classic by Miyazaki, go buy a copy of "Grave of the Fireflies"
You will never see a sadder movie, animated or not. The animation is EXCELLENT, the characters believable, and the last 15 minutes or so of the movie is probably the saddest moment ever captures on film.
His other work like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Monoke, and Castle in the Sky, are just as amazing. If you like Miyazaki's work, then go buy yourself a copy of the Studio Ghibli collection DVDs (6 DVDs, 11 movies, not including Spirited Away) on eBay for about $30 -
I love all Miyazaki movies.
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Grave Of The Fireflies is from Studio Ghibli but was not made by Miyazaki. It's also a great great movie, but I like Miyazaki's work a little better. -- Also... DON'T buy that DVD Box set from eBay. It's an illegal bootleg. If you buy it you will not only support the illegal distribution of these films, you will also get DVD's with crappy quality.
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There is a DVD of My Neighbor Totoro from Fox Video. IT SUCKS! It's pan&scan and *only* has the dub track. The rights go to Disney next year, so Totoro should have a good version this time next year, along with Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind (whoohoo!). www.nausicaa.net for more info on all things Miyazake.
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Took my gal to see it, and we both agreed that SPIRITED AWAY more than deserved that Oscar. It was a wonderful film, and now I can't wait until my preordered copy arrives on April 15 (10 days before my birthday...whoo-hoo!). Now, if only I could see COWBOY BEBOP: THE MOVIE on the big screen I would be ecstatic, but I'm not going to drive 4 hours to Chicago or Minnesota just to catch a flick. I'll just have to settle for the DVD.
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In terms of the skill, effort, and creativity put into them, Ghibli works are some of the finest animated films in the world, no question. The only others that come close are few from Disney and Project IG. However, all ghibli films have a tendency to... wander. Basically it works like this: 1) Set up premise 2) Stuff happens 3) End the film. It's the "Stuff Happens" part that bugs people. Most of the time it appears to have no direct relation to the overall plot - if indeed there is one, although in the end it might come together. There's little in the way of building to a climax, and what climaxes there are in ghibli films are often barely above the level of the rest of the film. Top that off with the slow pacing, and it can be hard to tell whether the film is going anywhere or not. This has become increasingly so with every film. IMHO, the earlier Laputa and Porco Rosso are much more accessible films of Miyazaki's than Spirited away, and Grave of the Fireflies is in a class of its own.
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In terms of the skill, effort, and creativity put into them, Ghibli works are some of the finest animated films in the world, no question. The only others that come close are few from Disney and Project IG. However, all ghibli films have a tendency to... wander. Basically it works like this: 1) Set up premise 2) Stuff happens 3) End the film. It's the "Stuff Happens" part that bugs people. Most of the time it appears to have no direct relation to the overall plot - if indeed there is one, although in the end it might come together. There's little in the way of building to a climax, and what climaxes there are in ghibli films are often barely above the level of the rest of the film. Top that off with the slow pacing, and it can be hard to tell whether the film is going anywhere or not. This has become increasingly so with every film. IMHO, the earlier Laputa and Porco Rosso are much more accessible films of Miyazaki's than Spirited away, and Grave of the Fireflies is in a class of its own.
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http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/sen/theaters.php - Mostly complete, we're looking for maintainers for local areas, please contact Team Ghiblink (visit the page) if you can spare a few hours a week.
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This piece of dung being pushed as the future of animation stole 2 hours of my life and I wanna sue the mouse to get it back! I bought into the reviews, and was looking forward to seeing my perceptions of what animation could be change. Well, they changed allright, but not for the best. The animation itself is gorgeous, I have to admit. But the story, or lack of I should say, was infuriating. Maybe if I was tripping on LSD, this would have made sense, but this movie never made me want to care what happened. Say what you want about the current state of American animation, but at least there usually is a story, and most of the time, an attempt with a little bit of a soul. I thought I must have stumbled into a print copy that was missing a couple of the reels, and judging by the other viewers looks around me, I wasn't the only one who thought this was a plodding, muddled piece of dingleberry. And, judging by all the comments I overheard as I left the theatre, I was right. If I can prevent at least one other soul from enduring this torture, my life will be complete. And by the way, I consider the bar for worst film of ALL time to be Batman n' Robin, but at least I could laugh at the batnipples and A'nuld's "feel the icy chill of doooooommmm!!" I mean there is nothing but numbness awaiting a viewer of this....NUMBNESS!!! I would have to compare the experience to being in a coma, begging for the end to come. I would sooner endure the Wild Thornberrys then sit through this again.
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No, seriously, that's what it felt like.
I bought the region-free DVD a little over six months ago, just before the american release hit theaters in my area. I think that night is going to be one I'll remember for a long time, simply because it seemed like such a personal experience, sitting in the living room with the lights dimmed, watching this beautiful movie unfold before my eyes. Even now I don't really have the right words for it, other than it seemed like the movie reached back far into someplace in my childhood, into the dreams and nightmares I had, and brought them all back. I suppose that's what this movie means to me, it's one of those "remember when you were a child" kind of movies, yet its also so filled with beauty and lyricism that it resonates even deeper with me now. I don't pretend to understand every aspect of the movie, but it doesn't matter.
I saw it in the theater this last weekend to try, in my own feeble way, to help it at the box office, because I truly believe this is a movie most people would fall in love with, if only given the opportunity. The theater was about half full, and it looks like its going to play in only half the theaters THIS weekend. Depression. The one cool thing, though, was when I went to the theater, there was a Japanese family sitting right behind me, and it was so wonderful to hear them exclaiming with joy at something onscreen that I hadn't noticed, and laughing at something I had no clue about. The dragons always made them squeal a little with delight, though!
Anyway, Spirited Away was my favorite movie of the year by far, followed by the Two Towers and Shaolin Soccer (got that one on DVD, too). Words can't really express how deeply this movie moved me, nor can they really express my complete HATRED for how Disney has treated it. The english dub is decent, though I always prefer the subtitles, especially with such a movie that is so steeped in Japanese culture and mythology, to not hear the language somehow destroys part of the movie for me. My hatred isn't for the dub, though, its for Disney never having the confidence to give this movie the advertising and wide release it deserves. I'm glad its on more screens now, but they aren't doing much to promote it, apart from having a "Mr. Voice" commercial, which I think really turns people off. The original trailer should have run in front of big movies like Treasure Planet's (piece of poop) did.
All I can hope for is that it wil find new life on the DVD that is about to be released. I can't wait to see Miyazaki cooking for his animators! -
I thought this shit dragged on too long, and its definitely not up to other myazaki standards. The story just wasnt wholly captivating. "Little girl gets lost" premise has been beaten to death, and the whole thing with the BIG BABY and ritzy grandmother was way to tedious. (not to mention annoying.) It just didnt hold imagination like totoro or delivery service. The animation was top drawer tho, some of the best in a long time. I was more than happy to see anime beat out disney crao tho, America's got nuthin on Japan. not a thing.
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We have no frigging patience whatsoever. For the record, I loved it, and had no problem whatsoever with the pacing. Get some Ritalin, people.
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... Are perhaps the saddest creatures walking on earth!!! I'm kidding but, although I can understand people hating anime or oriental movies in general for being over-the-top, weird or slow-paced, most of Miyazaki-san and his Ghibli studio's works are some of the most entertaining pieces of film made in the last century! Even himself is surprised with the international acclaim of Spirited Away, since he considers it his most "japanese" work ever.
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Apr 01, 2003 3:38:16 PM CST
Why is it that everytime Miyazaki's name is mentioned, someone h
by shabbadoo
Why would anyone even think it's a Miyazaki project? I adore the movie, but there isn't an ounce of Miyazaki in that entire film from beginning to end. For the last time, people: it is NOT a Miyazaki film.
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Does anyone else agree KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE is a beautiful film?
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Apr 01, 2003 6:41:29 PM CST
Spirited Away, whether overrated or boring, is one of the best a
by fd resurrected
Period. I will see this film again sometime this week, if I can afford driving 40 miles to see it in a theatre. Spirited Away continue to move my soul. So if you didn't like Spirited Away and loved Lord of the Rings, then fantasy isn't for everyone not to mention those with short attention span (stick to hyperactive post-modern Disney and Michael Bay movies). Wachowski brothers' The Matrix Trilogy would never pave out if it were not for Mamoru Oshii and Production I.G.'s film adaption of Masamune Shirow's Ghost in the Shell.
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...did you watch the English dub? or the original Japanese voices w/ English sub?
It makes a HUGE difference for Miyazaki's movies... I couldn't stand Princess Mononoke until I saw it in Japanese. -
Apr 01, 2003 7:32:58 PM CST
A Brand New SPIRITED AWAY Review... Yeah, Seriously!!
by aspiringaspirer
The movies that are listed at the bottom of the review as your daughter's favorite are pretty much exactly the same ones my 2 and 3 year-old daughters are asking forr and watching over and over and over on DVD (plus Lilo & Stitch). They both hung in there very well through Spirited Away, which was very long for their attention spans (not a negative), and they did not get it as much as my 8 year-old son who was totally dialed-in and had to be forced to leave the theater. Little kids and animals don't know how to lie... We should be listening to them more about the quality of family films, and to the little kid in each of us, and less to overpaid, unmarried, executive ladder climbers / personal wealth accumulators. People who have kids know that it isn't hard to keep them entertained and laughing. My 8 year-old son nearly vomitted in laughter this morning to "All Things Dull and Ugly" from the "Monty Python Sings" CD as an April Fool's Day send-off to school.
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Actually, up til I saw Spirited Away, Kiki was my favorite Ghibli film. I like Mononoke a lot, but somehow Kiki connects on a deeper personal level with me, as did Spirited Away. I laugh every time I think about Totoro, though. Its funny how amusing a movie can be, and then realize that really, NOTHING happened in it! Well, nothing bad at least. Don't get me wrong, I love Totoro, too.
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Now I'd like a brand new Wizard Of Oz review.
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I'm sorry but I was bored by Mononoke. I've seen most of Miyazaki's movies and that one just left me lost.
some characters are introduced (well,they all show up. there is no real introduction to most.), they run around doing things that only vaguely mean anything,then some thing I couldn't fallow happened and than, without even any kind of resolution, it's over.
so please tell me if Spirited is better than Mononoke, my wife, who has no interest in Japanese animation, wants to see it but Mononoke has made me leery.
also, to sub Vs. dub snobs, I prefer subs, but my kids aren't old enough to enjoy a movie they have to read and keep up with. so dub works for them for now.
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"Spirited Away" works on so many levels and tantalizes the imagination with wonder, awe, and whimsy...peppered with drama and humor. The understated details and vivid animation bring this story world of Chihiro to life, handcrafted to near perfection. Surprisingly, I prefer the English dub to the English sub - a rare treat for the ears. And the musical score is sublimely brilliant. Now I'm proud to add "Spirited Away" to my fave Miyazaki collection of "My Friend Totoro," "Laputa," and "Nausicaa."
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Seriously, that was a great review. And your child has a great taste in kid's movies.
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