My favourite animation of all time, second favourite overall film of all time.

Rating: 10/10 (20 May 2012)

I first saw this film in cinemas when it came out in Australia. I had no idea what I was in store for. It shocked me and to be completely honest, I didn't like it. It was almost scarily different from anything I'd seen before. Just an odd sight. I assume everyone has the same experience their first time 'round.
However, on repeated viewings, this warms to you like a woollen rug. The beautiful beyond words animation (as usual from Studio Ghibli) is just mindblowing. Especially when this is your first Ghibli film. To see this film and experience its wonderous portrayal is something I wish I could experience for the first time again and again.
The character development is fairly normal for a Ghibli film, one of overcoming ones flaws and also defeating the inner-demons in order to become a better person. Chihiro accomplishes this well and while at the start you may judge her as a useless, frightened little girl, by the end of the film you're proud as punch that she has come as far as she has.
The plot is brilliant. Chihiro and her parents accidentally stumble upon a seemingly abandoned theme park when suddenly they see that one stand has piles of delicious food available. Chihiro's parents feast immediately, but she is far from comfortable with this. She wanders off to find a mysterious young boy who urges her to leave immediately. It is too late, however, as when she returns to her parents, they have turned into pigs! The story is about her journey to turn them back into humans. The rest I will leave for you to discover.
The music is composed by Studio Ghibli trademark, Joe Hisaishi. What can I say? This man has done what no other composer has ever done. He has moved me in such ways that would seem impossible. Other film composers like Clint Mansell, while brilliant, just don't compete. Joe Hisaishi completes every Ghibli film he works on and this is no different, in- fact it might just be his best score yet.
There are subtleties a-plenty throughout the film as far as themes, metaphors and imagery. Hayao Miyazaki, director of the film and founder of Studio Ghibli has always done this without campy, cliché or trite means or delivery. He has many things to say and he says them well and without shoving it down your throat.
After all of this, it really comes back to the amazing animation and art department. I would say that it's nothing new and that Ghibli always delivers this well, however it is something new. This was their first digitally composed piece and therefore seems a little different from their previous productions. It feels cleaner and more deliberate, while still holding that innocent charm and beauty that captivates you with every film they produce.
This film is flawless in my opinion. A must-see for anyone who is even remotely interested in an adventure story filled with courage, wonder and intrigue. And beautifully crafted imagery.