One of the Finest Fantasy Adventures Ever Made!

Rating: 10/10 (28 July 2009)

This film might possibly be Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece. While it may not be as epic in scope as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away seems to be the most personal film in which Miyazaki has made thus far. That is why I think Spirited Away might just be his greatest work.
Spirited Away is the story of a young girl named Chihiro. Chihiro and her family are moving to a new town when they get lost and venture into what they think is an abandoned theme park, which later turns out to be a literal ghost town. As night falls Chihiro's parents are transformed into pigs, spirits appear, and Chihiro is whisked away to a big bathhouse for the spirits. Here she goes to work for the sorceress who runs the place in hopes of freeing her parents and returning them to normal.
Spirited Away is a very touching film. Deep, thought provoking, but also highly emotional. It has all of Miyazaki's trademark touches. The film has humor, heart, and not to mention some breathtaking fantasy. The reason why this is possibly his best work is simply because it achieves a poignancy that none of his other films have done for me.
Spirited Away is a film about growing up, discovering the courage within yourself, and becoming someone who can truly make a difference in this world. It is a highly optimistic film that in the end has a very happy, albeit bittersweet ending. We feel for Chihiro. We laugh when she laughs, we cry when she cries, and we are happy when she shows happiness. It is thanks to this connection with the main character that makes this film a genuine knockout and makes it linger in your memory forever.
Here Miyazaki tackles themes that many live action filmmakers would never dare touch. But Miyazaki never beats the viewer over the head with a baseball bat, he subtly introduces these themes and weaves them into the story. This I think is Miyazaki's special touch, as this is something that he has done in nearly all of his films, but this one in particular just feels more personal. Perhaps Miyazaki finally realized all these themes to his heart's content with this film? We'll never know for we aren't Miyazaki himself, but the themes of this film speak for themselves.
Though Spirited Away is not just a deep, thought provoking art film, it happens to be a highly entertaining fantasy adventure. The scene with the Stink Spirit, or when Chihiro is chased by No Face are authentic set pieces that are exquisitely realized and are a thrill to watch. As well the film looks gorgeous. This is the most beautiful animated film I have ever seen. It's colors are vibrant, the animation fluid, and the world jam-packed with detail. Huge props go to all the artists involved in making this movie.
Overall Spirited Away is a very touching film, one that will stay with you long after it's over. It's a film that some may never come to appreciate, but for those who do they'll be implanted within their own imaginations and whisked away by this film.
I give Spirited Away a perfect 10 out of 10!