Anime Not Just for Kids

Rating: Null/10 (3 June 2007)

Spirited Away by Miyazaki is about a young girl moving to a new house with her parents, and on the way, they are transported into a spirit world. She is separated from her parents and she must learn lessons and go through trials to get them back. The hand painted anime is beautifully well done. The characters' hair and clothes are shown moving and flowing rather than the stiff cartoon like animation in other films. The color and light was successful in each scene, specifically dark when showing the unwelcome Shinto spirits. The setting of the pure Japanese bathhouse was an effective place to show Chihiro's adventure in learning the great past traditions. The plot is straightforward and clear from the beginning. The excitement is in the journey in the character development of Chihiro as she meets a variety of strange and wonderful creatures.
This movie is all about examining where tradition fits into and helps modern Japan and how materialistic consumption is sickening society. It is rich with cutting social commentary on the state of affairs in Japan. Traditional elements of Taoism, Shintoism and Buddhism are seen throughout. The importance of connectedness to society is shown when Chihiro's friend gives her a purple hair tie. She is still wearing this hair tie when she comes out of the spirit world showing this tradition of connectedness should be carried into our modern lives. Also, the good twin sister witch teaches the "No-face" spirit (representing the illness of society) and Chihiro to knit and weave. This signifies the importance of learning and giving as they bring the threads of fabric together in connectedness. In the end, Chihiro's parents are not changed, but Chihiro is, showing that some learn the lesson and walk in it, and some do not. While children will enjoy this film very much for the excitement and adventure, there are so many hidden messages and ideas, it is also suited for adults to enjoy.
I recommend this film to any adult who is interested is societal issues. Also, anyone who likes a good adventure story with morals and a positive ending may enjoy it. Adults who have a problem with or are not interested in other religions and cultures may not benefit. It will not make as much sense to those adults with no experience in traditional Asian philosophies and religions. However, I think any child will like it.