Sprawling, Enticing and Magnificent; Studio Ghibli On Proud Display

Rating: 9/10 (11 September 2014)

A young girl is drawn into a transparent world populated by gods, spirits, monsters and fantasies, where she struggles to understand the ground rules amidst the bustle of a busy bath house. This setting - unmistakably Japanese - provides endless amounts of nourishment as a massive showpiece of imagination, attention to detail, fancy, delight and cultural lore. There's more going on in the backdrops of Spirited Away's throwaway scenes than many of its contemporaries can manage to plaster up-front and center. It's a bit less focused than Princess Mononoke, which preceded it in the Miyazaki timeline, but that's because it's such a decidedly different, strange creature altogether. Here we're taking the time to embrace and celebrate the inherent weirdness of Studio Ghibli's world, where I could happily sniff daisies and people-watch for the rest of my days. The primary storyline is steadfastly unpredictable, twisting and writhing like a wild beast caught on a leash, but is able to, with time, pluck most every last plot thread and leave us all with a deep sense of satisfaction. Ambitious, fiery, awe-inspiring and diverse, it's worth repeated viewings amidst audiences of all ages.