Why I feel so much better about the world

Rating: 10/10 (29 November 2002)

Let me start off by saying that I hate writing reviews. In fact I don't like sharing my comments with others period. From time to time, I cast my vote for a movie and then read other reviews. This is the kind of movie that I want to tell everyone about.
In fact, movies don't move me period. I saw "The Ring" (coincidentally starring Daveigh Chase also) two days ago and it was pretty scary. Sure, I've slept with the light on for two days now, but this just made my day. Maybe even month. Maybe even year.
Word to the wise: it's very helpful to understand something about Japanese culture before seeing this (since you will see it). The main idea is based on kami, which are spirits of the departed that come back to guide family members. As shown in the beginning of the film, shrines ranging from small to enormous are constructed to serve as remembrance for the kami. The idea of the building in the movie is to serve as a first class hotel/bath house for the kami. With this as the background for adventure, the princpial character Chihiro (Daveigh Chase) undergoes one of the most emotional character changes I believe I have ever witnessed. She learns the true value of hard work, friendship and love. Accounting for the second major motif is the idea of the power of love between her and Haku (Jason Marsden). Their relationship in the film is brilliantly developed; sometimes I actually forgot it was animated.
Another aspect is the incredible animation. When Chihiro is on the train, the landscapes she passes awed me. Never before have I seen so much detail and artistic expression captured by animation or live action alike. The graphics alone are enough to justify seeing this movie, but adding in everything I have just seen, this movie should be seen by all.

As compared to the 2001 animé "Metropolis", a love story with a powerful conclusion also develops. However, the romance between Tima and Kenichi seems false largely in part to the fact that Tima was a robot. "Spirited Away" has characters that you can relate to. Chihiro is a scared girl that finds herself in a more-than-troubling scenario. Even if the movie is extremely Japanese, American audiences with an open mind should have no problem feeling at home. This is what movies are all about. It's a shame that a 10 is as high as I can rate it.