Arguably the best animated movie ever

Rating: 9/10 (25 March 2020)

Writing a review for this film immediately made me think of how many superlatives I know because Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away" is as close to a masterpiece you can come. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film combines elements from Japanese folklore and tradition in the story of a young girl named Chihiro who needs to fulfill various quests to leave the spirit world she entered. With her parents turned into pigs, she starts working at a bathhouse owned by the witch Yubaba, and from here, the fantasy cavalcade is started. We get acquainted with all sorts of imaginative creatures in this vivid, colorful, dreamy piece of film magic. "Spirited Away" covers several themes during its 2-hour run; as Chihiro mature during her adventures, the film is much more than a coming-of-age story. It deals with greed through characters such as Yubaba and No-Face, with the latter being a symbol of how others can affect a person. A great deal of environmentalism comment is present throughout the film as well, delicately represented through the Stink Spirit as well as Haku, a former river spirit who has no recollection of his true self. In "Spirited Away", identity plays a large part for the plot, perhaps most effectively manifested by Chihiro being given the name Sen, and secretly keeps a ticket with her real name on it so she won't forget who she truly is. Other subjects are also dealt with and "Spirited Away" could be discussed for hours. Miyazaki has created a smart, entertaining, touching, film through "Spirited Away". While the message of the film, I believe, is to always remember who you are, I don't think anyone can watch this beautiful film without being baffled by its sheer brilliance. That is why "Spirited Away" is, arguably, the best animated film in movie history.