The Essence of Great Filmmaking

Rating: 10/10 (16 December 2003)

Hayao Miyazaki is the greatest modern-day animator to ever hit the big and home-television sets of any coast. Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi) is perhaps the best example of this yet.
To even the American animators, Miyazaki is considered a god. His works such as, "Princess Mononoke," and "Laputa: The Castle in the Sky," have earned him international recognition. His close association with another great animator/director, Isao Takahata who was responsible for "Grave of the Fireflies," is only another aspect of the tremendous respect and reputation he has built for himself.
Spirited Away captures the essence of great filmmaking by making the story important. And while the animation is impressive, it does not take precedence over the grandeur, simplicity, and complexity of the overall plot.
Characters become well developed, and as we come to know the main character, Chihiro, we become at the same time both concerned and educated at the endeavor she has undertaken; only to come out wiser, and more apathetic to the world.
Studio Ghibli, and Mr. Miyazaki San have done it again; this animation master never ceases to amaze . . .