Spirited Away

Name: Spirited Away
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2001
Duration: 2 h 4 min
Cast: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Jason Marsden, Susan Egan, David Ogden Stiers

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Animation
Adventure

2001
Hayao Miyazaki
124 mins
PG

Summary

Oscar-winning animated fantasy adventure from the director of Princess Mononoke. On the way to their new suburban home, Chihiro and her parents stumble across what appears to be an abandoned theme park. But after eating in its deserted restaurant, mum and dad are transformed into pigs and the family is trapped in a spirit-filled fantasy world. Alone and frightened, Chihiro is helped by a mysterious young boy who gets her a job in a strange bathhouse, while she tries to work out how to save her parents and escape.

IMDB

Review

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Calum Baker

Among the greatest of all screen fantasies, Hayao Miyazaki's original coming-of-age fable ushered in a new popularity in the west for Japanese animated films. It follows young Chihiro, who is brought into the realm of the spirits after her mother and father are transformed into pigs. Working in a massive bath house for a wily sorceress, Chihiro faces a series of tasks and challenges that may, eventually, allow her and her parents to return to normal. Inspired variously by Shinto folklore, the threat of American cultural dominance and the desire to create a strong role model for young girls, writer/director Miyazaki weaves an enchanting tale with deep resonance. The story's dreamlike logic is both delightful and disturbing, allowing Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli team the excuse to craft the most remarkable stream of memorable hand-drawn images: bouncing heads, a shattering dragon, and the gluttonous growth of the mysterious demon "No Face" are among the countless gorgeous moments. Aided by fine sound design and an exemplary musical score from regular Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi, the film boasts the detail and visual scale that mark Miyazaki's inimitable style. Simply perfect, from beginning to end.

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8.6/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameChihiroDaveigh ChaseYubaba / ZenibaSuzanne PleshetteHakuJason MarsdenLinSusan EganKamajiDavid Ogden StiersChihiro's motherLauren HollyChihiro's fatherMichael ChiklisAssistant managerJohn RatzenbergerBaby BohTara Charendoff