Spirited Away

I had a request to review this film sooner than later, and fortunately it was just released on DVD. Many of you know that I'm a huge Hayao Miyazaki fan. I've seen all his films released in this country -- whether in the theater, on video or on DVD -- plus many that weren't (officially) released here. He is a master of animation, and not just Japanese manga-style animation, but animation period. Many of the animators at Pixar and Disney think of him as the standard-bearer. It's a pity that the American public hasn't had the chance to see more of his creations. I think this may be because the plots of his films are distinctly non-Western, and studio bigwigs think they won't be palatable to the masses. I can't claim that the plots are Eastern, because that would imply that I know enough about Eastern philosophy and culture. However, his ideas of good and evil are decidedly different from mainstream America's ideas. I'm convinced that going to his films with this context in mind will provide a better experience. The plots, though, are nearly secondary to the animation itself. While you watch this film (and if you like this one, be sure to email me for other recommendations) look at the details he includes. You thought the Disney animators were showing off when they drew reflections in the floor while Beauty danced with the Beast? Well, in this film look for the huge Chinese vases in the scene in which Chihiro meets the witch. And the entire first scene in the boiler room. And... It's clear where Pixar got their ideas for detail in A Bug's Life. And remember this: before his latest two films, he and his crew hand- painted all the animation cells. Can you imagine?! Besides coming up with an enchanting, delightful story they visually created that story cell by painstaking cell.

original title: Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
year: 2001
length: 125 min.
rating: 4.0
IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0245429/combined