Spirited Away

The Japanese animation studio called Studio Ghibli is one of the best known animation studios, and high quality is always guaranteed for all of the films they produce. Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away (2001) is probably the most famous title of their filmography, and probably the most critically acclaimed as well. Spirited Away is the story of a young, insecure Japanese girl who enters a fantasy world after her parents are turned into pigs due to their greed. 

Spirited Away has a vast amount of things going on under the surface. It is full of brilliant metaphors ranging from environmental themes (Miyazaki examines the current condition of Japanese rivers) and search of identity (in a literal way on a grand scale) to simple things (like a giant baby). Despite being "awfully rich" in its content, Spirited Away delivers a fascinating and gripping adventure that rivals most other adventurous cinematic stories.

Hayao Miyazaki was actually going to stop making films after Princess Mononoke (1997), but after he was his friend's sullen 10-year-old daughter, he was inspired to make Spirited Away. He wants to deliver a message for the insecure and shy Japanese youngsters in Spirited Away through the main character. Because of that Miyazaki said the film is "for the people who used to be 10 years old, and the people who are going to be 10 years old."

Miyazaki's talent as a great storyteller shouldn't go unnoted. The film progresses on a rapid pace yet it is so charmingly calm and feels far from a rushed narrative. The narrative flows smoothly throughout the film. Miyazaki also has a great eye for editing which strongly supports his storytelling.

It has become Studio Ghibli's trademark to draw breathtaking and haunting backgrounds for their films. The entire world literally becomes alive through the stunning background art. The quality of animation is ridiculously high. Chihoro's movement is so animated with a stunning amount of detail. The film's character and creature design are spot-on as well.

Spirited Away is a FANTASTIC film - even by Ghibli's high standards. I believe no one can resist its delicate charm.

Score: 10 out of 10