Spirited Away (2001)
The masterpiece that enchanted the world.
Presentation:
Normally flattering modifiers in a review are empty praise, but in this case the adjectives describing this animation don’t do it justice. This masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki truly has the most magical, painterly, and beautifully crafted world that escapes back into childhood. If you are to only watch one anime in your entire life, it should be this one. The protagonist Chihiro is impressively ordinary, allowing any viewer to fit in her shoes and live vicariously. Mystical elements and a meaningful message leave a lasting impression that hasn’t changed watching this today than when I was a child. The film borrows a few tropes from Orpheus and Eurydice as well as pollution themes common in Japanese cinema, but children will only see an imaginative fantasy adventure. What makes a Miyazaki film so universal is it captures the dark imagination and naivety of youth without lowering the stakes or providing a PG safety net. Realism and nature themes packaged in a children’s film make this fitting for all ages, perhaps even more-so for adults.
Conclusion:
Although I was young, this is the only film that I watched twice in a row, just to relive the magic. That is to say, I believe this is a once in a lifetime anime experience. It's quite incredible what becomes possible through animation and this film takes full advantage of the liberties the medium permits. If you haven’t watched this yet, you haven’t experienced the full potential of cinema yet!
Recommendations
The greatest animated sci-fi film.