Take a young girl moving to a new city, going to have to make new friends, attending a new school. Her parents are only excited about the change in lifestyle. A wrong turn takes them on a detour that sends the entire family to a mystical place in the spirit land, and the adventure begins.
The simplicity of the overall plot makes for the foundation of an amazing tale that Studio Ghibli and Director Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke) put together yet again. Chihiro is the 10-year-old main character, stuck in this world after her father refuses to ask for directions. When they reach the end of a road, it leads into a tunnel that they decide to go into just for the heck of it. On the other side of this tunnel is an endless field of green and an abandoned theme park.
After reaching the theme park, Chihiro’s father and mother smell good cookin’ and decide to make themselves at home. Chihiro herself wanders off, but as night is about to fall, she goes looking for her parents. Unfortunately for her, the parents have turned into gigantic pigs. Now she has to save them and return home. The only problem in her plan is that she has no idea where she is or how to get back. Scared, she knows nobody in this realm. Or does she?
Along this journey she meets Haku, a young boy who has some pretty amazing powers. A cast of other allies, demons, and unknowns will keep you guessing throughout the film. For Chihiro to survive in this realm, she must give up her name to a witch so that she can work to survive, taking on the name “Sen”. Over time she may forget her real name and initial purpose. If that happens she will forever be tied to this place, with no chance of returning.
Miyazaki has given the audience a chance to think about the characters they are watching. Motivations stick to the individuals throughout this adventure, while the attitudes and comments make for great characters and funny dialog at times. The film also makes subtle references to old traditions and beliefs of the Far East and Japan. (Has Disney changed this for American audiences?)
Complementing the themes of the spirit world and the mood setting is gorgeous art. Breathtaking views and background sets make for even more enjoyment while you watch this adventure unfold. Miyazaki’s designs for the spirit world and its characters are fun, and sometimes familiar. Much of it brings to mind Studio Ghibli’s earlier work on great films like My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke.
At times, Spirited Away may be too scary for the very young, with all its demons, ghosts and what-not, but it still taps into that kids’ imagination quite well. Keeping with the fundamental beliefs of the young and young at heart, the film believes that if you concentrate on doing good and what is right, you will succeed. It’s a lesson that Studio Ghibli and Disney often advocate, and Spirited Away does the job, and much much more.
After watching this, you’ll know that we ain’t in Kansas anymore, Totoro.
