Spirited Away

North American DVD cover.

Spirited Away is an animated film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli and released on 2001-07-20. It was co-produced by Tokuma Shoten, the Nippon Television Network, Dentsu, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Tohokushinsha Film, and Mitsubishi.

It is about a young girl moving into a new town, but an unplanned detour by her parents causes them to end up in a strange spirit world. Her parents are turned into pigs, and the little girl finds herself in the employ of a witch who owns a bathhouse for the spirits. Everywhere the little girl turns there is danger, but also fascinating excitement.

Personal

I first saw the movie shortly after it came out in the USA with my friends who were huge anime geeks. I enjoyed it and noticed that it had a lot in common with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. After repeat viewings, I began to like it more and more.

Review

— This section contains spoilers! —

Good

The whole movie makes you feel frightened, alone, and helpless, but at the same time being amazed and in awe.
The backgrounds throughout the entire movie art gorgeous.
The character design is also fantastic. Everything is very exotic and unlike anything you'd expect.
The locations are very exciting. There is always a hint of danger, and you never feel very comfortable with where you are.
The characters all have depth. Nobody is 2D stereotype, even the villains are relatable and interesting.
The part where Chihiro remembers Haku's true name is a wonderful scene.
The movie has a really good ending.

Bad

Like all Japanese animation, the frame rate is too low. It's certainly higher than any other anime I've seen, but still far less than it could be.
Chihiro is a bit too pathetic at times.
The movie gets a little dull near the end when Chihiro goes to visit Zeniba.

Ugly

Nothing.

Media

Cover Art

The original Japanese cover art has Chihiro standing in front of her parents' pig pen looking back resolutely. The top shows a scene of the spirit-occupied fair grounds.
The American art keeps Chihiro, but removes the pig pen. The spirit-occupied fairground is now at the bottom, with No-face hanging out, and the scene fades up into blackness. I kind of prefer the American art because the black field causes the viewer to focus on Chihiro.