PG -125 mins. - Animation/ Adventure/family - UK release date; 12 sept 2003
Writer; Hayao Miyazaki Director: Hayao Miyazaki Stars: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshett and Miyo Irino
Rating: B
Hey guys ;) I haven't been the best blogger for the past few weeks. I can't really say that'll change any time soon. However, I will post whenever I can. I hope all is going good with you guys *hugs*
It's been a while since I did my last anime review so I thought it was about time I did another.
My Thoughts - Hearing a fair deal of great things about the talented Hayao Miyazaki, I thought it was time I looked into some of his work. SPIRITED AWAY immediately appealed to me. And I'm very glad that I went with my gut and gave this a go.
I thought it was just lovely and so very charming ;)
It's the spirit "no face" which initially made me really want to watch the movie. Although he was a little creepy looking, he seemed sad, and so, I found myself very curious about his character - he would prove to be my favourite. With his "huh's'', erratic hand gestures - his attempt of communication - and obvious soft spot for Chihiro - I was instantly charmed by him. Yes, you would assume that he is far from the charming type at face - value, but you'll understand where I'm coming from if you've watched the anime.
Let's get into the plot, folks.
Ten year old Chihiro is moving away to another town with her parents, but it's when her father decides to take another route - that they find themselves among an abandoned amusement park. Things take a drastic turn when Chihiro decides to explore. She comes across a boy called Haku who urges her to turn back and cross the river before it's too late. Much to her horror she returns to her parents to find that they have been tuned into pigs. What Chihiro realises is that they are now trapped in the spirit world. A dangerous place filled with monsters.
I particularly loved this whole other world. Especially how all these different creatures resided there - getting on with their daily chores. It's interesting to see how Chihiro is ignored and isolated because she is human. She will struggle to adjust in this new place, attempt to find her footing and at the same time try to free herself and her parents. It's only with the loyal and wise Haku at her side, though, does she find herself knowing the rules of this mysterious place and along the way forming a true bond with him.
I didn't realise how engrossed I had become until I was trying to fight off sleep. Sure, there may have been a scene or two that felt a little rushed and I might have been apprehensive about so and so apparently being "in love" but it was a sweet anime that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Of course there are the bad guys. But then there are the in - between' - like the baby - who at first annoyed me, yet eventually really grew on me. There's growth in some of the characters which is always great to witness. Chihiro and the baby are perfect examples of that.
I think I'll be giving HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE and PRINCESS MONONOKE a go next since I'm definitely warming to Miyazaki' work. Have any of you watched this or any of his other work, or any other anime lately? Recommendations and thoughts are always welcome!
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| AWW there's my favourite character "no face", bless him :D |
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