For a long time, I had been in search of good work of art. These days, I spend a lot of time browsing through classics and popular works that I missed during my foundation years. Well, it’s never too late to catch up! ?
Last weekend, I stumbled upon an article on Google that to my good luck listed down best animation films of all time. I quickly scrolled through the list and then went on to search for several such lists.
“Spirited Away” won hearts and top place in all these listicles. So, I had to watch it and I must say that I was not disappointed.
Hayao Miyazaki released “Spirited Away” in the year 2001 but when one watches the movie, it defies any number that would mark down its age. Probably, the beauty of the movie lies in it belonging to the present.
Miyazaki once said that he made this animated movie for 10 year olds especially girls but even a 21 year old like me can be easily affected by its plot.
“Spirited Away” is about a girl named Chihiro. On their way to Chihiro’s new school, she and her parents come across an abandoned amusement park. The amusement park turns out to be a cursed place where humans are not allowed.
The plot is kind of bildungsroman where Chihiro explores her identity. One thing that I love about Chihiro is her ability to say “No”. Today, when a lot of children get easily influenced by their peers to try things they shouldn’t, Chihiro is presented to us as an example of rational individual.
Haku, the male protagonist represents people who in bid to be part of world lose their identity. Chihiro’s exploration helps him comes across his real personality.
Miyazaki seems to be playing with the concept of “structuralism” wherein Yubaba’s hotel represents a “structure”. In her world, one’s true self lie in one’s name. To maintain her authority, Yubaba is shown giving characters new name upon their recruitment in the hotel.
As long as one remembers his/her name, one can escape the shackles of societal norms. Haku helps Chihiro remember her real name and in turn is able to find his own.
All the characters’ frames in the movie are hand drawn by Miyazaki. The legendary animator has adopted traditional method of animation to present his story.
Something that grabs viewer’s attention more than the plot is the calmness of animation. The minute Spirited Away begins, each and every movement is given its own space. Unlike today’s animated works where a lot of focus is given to rushed movements and rough action scenes, Miyazaki’s work focuses on real life spaced out attitude of humans who take their own time to accommodate to a place.
If you are looking for something good to watch, you can give this movie a try. If you have already watched it, share with us your favourite scene from the movie. Tweet them @Fuzzable.