I have decided to write about Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 masterpiece Spirited Away. This is not for any particular reason. I just felt like writing about it. This, I think, is a good example of why the film is so great- it strikes you randomly, with no warning, and for no reason. What comes to mind, what you think back on fondly at random times, are the little things about the film- bits of story or random, totally unnecessary characters. Spirited Away is an astounding, terrifically moving work, and yet the little things are what stays with you the most. This is because, in a way, this is a film composed entirely of little things. That’s the beauty of it- for such a big film- big in terms of scope, in terms of the world it’s about- it’s a film made up of small things.
Miyazaki knew this. When he made the film, he knew exactly what he was doing. The small stuff was all intentional, to the point where it even has a name- Miyazaki has historically used the term “ma” to describe the small, almost unnecessary details and scenes that pop up so often in this film. The ma in the film is what makes it, it’s what creates the world of the film in such vivid detail. Well, that and the animation.
Ironically enough, Spirited Away’s animation style is the thing that probably drives the most people away from it, as a lot of American viewers are reluctant to watch anime films. If you number among these people, allow me to say that it’s your loss. LOOK AT IT.
Sorry, I got carried away. Anyway, it’s all hand-drawn. Ridiculous. Watch it now. Yet for all of its visual brilliance, that’s not all there is to this film. The animation creates a world, the story solidifies it and quickly proves that it deserves it. The characters are rich, and their motivations, although simple, drive the story forward in interesting ways. Take the character of No-Face. No-Face does not speak. No-Face is presented as completely outside of society. He’s completely alone, and yet he sees an opportunity for friendship and changes instantly. And then when that fails he loses it and eats everyone. Weird movie, but simple. In keeping with the contradictions of Spirited Away, the simplicity counters the intricacies of the visuals perfectly. Another contradiction is that Miyazaki stated that he made the film for 10-year-old girls, and yet it’s become beloved worldwide by every possible demographic. Roger Ebert, in his review, argued that it was because stories designed for specific groups of people have a greater inherent universality than stories intended for larger groups. Isn’t that what people look for in movies? A way into another reality? That’s what Spirited Away does better than almost anything else. It transcends everything it should be- a kids film, an anime film, and honestly something that probably shouldn’t exist (hand-drawn. The whole thing). So ignore whatever preconceptions you have about this film, track it down and watch it. It rules. Look at it.
The Movie Files 