Spirited Away
There are frightening spirits, good spirits, that both exist in the same world. Yet there are courageous and whimsical spirits that can sweep your decent life away.
I am not really that fascinated by Japanese films or animations, since they always present an element of weirdness and incongruity, and the widely-acclaimed anime aesthetics seemed rather unsophisticated for me. I was thinking that I just outgrew the anime fandom phase. And just like any other animated film from Japan, I know Spirited Away will give a wildly-thought-out narrative, but I am expecting it to be lackluster in cinematic magic. Its whole world goes on like a moving storybook, apparently, I realized I was wrong. I was actually bearing no certain interest as the film starts to unfold, but little by little, I was spellbound and encaptured by how the intriguing fantasies came together— bringing into life all the wonderful childhood nostalgia I always aspired to ensue. As soon as I let myself in, I appreciated the style more and just enjoyed the story. It is indeed moving!
Being hauled in such a strange theme park as a child would somehow stir a whole curiosity and anxiety. Stepping into the place of Chihiro, I was pierced by her modest instincts whenever she felt uncomfortable and doubtful. I will never forget the scenes when she just allows herself to feel her overwhelming feelings, to express stillness in spirited moments, and to recover. The character's sense of awareness, authenticity, and morale, among different things, complemented her journey of unforeseen troubles and made her character intimate. The use of complex details freely outspread in a mix of natural and dreamlike occasions amazed me the most. For about two hours, I was teary, happy, and inspired with all the extraneously detailed sequence of events— magnifying the serenity and intricacy of every scene and transition. I needed some snacks, a cup of tea, and a long time to ponder upon ending it afterward.
Studio Ghibli flawlessly showcased the personality of the characters. Without compromising the story's timeline, I grew familiar with each character and relished their candid roles! Chihiro and her friends have left a message about courage and resilience, to continuously possess a respectful and good-natured outlook towards every entity despite facing the adversities of life. And the animation pays a nod to a culture of harmony, to an environment filled with sacred energy. At a young age, the film taught me that life sprouts in a rough, animated, and unlooked-for world that we should learn to appreciate.
