Blown Away

I got another confession to make. I have Spirited Away DVD for 4-5 years but only managed to watched it yesterday. Yes, I know how scandalous that sounds. It was the only animated movie to be rewarded by an Academy Award, best grossing non-US movie in the world, and a whole lot of awards. To be honest, I bought it because of the hype, but I never actually think about it that much until last night. I have loved another Miyazaki work, Princess Mononoke, but somehow I managed to ignore Spirited for 5 long years.

After last night, I kinda regret it. I regret that I waited this long to actually watch it. Spirited Away deserve all the accolades it received and a whole lot more. The animation, as usual, is outstanding. Miyazaki's style never failed to amazed me. I was impressed by Mononoke, and this one is no different. For a story which is quite personal and small scale, the art managed to give a sense of grand and epic in the movie. And instead of making it out of place with the spirit of the movie, it managed to add that sense of wonder which the movie needs. The story itself on the surface was simple, but if you look deeper, it contains much more meaning that what it actually showed. As in his previous movies, Away was filled with critiques on environmental issues. And also as in his previous movies, Away managed to get the message across, without being preachy or pushed it down our throat

Chihiro adventure in trying to release herself and her family from the curse of the gods was fairly simple. But the characters are anything but simple. The evil witch wasn't exactly that evil, the monster wasn't a monster in the truest sense, but simply someone who's looking for a friend. Chihiro was your usual teen at the start of the movie, but by the end, her character had developed into a more mature and appreciative person.

I read that Miyazaki was supposed to retired before Spirited Away, but a friend daughter (who became the inspiration for Chihiro character) persuade him to continue working and made Away. So, Mr Miyazaki friend daugther, whoever you are, wherever you are, thanks.. thanks a lot.