Spirited Away

Since its the beginning of the month I wanted to try to review movies as well. So here it is, this July movie is Spirited Away. Really, this was the movie where I truly started to respect and adore anime. From Studio Ghibli, they make amazing anime movies. So popular that Disney translate it to the English speaking audience. The overall plot is about a girl who somehow gets trapped in the spirit world, so she must work at a bath house to save her parents and herself.

Chihirio
Hayao Miziyaki likes to use annoying girls, but she is by far the most annoying girl out of his movies at first. In the beginning she complains and bothersome, but she later starts to mature and works hard. Even though she has to go through some difficult situations, she still persists and in the end she becomes a better person.

Haku
A spirit who does not know his own name, as a result, he works as the apprentice of Yubaaba. In his spirit form, he is a dragon, silver and green in color. In his human form, he looks more like a girl: he seriously needs a new hair cut. It seems that he is more of a bad guy especially to the workers of the bathhouse. But he treats Chihirio well, very kind and helpful.

No Name
The spirit who has only a mask and what seems to be a black cloak that covers his body. He does not talk but seems to communicate through "ums" and facial expression. It seems that he has no home or place that he belongs to which Chihirio seems takes pity on him. Even though he seems to not have any presence, he is pretty much is like a stalker, always there.

These are the characters that seem to show often and are somewhat key to the story. There are way more characters that are equally important. But in the end they try to help out Chihirio, as a result, not really having their own personal story.

When you first watch this movie, it can be pretty confusing. As a result, there may be times where you have to watch the movie several times before it makes sense. There is this one scene which I am dumbfounded with. This is spoilers but apparently Chihirio squashes a black slug and as a result she puts her fingers together and let someone break it. Since I am not from Japanese culture, it is suppose to ward off evil after being curse. Or, heard from the bonus features, suppose to be a cootie shot. Confusing but it somehow links the story together.

As you would expect from any Studio Ghibli movie the animation was amazing. The characters movement were fluid, that it seem realistic. Also, the little movements really make the movie more enjoyable to watch. Example Chihirio putting on her shoes, she doesn't slip into them. She tugs on the shoes when she is putting them on. And the background and setting are beautiful done, with a strong Asian influence. The colors are bright and vivid, matches the time period and setting. Overall, it was well drawn that children can easily enjoy.

The music was great as well, Joe Hisaishi beautifully done the "main" music of the movie. And when I talk about "main" music, it is the song that is played over again plus played by other instruments. With the other music, match the scenario well with enough impact. Personally, I just love only the "main" music which is pretty much played throughout the whole movie.

When comparing the Japanese and English dub, they both fantastic. There are subtle differences
between the two, but the English overall tries to keep the true story of the movie. One difference that I remember is how love was a bit more shown in the Japanese dub. Adding words of boyfriend and love a bit more compare to the English dub. But the scenes were not changed, as a result, what you see is the same as the Japanese dub, unless Disney wants to be sued. However, I, like the English dub a bit more. The voice actors just match the characters, sometimes there would be a little sass to give the show a more fun appeal. Only downfall is that the voices would sometimes not match the mouth movement. But both versions are good, just depends on you preference, listen or read the English.

Conclusion: Amazing movie, must watch where the art and music just make the movie pop out. If you want a movie where the characters grow, this is the show. However, may be confusing for people watching first time or unfamiliar with Asian culture.

Personally, love seems to be a strong theme but I feel like it is more of identity. In Asian culture, your name is so important, suppose to reflect who you are and what you will become. That is why there are meaning behind names. Without your name, your identity would be lost and you would have no purpose. Also, No Name shows that wealth and riches will not always win the affection of a person. There are some who can be bought, but for those who truly care, all you need is to behave like yourself. Even though the meanings are subtle, this show does have an impact.