Spirited Away
Comments: 5
Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away has had its US premier. I saw it on tape a while back (the difference in colours between the tape and DVD editions is astounding: avoid seeing it on tape if you can – or, even better, see it digitally projected).
Jason Kottke didn’t enjoy it as much as he ought to have. He’s right about the cultural references and symbolism. I was wondering how the hell they were going to translate it when I was watching it. Tottoro or Nausica aren’t nearly as laden with cultural specifics, and even Princess Mononoke, while drawing heavily from ancient Japanese history, stands as a good adventure fable without knowing anything about deeper references.
Nonetheless, you should see Spirited Away if only because it’s so incredibly beautiful to look at.
•••
Posted to Film • 2002.09.22 (Sun) • 12:09
Comments
Posted by M Sinclair Stevens 2002.09.22, 23:42
How wonderful that a movie is playing in America that is not just another bland regurgitation of American pap! How lovely that, being animated and released by Disney, American parents will equate it with another cartoon and take their kids to see it. What lucky children these are to be amused, confused, and enchanted by something for which they have no cultural reference. Maybe it will spark curiousity in some of them for peoples and places alien to their own experences, but right here on the same planet.
Unlike Jason Kottke, I’ve always loved best those things that I didn’t understand. Understanding doesn’t always begin with the mind; sometimes, it begins with the heart. When my stepson was six, I used to play my Japanese-language laserdisc of Tonari no Totoro for him. He never required a translation; he loved watching it over and over. He began watching other Japanese videos I’d brought back (all unsubtitled) and began reading about Japan and wanting to learn what few simple phrases I could teach him in Japanese.
Spirited Away doesn’t open in Austin until October 11th. We can hardly wait!
Posted by jh 2002.09.23, 01:18
Wow, what a superb thing to say. I’m floored. You’re so right.
You’re going to love this film.
Posted by Henry Liu 2002.09.30, 14:05
Holy bejeezies was I thrilled!
I don’t know why I like this movie so much, but I just do!
I suggest everyone should go watch this movie, even if they don’t understand it, the movie has some great animation!
Posted by joachip 2004.02.22, 03:00
I loved it as well, and i don’t think it’s that difficult to understand for a non-japanese person. They even ran in the cinema here in denmark, which quite surprised me, because ususally they’re are very reluctant to broadcast any non-american stuff here. :(
Posted by Jieshi Beru 2007.02.11, 05:47
The film “Spirited Away” is a good film for children, only because i think that it gives them a different aspect on life. It’s not one of those slam in the faces though; very subtle, and very good to watch.
I recently am writing a paper on Japanese animation, and Studio Ghibli is a large section in the report. It mentions the reoccuring theme in Miyazaki’s films, and upon watching all of his films, myself, I’ve come to realize the importance of the point he is trying to get across. The main characters are usually dependent and/or selfish, and have to face something difficult to overcome their problems. There are really no villains, because they all have redeeming qualities.
So in a way, there is no true evil in the film, which is wonderful for the children, and it’s also a chance to take a glimpse at problem-solving from a fantastical point of view.
I highly, highly recommend to anyone who is reading this blog to put down what they are doing now, and head to your local video store to rent or buy this increedible film. Yes, true, this film is great for children, but as an adult, wouldn’t you like to take a step into a fantasy world even for a short amount of time? Here’s your chance. Go lose yourself in a Studio Ghibli film. ~Jieshi Beru
Post a comment:
Send This Story to an Enemy
• • •
