Spirited Away (2001) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

Chihiro and her parents are moving to a small Japanese town in the countryside, much to Chihiro's dismay. On the way to their new home, Chihiro's father makes a wrong turn and drives down a lonely one-lane road which dead-ends in front of a tunnel. Her parents decide to stop the car and explore the area. They go through the tunnel and find an abandoned amusement park on the other side, with its own little town. When her parents see a restaurant with great-smelling food but no staff, they decide to eat and pay later. However, Chihiro refuses to eat and decides to explore the theme park a bit more. She meets a boy named Haku who tells her that Chihiro and her parents are in danger, and they must leave immediately. She runs to the restaurant and finds that her parents have turned into pigs. In addition, the theme park turns out to be a town inhabited by demons, spirits, and evil gods. At the center of the town is a bathhouse where these creatures go to relax. The owner of the bathhouse is the evil witch Yubaba, who is intent on keeping all trespassers as captive workers, including Chihiro. Chihiro must rely on Haku to save her parents in hopes of returning to their world.

Critical Acclaim

Upon its release in 2001, Spirited Away garnered widespread critical acclaim and was celebrated as a groundbreaking achievement in animation. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, the film captivated audiences with its imaginative storytelling and stunning visuals. It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Golden Bear, a testament to its universal appeal and artistic excellence. Critics praised its intricate narrative and the rich, fantastical world that Miyazaki created, with many citing it as a landmark in animated filmmaking.

Contemporary critics lauded Spirited Away for its depth and emotional resonance. Roger Ebert, in his review for the Chicago Sun-Times, awarded the film four stars, highlighting its "imagination that reminds you why you go to the movies in the first place." In modern assessments, the film holds a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its enduring popularity and critical consensus. The film's ability to blend traditional Japanese folklore with universal themes of identity and resilience has been a focal point of its continued acclaim.

Spirited Away's impact extended beyond critical praise, influencing a generation of filmmakers and animators worldwide. It became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, cementing its status as a global phenomenon. The film consistently ranks high on lists of the greatest animated films ever made, and its influence can be seen in both Western and Eastern animation. Its success has fortified Studio Ghibli's reputation as a powerhouse in the animation industry, ensuring that Spirited Away remains a touchstone for future storytellers and artists.