This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 208! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey there, friends!
So, I just watched “Spirited Away” by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, and let me tell you, I had an absolute blast! This animated movie is a magical journey into a world that’s as strange as it is enchanting. And, oh boy, does it make your imagination run wild!
For those who might not know, “Spirited Away” is about this ten-year-old girl named Chihiro who gets stuck in a bizarre spirit world after her parents turn into pigs—yep, pigs! 🐖 They had wandered into an abandoned amusement park looking for food, and just like that, things got out of hand…way out of hand! Chihiro’s then left to fend for herself in a place that’s a cross between a dream and a vivid nightmare.
Chihiro ends up working in a bathhouse for the spirits. Imagine this massive, bustling spa where all sorts of spirits and creatures come to relax. The owner is this nasty witch named Yubaba, who has this crazy big head and even crazier powers. She’s kind of terrifying but also super intriguing.
One of my favorite parts is when Chihiro meets Haku, a mysterious boy who helps her navigate this wacky world. There’s something super sweet about him, and their friendship really tugs at the heartstrings. Plus, he turns into a dragon, and who doesn’t love dragons, right?
The visuals in this movie, you guys, they’re just out of this world. Literally. Every frame is like a painting come to life. It’s all so detailed and beautiful that I sometimes just pause and stare. And the characters? They’re so quirky and unique. There’s No-Face, who’s this silent, mask-wearing spirit who just wants to belong and ends up causing quite a bit of chaos in the bathhouse.
What really sticks with me is the way the film deals with themes like greed, bravery, and identity. Chihiro starts off as this scared little girl, but by the end, she’s totally come into her own. It’s such a powerful message about growing up and finding your strength.
“Spirited Away” is fun, it’s freaky, and it fills you with this sense of wonder that’s kind of hard to find in adult life. Honestly, if you haven’t seen it yet or if it’s been a while, do yourself a favor and dive back into this beautiful, bizarre world. You won’t regret it!
Peace out ✌️
Roger