Spirited Away
September 20, 2002Director -
Hayao Miyazak
iMajor Actors -
Daveigh Chase …. Chihiro Ogino/Sen (English version) (voice)
Jason Marsden …. Haku (English version) (voice)
Suzanne Pleshette …. Yubaba/Zeniba (English version) (voice)
Michael Chiklis …. Chihiro’s Father (English version) (voice)
Lauren Holly …. Chihiro’s Mother (voice: English version)
John Ratzenberger …. Assistant Manager (English version) (voice)
Tara Strong …. Boh (English version) (voice)
Susan Egan …. Lin (English version) (voice)
IMDB Information
A quick note: Because I watched this with a friend of mine, we opted to watch in English. While my normal preference is to watch in Japanese with subtitles, I was very pleased with the voice acting in Mononoke, and so was willing to give it a shot. Thus, keep in mind my notes below are based on the English version of the film.
Analysis -
Voice Acting :
The voice actors in this film did an overall quality job. They were dealing with concepts and dialogue that probably initially threw them something of a curve ball. Miyazaki’s films are pretty much always made (as far as I can tell) with the purpose being to make the viewer think. A lot. About wacky, wacky sh!t. So, having to “go behind the curtain” must have been a mental exercise. The character of Chihiro was especially enjoyable, because she was something of a departure for Miyazaki. Towards the beginning of the film, it’s hard to like her, because she’s generally an unpleasant little girl. But as the film goes on, you see her develop as a young woman, and she really grows on you as a person. Haku and Lin were extremely enjoyable, classic Miyazaki characters, and probably were my favorite parts in the film. Though they had no voices, the mouse and bug-sized bird were extremely cute characters, and brought some levity to the film that was appreciated.
Writing & Directing :
My friend kept commenting throughout the film “Mr. Miyazaki must have some very strange dreams.” Oooh yeah. Spirited away is a trip and a half, and the director does his best throughout the film to keep you on your toes and wondering about what’s going to happen next. There is an overall plot to the movie, but like most of Miyazaki’s films, the internals of the plot are made up of smaller conflicts, climaxes, and resolutions that churn you through the wringer until you reach the end of the film, the resolution of the overall plot, and you find yourself on the other side of the tunnel (figuratively and in this case, literally), wondering what exactly just happened. The man has a gift, and I don’t know what to call it. All I know is, he better keep on making movies.
Animation:
Studio Ghibli is possibly one of the most talented animation studios on the face of the planet. Their work in this film is nothing short of breathtaking. My only complaints were that the facial structure of the human characters was pretty much the same as it is in every Studio Ghibli film. Sometimes I think it would be nice if they switched things up a bit. But otherwise, a spectacular film from an animation standpoint.
Movie Overall :
Miyazaki has never failed to amuse and interest me in the stories he tells about weird, offbeat little girls who learn a lot about the world around them in very interesting ways. As long as he keeps telling stories, I’ll keep watching them.
Personal Rating -
This movie is worth buying.
