Reference
Review by NCTA Teacher Theresa Bradburn:
I originally chose this film because it was animated (anime) and I thought that I would be able to watch it with my children. I didn’t expect to really enjoy it. However, I was wrong. First of all, the images were beautiful. It was fun just to see it, regardless of the story line. Secondly, the story was interesting enough without being too complicated to follow that it kept my full attention. My seven year old daughter was able to get the basic story line but didn’t understand all of the details fully. That did not take away from her enjoyment of the film. Spirited away kind of reminded me of an Allison and Wonderland type movie- but better. I didn’t really like the main character, the little girl, at first. By the end, she had become someone admirable and relatable. This film gave a glimpse into the thinking of the Japanese culture and the interest they have in the spirit world as a means of explaining things in the real world. I also sensed a message about pollution and how it effects the world. This movie showed how certain things can seem to be important even when there are really more important things out there that need to be dealt with-fear of moving to a new place versus life or death. It’s all about perspective. I wonder how much time had truly elapsed in the real world during the girl’s adventure and also how her new life will be. Maybe a sequel will be made?
