Hayao Miyazaki’s anime film “Spirited Away” was released more than 15 years ago. While the film became immensely popular and went on to be a huge success back then, the charm of the film simply refuses to die away, even today!
Spirited Away is widely regarded as one of the best anime movies ever made. The film has achieved cult status among anime fans. And it’s not just because it’s a Hayao Miyazaki film.
There’s something about the film, which has made it timeless and evergreen like no other. Well actually, there are a lot of things! In this article, we tell you about three of the most striking features of Spirited Away that make it so popular among viewers worldwide.
It Has Visuals That Will Leave You Awestruck
The visuals that you see in the film are orgasmic, to say the least. Each frame of the film has the potential to take your breath away. And it’s not just about the visual quality or appeal. There’s so much more authenticity in each and every scene, and yet everything is so beautiful!
In the opening scenes, you are treated to beautifully put together shots of abandoned buildings, hills, and rocks. The visuals reach a whole new level of perfection in the sequences that follow Chihiro entering the spirit realm. The colors, the lights, backdrops, and the characters – everything is made to be as good as real, and so compelling.
There’s a good mix of fast-moving and thrilling scenes brimming with energy and some really slow, quiet, and soothing scenes. The best part about the visuals is that even the scenes which are scary and gross happen to be visually appealing and encapsulating. Where else do you get that?
The Movie Touches Your Heart & Reaches Your Soul
As much as the visuals of the film will appeal to your senses, its plot will warm your heart. No doubt, the emotions are even more fascinating than its face value. The way each scene of the movie has been conceptualized is simply incredible.
There is so much depth, detail, and thought in every single scene that you get to say.
While at first glance, Spirited Away may look like an otherworldly saga that involves spirits, haunted houses, and the likes. However, at its core, it is a heartwarming story of love, affection, and a roller coaster of emotions on the face of the earth!
Take this, for instance. The popular train sequence that you get to see in the movie is actually a mesmerizing take on life, death, and the world that lies beyond. The visual setting of the scene is such that you can’t help but internalize the feeling of loneliness that it depicts.
And guess what? There are at least a dozen such scenes in Spirited Away, that will fill your heart with some kind of overwhelming emotion.
A Strong Female Character Adds a Lot of Appeal
Now, this may be something hard to observe, but at a subconscious level, the strongly written female character of the movie is also the reason so many viewers get attracted to Spirited Spirited Away. The protagonist of the movie is a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro.
Initially, she is shown to be weak and in a state of mourning. However, as the story progresses, she is shown to grow stronger, more independent, and incredibly resilient. This evolution of Chihiro is what most viewers can instantly relate to, and they want to witness it again and again.
Final Words
Spirited Away is a movie that is incredible in so many ways that you find it perfect no matter which angle you look at it from. That’s why it is everyone’s muse, and holds onto its popularity more than two decades after its release.