Andy

Spirited Away

I cannot recall whether or not I have discussed the topic before, but I have never particularly liked or understood anime. I've tried a number of series and at least parts of some movies, but there is always a pervasive sort of senselessness that I can't evade. I'm sure it's just a cultural thing, but I still can't seem to crack it. At least not until Spirited Away.

This movie is a gem. It's as good as the old Disney classics, but in a very different way. Unlike many of the made for tv anime series that to my eye feature animation that I have jokingly said consists of still frames held in front of a camera at times, Spirited Away is fully animated, though of course in a different artistic style. What really drew me in was the story, which has an innocent quality to it that lets you explore what's actually going on and the main character at the same time. You essentially learn what she learns as she learns it, and it allows you to understand her predicament all the better.

So, give it a try, even if you hate anime. If I can like it, odds are you can too. If you've had your fill of exploding heads and animation fit for an R rated movie, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that not all anime contains either, and that in fact, some of it has a quiet wisdom about it that is great for kids and adults alike. In fact, I particularly recommend this movie for those of you who have kids, because it can entertain them and teach them good values at the same time. I haven't seen that combination for quite some time.