 | This is truly one of the most magical movies I've ever seen in my life. Miyazaki is an extraordinarily gifted director and has a knack for creating truly believable characters, and that's what truly shines about this movie. While there is a scene that is unabashedly environmentalist, it's not a "preachy" film, and there is much for Objectivists to admire.
The main character, Chihiro, is moving with her parents to a new town. They get lost on the way, and end up wandering into the spirit world. Chihiro's parents gluttonously partake of food that is not theirs and are transformed into pigs because of it. Chihiro, meanwhile, encounters a mysterious boy named Haku who helps her to get a job at an enormous bath house for the spirits. While Chihiro begins the movie as an unlikable crybaby, she quickly learns that when one is on one's own, one has to work in order to survive and accomplish goals. I won't say anything more about the plot, but it's a great reminder of the importance of checking one's premises and the importance of identity. The animation is absolutely beautiful, and the world is unbelievably rich and vital. Watch it in Japanese with subtitles; the American actors are good, but they can't compare with the Japanese cast. Highly recommended. |
