Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
Nach0Nuts
Though it may have taken me 22 years to finally see any of the acclaimed Studio Ghibli films, I'm happy to say Spirited Away got to be my first. I went in knowing next to nothing other than that iconic hand-drawn animation style everyone knows and loves and while the movie is undoubtedly gorgeous, it has much more going for it than just a pretty coat of paint.
Without lingering on the art style for too long, I was pretty blown away by how this movie just pulls you into it's painterly and fantastical world in which it's every frame and brush stroke feels deliberate and full of life. Maybe it's due to how much of well, almost everything today feels cheap, quick and dispensable but I'd argue this kind of style and creativity has only gotten more impressive over time. I mean every single lit…
Read at the sourcek-0da
Spirited Away is perhaps Hayao Miyazaki’s most lauded work, what with the Academy Award under its belt. And while I enjoyed my time in theaters thoroughly, I didn’t find myself quite as moved by this movie as I wanted to be.
Obviously, this movie looks fantastic. I feel like not enough attention is paid to Ghibli’s backgrounds; everything is beautifully painted in ornate detail, especially the bathhouse. I also really love the wackier, weirder character designs on display; they reflect how otherworldly the bathhouse is, and I’m always a fan of unorthodox characters. It also helps build Haku and Chihiro’s relationship; as the two most normal-looking people in the whole service realm (minus Lin), they serve as lighthouses to each other in a sea of yokai. Also really love the flat colors in…
Read at the sourcel0v3st4rv3d_yuka
Ahhh yes, i remember discovering the existence of this movie (or studio ghibli in general) because of a german anime youtuber i used to watch during my 2020-2021 weeb phase. (I KNOW FINDING OUT ABOUT STUDIO GHIBLI IN 2020 IS CRAZY AS HELL but i was born in 2010 and unfortunately dont have the power to change the past so,, guess we're stuck like this!) I was very interested in it and asked my grandma to get this movie and My Neighbour Totoro for christmas that year. When christmas came, i ended up watching both movies in the same evening. Now it's kind of a fond memory of mine. My grandma's place in general is one which holds many memories that are very dear to me, and me watching this movie is one of them... it has a very nostalgic and childlike feel to them, and now every time i have the…
Read at the sourcepandaglazer
The art is absolutely stunning. This masterpiece radiates calm and comforting, perfect for a rest after a long, tiring day. Chihiro’s kindness and bravery feel refreshing after a day of adult shenanigans and bustles of life. I was just mindlessly picking a film to watch as I eat my cold meal but was unexpectedly immersed by their colorful, beautiful world. Every character is quirky and adorable.
I love that the witch is evil and greedy but has a tender spot for her big baby. I love that the baby is whiny and spoiled but he was just really lonely and longs to play with others. I love that the Yubaba’s bird unexpectedly became the Baby’s company. It was funny and heartwarming when Yubaba’s bird got tired of flying, the Baby carried her on his back and walked. He really just loves to be flo…
Read at the sourcegarnetredwine
I totally get all the hype that this movie gets being a ghibli film and all, but I feel like it has the exact same problems every other ghibli film has. The plot is pretty non-existent, but the visuals are so pretty that it's probably worth watching anyways.
The art style is absolutely beautiful, every image that flashes on the screen while you're watching is wallpaper-worthy, but the characters are shallow. This film really didn't leave a lasting impact on me at all, but hey! I mean, at least I know who no-face is now.
If you're a big fan of ghibli films, you'll love this obviously. But if you're more of a plot-driven watcher, don't bother. You'll probably get bored ten minutes in and shut it off.
Read at the sourceGOODBOYMODZZ
This was the only Miyazaki movie I had seen before starting to watch them all, and I last watched this at least 6 years ago, so it almost felt like a new experience to finally watch it again. It's easily one of the most magical and imaginative movies ever made. Right away, I can say this has the best animation of any of his movies so far. It's just fucking insane how good everything looks in motion. The pure visuals themselves are also phenomenal. It feels like he takes literally everything he's done previously and puts them together into one huge masterpiece. It's no wonder why so many people think this is his magnum opus, because I think it really probably is. Chihiro has my favorite human character design from everything I've seen from him. She's super expressive, and her personality an…
Read at the sourceKitzo
Made in 2001, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, better known as Spirited Away in western countries, represents the pinnacle of then well-established Studio Ghibli's animation, and the entire medium of Japanese anime as a whole.
This was my third time watching it across the span of several years, and while I was already certain this was Ghibli's best work, this has become one of my own personal favorites since this last watch. The storyboarding, direction, character, environmental, and audio design, overarching theme/messages, atmosphere, animation and plot are genuinely among the best you will ever see in my opinion. It is an absolute masterclass in storytelling and animation and it would be superb if more people had the patience in this busy world to enjoy this.
It was simple, yet full of…
Read at the sourceKarikatur
English:
This is one of the most ridiculous, nonsensical, boring, weird, confusing, and overrated movies I've ever watched. I was already sleepy in the evening and decided to watch it because I expected an emotional movie with a good story, but I almost fell asleep. Please don't get mad or unfollow me if you're reading this review, but the movie just wasn't for me, and that's my opinion. I don't enjoy movies that either say nothing at all or try to say everything through a bunch of bizarre allegories. For me, it felt like a film that's all about visuals and atmosphere. I was expecting a beautiful and emotional story.
Türkçe:
Hayatımda izlediğim en siksok, saçma, sıkıcı, tuhaf, karışık, abartı film. Akşam akşam zaten uykum var güzel hikayesi olan duygusal bir şey izleyeyim diye açmıştım az…
Read at the sourceVonetic
I’ve had this movie on my watchlist for a long time, and I finally set aside some time to experience it. To be honest, I lack the words to describe how this film made me feel as a whole.
The Visuals
The animation is breathtaking from start to finish. I could pause the movie at any random moment and use that frame as a wallpaper. Graphically, the movie is stunning, and I could easily write an entire essay on the visuals alone. I was especially struck by the scenes showing the vast expanse of the world as the characters travel across it; those moments made me so curious about what else lies out there. The world is so beautiful that I found myself wishing they had explored even more of it or better yet, that I could jump through the screen and explore it myself.
The Story
Normally, I don’t…
Read at the source_Bubassotto_
A film that truly marked an era.
This was my first encounter with a Studio Ghibli film, watching Spirited Away. And, honestly, it was an experience that opened doors. From it, a genuine desire arose to explore more of the studio, understand its style, and immerse myself in this unique type of narrative. Much of this also comes from Hayao Miyazaki's vision, who manages to transform seemingly simple stories into something profoundly symbolic and unforgettable.
The animation style is enchanting. Each scene is rich in detail, with art direction that blends the fantastic with the everyday in an extremely natural way. There's a very strong identity there, something you recognize almost instantly. But what truly sustains the film is its delicate and meaningful narrative.
The story deals with p…
Read at the sourceRickyGgG
My memory of this movie is still hazy. I remember it having spirits and being sentimental but that's as far as you're getting. It sucks because this movie is obviously iconic for many reasons but for me it's a near perfect movie without any core memories. Nostalgia is overrated anyways, blinds us from reason. Spirited Away Is A 10/10 movie.
I mean it won an award, has a cult following and has several memorable scenes. The animation is top notch too, all creating such a cozy calm movie. A great blend of slice of life and adventure. It was disturbing at first but eased up later on. Then it became romantic and also beautiful. Glad something terrible didn't happen for the plot to continue. Overall, it deserves the love and credit it gets.
Read at the sourceKeramettin44
This truly magnificent anime takes you to a different realm, and every scene is essential for you to fully grasp its perspective. Each episode of the film presents a unique twist. It definitely avoids repetition and has an unpredictable structure.
There's no other production that can draw adults into such a fairytale world. It's not so much about the suitability of the narrative, but rather about conveying the feeling of the place. Furthermore, the use of music is not just appropriate, but so good that it elevates the scene to a new level. Some details are worth contemplating. It contains interactive sequences that allow for different interpretations. This is truly content that opens the door to something beyond mere storytelling. Some productions are described not with adjectives like go…
Read at the sourceKumikoOumae
Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi by the master H. Miyazaki is one of the most important anime of all time, and I believe its status is completely deserved. Not only for Studio Ghibli's excellence in the fluidity of its animation, but also for imbuing each of its characters and settings with life and personality through its artistic choices. Alongside the technical perfection we've come to expect from them, they show us the one-way journey our protagonist is about to embark on: the personal growth and maturation that comes with it. Learning to overcome the fear of the unknown on your own to discover the new and, in the end, appreciate that journey is the heart of one of the greatest animated films of all time. In that sense, many elements are symbolic, expressing the feelings, emotions, and ch…
Read at the sourcemaya_kotori
Spirited away is one of those films that shaped my childhood in a way I’ll never forget. I grew up watching it, and I’ve seen it countless times, yet it never loses its magic. Every rewatch feels like stepping back into a world that’s both mysterious and comforting. A place that somehow feels like home even though it’s full of spirits, strange creatures, and impossible landscapes. There’s something incredibly special about the atmosphere of this movie. The music, the animation, the characters just everything blends together so perfectly that it stays with you long after you finish it. Chihiro’s journey always touched me, even when I was little, and as I got older, I started appreciating it on a deeper level. It’s a film that grows with you, one that never stops feeling magical no matter ho…
Read at the sourcebigzap
Another sweet and cozy film by Hayao Miyazaki. While I did find myself having a bit of a hard time staying awake in the middle, I enjoyed it. Ghibli movies are always pretty and somewhat aimless in nature, like a hike with no trail. Spirited Away boasts some of the best animation I’ve seen out of this studio and it feels like a sublime fairytale.
Miyazaki always loves to throw in a bunch of little guys; this time being the Soot Sprites (who were also in My Neighbor Totoro) and they’re so cute. The frog people are fun and so the human characters are memorable. Chihiro is such a determined, noble girl and her and Haku share a cute relationship.
The character designs are nice, and the visuals in general are great. The use of 3D blends well and doesn’t look strange at all. The soundtrack is…
Read at the sourceelumizu
Spirited Away is a richly imaginative fantasy that blends folklore, coming-of-age storytelling, and social commentary into one of the most celebrated animated movies ever made. The story follows Chihiro, a timid and somewhat spoiled ten-year-old girl who is forced to move to a new town with her parents. During the journey, they stumble upon an abandoned amusement park that secretly serves as a gateway to a hidden spirit world. When her parents are magically transformed into pigs after eating food meant for spirits, Chihiro becomes trapped in a strange realm governed by supernatural rules. With no way to return home unless she saves her parents, she is forced to work at a bathhouse for spirits run by the powerful witch Yubaba. The narrative gradually transforms Chihiro’s fear and insecurity…
Read at the sourcetheo1763
Spirited Away just blew me away. This has to be one of the most unique films that I have ever viewed, and I don't say that lightly. I was immediately pulled into this strange world of spirits with Chihiro from the very start, and it never once lost my attention. The manner in which she blunders into the bathhouse and must learn how to survive there felt so fresh, and it was incredible watching her gradually come out of being an intimidated child and become someone who could defend herself in this strange, magical environment. What struck me most is the manner in which Miyazaki weaves so many layers of meaning without ever being preachy. The dirty river demon scene was a very powerful environmental message. No-Face eating everything in its path couldn't have been a more stark exploration of…
Read at the sourcesorattes
Spirited away! This movie is in my top 3 best studio ghibli movies.
I love Ghibli because of its magic, and spirited away represents a whole other world.
It's another really good comfort movie on a gloomy day.
This movie spoke a lot to me because the main character Chihiro is not one to be afraid of things, she will not back down easily and makes herself come in a bunch of situations where she needs to take care of herself luckily with the help of a boy named Haku. Which is an important character as well.
I like how the movie represents that ''humans'' are seen as a bad thing, and Chihiro still faces all the challenges in one way or another.
A story where emotion is shown, a child who's afraid but gets help from other characters to eventually reach her goal.
Love and safety from Haku w…
Read at the sourceDaeDude
What is the appeal of "Spirited Away?"
Arguably the most successful of anime giant Studio Ghibli's works, it has enjoyed a level of exposure in the United States rarely given to foreign films. A quick glance through other Letterboxd reviews will show a great deal of praise for its creative story, gorgeous animation, and deep themes. A more careful glance will reveal those who sing the film's praises only really go into detail about the animation, and sometimes the progression of main character Chihiro. Strange. You'd think a story as creative and cerebral as "Spirited Away" apparently is would inspire more detailed reactions.
To be fair, the animation *is* incredible. Praise of the ways in which Ghibli have recreated life through the fantastical lens of the film is so ample it could make…
Read at the sourcesixelagnav
10/10.
I usually don’t write reviews but…
The metaphors and feelings displayed in ‘Spirited Away’ are absolute cinema into a childhood classic.
My first time watching this I didn’t see the hype with this movie, let alone believe it was anything more than a mere child’s film.
This movie is award winning and deserves all the hype, if not more than what it is given. Chihiro is a well written character expressed as the fear of growing up, fear of life's future(the unknown), & the anxiety of not knowing who you really are.
The themes in ‘Spirited Away’ are rooted deeply into Japanese folklore culture, which I personally REALLY love.
Each of the characters/certain-places in the movie hold special symbolic significance as well!
If watching this for the first time, please pay close attenti…
Read at the source
