Spirited Away

The feeling I get while watching Spirited Away is just unlike any other film. The simple yet beautiful landscapes, accompanied by a Hisashi piano score, can't be replicated. For the entire film I actually felt like a part of the world I was seeing that by the time it was coming to an end, I felt a great sense of joy and sadness at the same time. It was like leaving someone you've known and lived with for a long time, knowing they will be okay yet still feeling that separation and longing for the past. There are honestly so many paths you could take concerning the thematic elements of the film. Taking a look at Chihiro's point of view there is the more simple, yet powerful lessons of responsibility and courage in the face of fear. then of course there is the famous Miyazaki critique on capitalistic nature presented through the bathhouse. The way that greed and social hierchy is expertly woven into a kids film is just amazing to me. Overall such a great film. Miyazaki really lets the world sink into you and it pays off.