Spirited Away

There will never be another film like spirited away.. ever.  A film that often feels like effortless perfection in all fronts, but most importantly it’s ability to move me and connect with me on a spiritual level.  2nd time catching this on 35mm and it’s just as gorgeous as I remember. My two experiences with it couldn’t have been more different but also eerily similar. My first visit was an impulsive decision which had me rushing from work to arrive exactly at the Ghbili logo. I was all by myself and I felt like it in that screening, which was great since it allowed me to get vulnerable with the film in ways I previously hadn’t. Some tears were shed and I left looking at life a different way.  This time around I once again barley made it to the screening because fuck trains (only flaw with this movie is that its train propaganda). This screening was accompanied by many many friends from different friend groups and it was a great feeling. Totally opposite to my previous experience.  To me Spirited Away hit this idea of losing your soul in a world that promotes Greed, overconsumption and fear. The Bathhouse of Spirited away is not too dissimilar to our world. “If you have no job, you disappear” Centrelink aside, Haku is spitting straight facts here. We live to make money but making money doesn’t make us live.  Chiro’s character and journey stood out to me this rewatch, the way she slowly starts to gain confidence in herself through the love she feels and receives. It really hit home and felt full circle after watching this by myself and over a year later watching it with people I loved. Love gives you confidence and confidence gives you love.  Genuinely one of the most important movies of all time to me.