Spirited Away

Parents say
Based on 89 reviews
Kids say
Based on 284 reviews
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Spirited Away
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Hayao Miyazaki's magical adventure Spirited Away is widely considered an animated masterpiece, but not one that was made for children alone. It can be creepy and frightening at times, with many intense or strange-looking creatures and spirits that threaten Chihiro, the protagonist, while she tries to save her parents. Many, many scenes involve these strange beings. There are references to smoking and the drinking of sake. In one scene, a dragon trying to protect Chihiro is attacked and returns injured and bleeding from the mouth. Older children ready for a more sophisticated animated tale will be mature enough to enjoy this story of a brave young female protagonist.
Community Reviews
Wacky and Wonderful for Over 10
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Spirits and Monsters
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What's the Story?
In SPIRITED AWAY, Chihiro (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi in the original version and Daveigh Chase in the English dub) is a sullen 10-year-old girl who wanders into a world ruled by witches and spirits, where humans are changed into animals. The film centers on Chihiro's quest to save her parents after they're transformed into pigs by Yubaba (Mari Natsuki/Suzanne Pleshette), the scary witch who rules over the spirit world. Chihiro must overcome her selfish and self-pitying nature to win back her parents' humanity. Along the way, she's aided by Haku (Miyu Irino/Jason Marsden), Yubaba's right-hand helper, who becomes Chihiro's friend.
Is It Any Good?
This is a thrilling, spectacularly beautiful movie, though it's not for little kids who get scared. Despite the animation similarities, Spirited Away is not Totoro, the beloved "feel-good" classic, but an edgy portrayal of what a young girl needs to do to grow up and take responsibility for more than herself. She fights Yubaba, she rescues Haku and aids a wounded spirit, triumphing where others do not because she is not sidetracked by greed. Those old enough to handle the movie's more intense visuals will be rewarded by a compelling story -- and by the dazzling quality of animation that Studio Ghibli is well known for.
Excellent voice-overs are provided by Daveigh Chase as Chihiro, Jason Marsden as Haku, Suzanne Pleshette as Yubaba, Michael Chiklis as Chihiro's father, Lauren Holly as Chihiro's mother, and John Ratzenberger as the Assistant Manager. John Lasseter of Toy Story fame directed the English voices.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Spirited Away compares to other animated films, such as those by Pixar or Disney. What's different? What's similar?
What aspects of the movie reflect Japanese culture? How does this contribute or add nuance to the movie?
What parts of the movie did you find frightening and/or creepy? Why? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
Is Chihiro a role model? How does she demonstrate perseverance and courage? What about humility and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
Why do you think this movie is considered an anime classic? How is it different from the majority of Hollywood animated movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 20, 2002
- On DVD or streaming: April 15, 2003
- Cast: Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Courage, Gratitude, Humility, Perseverance
- Run time: 125 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some scary supernatural scenes
- Last updated: August 3, 2022
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