Post by Bytor on Nov 1, 2012 13:35:35 GMT -5
-Details-
Genre: Drama
Company: Studio Ghibli
Format: Movie, 124 minutes
Dates: 20 Jul 2001
-Visuals- 9.7/10
Surreal, unreal, breathtaking, simply gorgeous. Get the picture? This anime follows the same path as pretty much all of Studio Ghibli visualizations but this one shines in a slightly different way than Miyazaki's other films. Here the emphasis on the, for lack of a better word, spiritual aspect (supernatural may fit better, I'm not sure) is simply overwhelming. There is so much to see, so much to look at and so much attention to detail that it is simply a true visual feast! I swear I lost track of how many different entities I observed and I felt like a kid in a toy store, pointing and constantly saying wow, look at that, oh my, look at that, hey, did you see that?!? Seriously, this movie is simply put, overwhelming. I read somewhere that while watching this movie you forget you are watching anime, and I could not agree more. I was immersed totally in this world and it's inhabitants.
-Sound- 10/10
Solidbatman and I agreed to pretty much stop reviewing sound in anime reviews because of the issue with English voice overs, and various and varied dubs. But, I feel I would be remiss if i did put a score here which will (hopefully) further entice you to give this movie a chance. This movie may contain one of the best soundtracks I have ever heard, and possibly be the best I have ever heard.
-Characters- 9.8/10
Where to start...should I start with Kamiajii, the spider spirit old gentleman who builds machines or may Bou, the incredibly huge baby boy, or what about Kaonashi (No Face) who serves his own purpose, although he does seem to listen to Chihiro, oh but what about the sisters Yu-Baaba and Zeniiba or...well you get the picture. I could go on and on and on about the pantheon of wonderful and vibrant characters who are main characters, not to mention the ones somewhat in the background, but words simply don't do them justice. You need to watch this movie in order to meet them and live with them. I assure you they are interesting and will reward you for your time spent with them.
-Story- 9.8/10
A shortcut gone terribly wrong. Chihiro and her family find themselves in a small village which is basically a retreat for spirits. Yes, spirits, various entities inhabit this village with the center being a bathhouse where spiritual beings can come and relax, somewhat like a resort for the supernatural. Once there Chihiro's father and mother are turned into pigs and she becomes determined to not only turn them back into humans but also to escape and help her family escape. Along the way she finds some unlikely allies, some unlikely friends and discovers that even enemies aren't always what they appear to be. Now, don't get me wrong, this story is not the huge emotional roller coaster some shows can be, nor is it the non-stop in your face comedy others are. Instead, it is simply a well balanced, well written, well acted show which is enjoyable on every level.
-Overall- 9.8/10
Bottom line, if it weren't for Whisper of the Heart this would be the best anime movie of it's kind I have seen. I don't believe much more needs to be said.