SPIRITED AWAY
Here's a little known fact: I love movies. Have I ever mentioned that in this blog? A great one can change a mood 180 degrees. And that's what happened tonight. I finally watched Kiki's Delivery Service and Miyazaki did it again. More kudos to you, Mr. Wonderful. I'm all ready a huge fan of his other works and have yet to find one that I think is only so-so. There's something about the combination of beautiful animation, a great story, and a strong message that I find completely mesmerizing.
This film follows Kiki, a thirteen year-old witch, as she leaves her home to pursue a year of training on her own. Anyone who knows me will know that the nomad in me screams for that. Add to that the fact that she can fly on a broom and this movie reaches in and tugs my aerial heartstrings.
SPOILER ALERT: do not read this next paragraph if you haven't seen it.
She immediately heads to the ocean and sets up a delivery service (hence the title) in a large city that is largely unfamiliar with witches. She has encounters with people who are either accepting or reticent, the former occurring more frequently than the latter; yet, she focuses on those few who are aloof and reads too much into the actions of a young man who is honestly fascinated by her. As time passes, she begins to lose her powers. Only after she learns that it is the spirit within her that has faded and she needs to rediscover it, is she able to fly again and save the young man. It was the negative thoughts that held her back. They literally weigh her down.
O.K. you can read again. Another thing I love about Miyazaki movies is the amazing heroines. He has said that he makes movies that his 10-14 year-old female relatives will enjoy, but I feel he takes it a step further. Every protagonist will struggle with inner demons and conquer them only after finding their own strengths. They may whine or complain, but they eventually work things out on their own. What an amazing moral, especially coming from a Japanese man (in his sixties no less)! And did I mention the animation. No one can create a more beautiful sky or wind-swept field except Ms. Nature herself.
If you haven't treated yourself to these masterpieces, you are missing out. And if you have, let me know what you think.
This film follows Kiki, a thirteen year-old witch, as she leaves her home to pursue a year of training on her own. Anyone who knows me will know that the nomad in me screams for that. Add to that the fact that she can fly on a broom and this movie reaches in and tugs my aerial heartstrings.
SPOILER ALERT: do not read this next paragraph if you haven't seen it.
She immediately heads to the ocean and sets up a delivery service (hence the title) in a large city that is largely unfamiliar with witches. She has encounters with people who are either accepting or reticent, the former occurring more frequently than the latter; yet, she focuses on those few who are aloof and reads too much into the actions of a young man who is honestly fascinated by her. As time passes, she begins to lose her powers. Only after she learns that it is the spirit within her that has faded and she needs to rediscover it, is she able to fly again and save the young man. It was the negative thoughts that held her back. They literally weigh her down.
O.K. you can read again. Another thing I love about Miyazaki movies is the amazing heroines. He has said that he makes movies that his 10-14 year-old female relatives will enjoy, but I feel he takes it a step further. Every protagonist will struggle with inner demons and conquer them only after finding their own strengths. They may whine or complain, but they eventually work things out on their own. What an amazing moral, especially coming from a Japanese man (in his sixties no less)! And did I mention the animation. No one can create a more beautiful sky or wind-swept field except Ms. Nature herself.
If you haven't treated yourself to these masterpieces, you are missing out. And if you have, let me know what you think.
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