Critic's Pick — Studio Ghibli Fest: 'Spirited Away'

The first time I watched Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away, I was roughly 5 years old. My family had just gotten done shucking corn for dinner (yes, I grew up in rural Georgia). My mom put on her copy of the DVD to watch on our massive box TV in the living room. I was initially enamored with the film before being horrified by characters transforming into pigs, along with the looming and ominous presence of the No-Face spirits. “How can cartoons be scary?” I thought to my circa-2006 self. I didn’t watch the movie again until I was 20 years old. It was then that I was able to finally see the magic in Spirited Away, along with all the other Studio Ghibli films. It’s impossible not to be captivated by the ornate hand-drawn animation from director Hayao Miyazaki, along with Joe Hisaishi’s signature score. Twenty-five years after its initial release, Spirited Away is an enchanting and timeless fantasy film. Viewers follow along young Chihiro’s journey to return her family to the human world. The fear I originally felt watching the movie as a kid has transformed over time into endless comfort. Spirited Away is a must-watch film for anyone and everyone. 

Oct. 17-21 at local Regal and AMC theaters