Spirited Away

Spirited Away was the first film of Miyazaki's that I watched. I remember watching it way back when and I had no idea what was going on. Upon watching it again, I realize that it is another one of Miyazaki's masterpieces. Just like all of his other films, so much goes on in the plots and between characters. It is very similar to Totoro, in that the girl, Chihiro, becomes lost in another world that could be just her imagination or part of the real world. Miyazaki always includes some sort of imagination conflict in his films. You never know for sure if it's real or not, such as Jiji's ability to talk.
When I watched Spirited Away back in middle school, I remember being creeped out by No-Face. Watching it now in college, I'm still creeped out by his unusual gestures, but I must admit, he is my favorite character in the film. Not only is he the coolest monster in the film, but he also makes a pretty nice (but brief) side-kick for Chihiro. I still don't understand why No-Face was ok with the idea of staying behind with Obababa's twin sister. I mean, he seemed so set on impressing and being close to Chihiro. Why the sudden change?

9.0

Kiki's Delivery Service

Yet again, another young, little girl with short hair. It seems as though Miyazaki has a fetish; but wait, this time, the girl has both parents, not only alive, but well too. This caught my attention as soon as Kiki's mother mentions the father. I thought that the radio was important to Kiki because maybe the father left it for her when he died, so I was really shocked to see she has a dad.
Miyazaki's characters are always independent, so it was only natural to see Kiki fly off to another town on her own. Even if it's only for a year, I find it hard to image a 13 year old girl moving to a completely new area and taking care of herself. The fact that Kiki is separated from her parents makes her similar to Miyazaki's other heroines, who have to fend for themselves. However, I must say that the inclusion of parents makes the film a much more reassuring and happy experience.
And I must say, this is one of my favorite Miyazaki films (which includes Howl's) mainly because it's one of the most feel good stories. There is no real conflict like in Nausicaa, which leaves for an easy viewing. Even though Jiji ends up not talking at the end, it's still reassuring, because cats aren't supposed to talk in the first place. Also, Kiki becomes generally accepted in her new town and gains a close relationship with Tombo. Jiji not being able to talk with Kiki also shows the maturity level that Kiki gains over the course of the film. + maturity = + assurance
And this film was released only 5 days after I was born!!

9.2