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Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who finds herself in a strange spirit world, must learn to overcome her fears and face unique challenges to save her parents. Above, Chihiro and No-Face, a transparent spirit, catch the train to Zeniba the sorceress' home.
In the spirit What's in a name? After all, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet ...
Disney true to soul of anime tale
Recognize the voice?
By Wilma Jandoc
wjandoc@starbulletin.comBut, as we see in director Hayao Miyazaki's latest film, "Spirited Away" (or "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi" for the anime lovers -- "Sen and Chihiro's Mysterious Disappearance"), people's names equate with their identities, and in having a different name, we often become another person.
The film opens with 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents in the middle of moving to a new town. Her father takes a wrong turn and they stumble on what appears to be an abandoned amusement park.
In reality, the area is part of a bath house that caters to the gods, run by a witch named Yubaba. Chihiro's parents are turned into pigs for gobbling up food meant for the gods.
To save them, the girl must work in the bath house, helped by a boy named Haku. Chihiro signs a contract, and Yubaba magically erases most of the girl's name, instead calling her "Sen." It is the witch's way of controlling people, by taking away the main thing that defines them.
(Spot Japanese lesson for those who may be confused by what happens in the movie: Chihiro's name consists of two Japanese characters that, when together, are pronounced "Chihiro." Yubaba takes away that second character and leaves behind only the first, which by itself is pronounced "Sen.")
The scrawny, physically unattractive Sen displays an amazing determination from almost the beginning. She's sulky at first, but she doesn't wallow in self-pity about the hardship she's suddenly thrown into. She's bent on saving her parents, even if it means enduring backbreaking labor, the scorn of everyone in the bath house and constant fear of Yubaba.
And the movie is so quickly paced that even the audience doesn't have time to feel sorry for Sen.
For most anime lovers like myself, the big question is: How is the English dubbing? And the answer is: Excellent. Disney has taken the care with this film that it rightfully deserves, resulting in a great piece of work.
Perhaps the only small nitpick is with Sen's English voice, done by Daveigh Chase, most recently known for her work as Lilo in "Lilo & Stitch." Daveigh is perhaps a bit too girlish and high-pitched for Sen, but a big plus is that she never resorts to a childish whine.
The movie also has a cute, subtle brand of humor that appeals to all ages in different ways. You'll probably laugh more at the little details sprinkled throughout the film than at any one big scene.
As with other Miyazaki films, "Spirited Away" is lighthearted on its face but holds a deep message that will resonate with both youngsters and adults.
Its grand theme of journeys that strengthen people's character echoes throughout: the move to a new town away from familiar faces and places; a long walk over a short bridge that is not just a simple walk, but is a test of endurance; and Sen's train ride to confront a woman that, while an exciting trip of discovery for Sen's friends, may mean life or death for Haku.
It is a film about identity, as Sen is forced to become someone else while struggling to keep her old self in the face of losing most of her name to Yubaba.
But above all, "Spirited Away" is about love. Sen's caring extends to everyone without prejudice, from her deep concern for Haku to her friendship with an otherwise despised spirit known as No Face.
Sen is an endearing heroine with her faith, courage and love, but without the fake sweetness that young girls in movies often have, one that usually leaves a sour aftertaste instead.
In discussing the film, Miyazaki says Sen is meant to be an ordinary girl that other 10-year-olds can identify with, and a role model for a younger generation trying to find its identity in life. And Sen -- Chihiro -- fulfills those roles perfectly.
Jandoc, along with fellow staffer Jason Yadao, are our anime/manga enthusiasts and contributors to our regular Drawn & Quartered column found in our Mauka-Makai section on Sundays.
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Tom Hanks was Woody in "Toy Story," Eddie Murphy played Donkey in "Shrek" and John Goodman played Sulley in "Monsters Inc." Could you figure out who the voices of the characters were in "Spirited Away"? If not, below is a list: Can you recognize the voice?
Chihiro: Daveigh Chase (voice of Lilo in "Lilo & Stitch")
Yubaba, Zeniba: Suzanne Pleshette (acted in the TV series "The Bob Newhart Show")
Haku: Jason Marsden (acted in the TV series "Boy Meets World")
Lin: Susan Egan (singing voice of Angel in "Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure")
Kamaji: David Ogden Stiers (voice of Dr. Jumba Jookiba in "Lilo & Stitch")
Chihiro's mother: Lauren Holly (acted in the TV series "Picket Fences")
Chihiro's father: Michael Chiklis (acts in the cable series "The Shield")
Assistant Manager: John Ratzenberger (acted in the TV series "Cheers")
Boh/Baby: Tara Strong (voice of Bubbles in "The Powerpuff Girls Movie")
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