Erbak Movie Reviews proudly features one of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces this week. The film Spirited Away opens the gates to a world unlike any other.
But the real question is—do you dare to step through that gate?
They were heading toward a new life.
Chihiro was miserable about leaving her school and friends behind. While her mother claimed moving was going to be fun, Chihiro had already decided she would hate their new home. And the strangeness began early. The eerie statues they passed on the road gave her chills. As they drove toward their new house, they came across an abandoned building. Despite Chihiro’s protests, her parents insisted on exploring it.
Why don’t parents ever listen?
The building was actually a gateway—beyond it lay what seemed to be a deserted, forgotten land. Except for one place: a restaurant overflowing with food, yet oddly empty of people. Ignoring Chihiro’s warnings, her parents began to feast. Unable to stop them, Chihiro wandered off. The place didn’t feel like an abandoned amusement park, as her father had claimed. In fact, she swore she heard the building groan behind them. They needed to leave. Fast.
A terrifying sight...
A mysterious boy Chihiro had never met confirmed her fears. He warned her to leave before nightfall and told her to get to the riverbank immediately. Terrified, Chihiro ran back to find her parents—only to be met with horror. Instead of her mom and dad, she found two pigs… wearing their clothes.
This isn't a dream!
Panicking, Chihiro kept whispering to herself, “This is just a dream.” But it wasn’t. As darkness fell, shadows emerged. Spirits, ghosts, and monsters came to life. Frightened and alone, Chihiro hid. The boy found her again. His name was Haku. She had no choice but to trust him. If she wanted to see her parents again, she needed to survive this strange world. That meant finding a job—and making a plan.
People always ruin things...
While everyone was searching for her, Chihiro managed to strike a deal with a witch named Yubaba. In exchange, she would work in the bathhouse. Yubaba’s home was as magnificent as it was frightening—just like the witch herself. At first, Yubaba refused to hire her. After all, this was a place for spirits to refresh themselves. Humans always ruined everything. There was no place for a human girl here.
Dangerous help...
Thanks to Haku, Chihiro was able to see her parents again. But they had eaten so much that they’d lost all traces of their humanity. They acted like pigs in every way. Chihiro had no idea how to save them. All she knew was that Haku was risking everything to help her.
Life is a test...
Despite her young age, Chihiro showed incredible bravery and wisdom. She faced challenge after challenge, overcoming fear to save her parents. In the end, she succeeded. Her courage uncovered deep mysteries, brought goodness out of others, and revived lost memories.
Her adventure in the spirit world had come to an end. Even though her parents wouldn’t remember any of it, Chihiro would never forget this otherworldly journey.
Enjoy the show...