Spirited Away, a masterpiece of animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, was first released in Japan 15 years ago today, on 20th July 2001.
It’s hard to believe that pig parents, giant river spirits and evil witches are now relics of our childhood. A fondly remembered film, managing to penetrate the Western market past the Disney machine, Spirited Away received massive critical and financial success and even went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
It was this film that inspired many to find enjoyment in other anime classics such as Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbour Totoro.
15 years on, this powerful film symbolises why escapism and fantasy can be so important, even in our not-so-magical adult lives.
Remind yourself of the film’s magic in the English-dubbed trailer below.
