And it is.
Story:
Think you're too "hip" for a story about a 10-year old who gets swept away in a Wonderland-like dimension after her parents get turned into pigs?
As a cynical teenager now, I would too. Was I ever wrong! But it's difficult to explain the world that Chihiro gets trapped in without sounding like a total nutcase - you just have to experience it on screen. Basically, her parents drag her into this abandoned theme park, where they eat the food meant for the spirits and get turned into pigs. Chihiro then ends up working at a massive bath house while trying to figure out how to get her parents (and herself) safely home.
There are quite a number of subplots under this umbrella of the "main plot", but it only serves to illustrate Miyazaki's genius as he is able to effortlessly weave all of these stories today into a seamless story. While the plot may sound like a child could make it up, hidden underneath the surface are Miyazaki's comments on contemporary issues like labour relations and environmental protection in modern Japan.
Nevertheless, it's best if you don't try and analyze "Spirited Away" beforehand - take my advice, and just sit back and WATCH.
Animation:
As usual, Miyazaki's artwork was beautiful. I love the fluidness of the animation and the subtle traces of realism that Studio Ghibli incorporates into the movie (such as the way Chihiro taps her foot when she's putting on her shoe), as well as the detail that is given to the background (the scene with Yubaba's office is SO DETAILED!! It blows me away). However, don't expect to see any bishounen (Haku exempt). Furthermore, you might be turned off by the character designs in Spirited Away (there is SOMETHING wrong with Chihiro's face - I can never pinpoint it, but I think it has something to do with her overly full face, her smallish eyes, her almost absent nose and huge mouth), but the supporting characters are very well done.
Sound:
One word: gorgeous, especially the opening number, "One Summer's Day" with its piano solo and soft orchestral accompaniment. The sweeping musical score by Jo Hisaishi deserves a 10 from me because every piece, every note, fits with the visuals like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
Character:
Characters who are airheaded, whiny, and helpless IRRITATE me like no end. However, I can still (sort of) sympathize with Chihiro even though she is a whiny brat at the beginning of the movie. I mean, if you were 10, your parents had just gotten turned into PIGS, and to top it off, you were stuck in an alternate dimension with no clear way of getting home, certainly you would also be whiny, afraid, and on the verge of tears. However, I greatly enjoyed her character development as the movie progresses, as she grows from a brat who cares about herself the most to a girl who is caring, thoughtful, and one who learns from her experiences.
On the other hand, the other characters are just simply hilarious. Miyazaki's spirit dimension is host to a variety of lovable characters including dozens of cute soot critters, to a six-legged boiler man, and a baby who could overtake even the best sumo wrestler :) It's not every anime that you see a small bird flying around with a mouse about twice its size.
Enjoyment:
A delightful anime that never ceases to make me smile and giggle for a hour and a half, Spirited Away is a must-see for novices and experienced anime-watchers alike. With beautiful animation coupled with a gorgeous soundtrack, Miyazaki's film has the ability to truly spirit you away.
