FIRST TIME WATCHING: Spirited Away

This movie was such a beautiful part of my childhood. I cry every time!

Sorry, I didn't know where else to post this, but not connected to this movie in particular, I was watching other reactors watch Wall-E, and I went to look for it on your channel, and didn't see it. Have you watched that one?

Absolutely beautiful movie that I have rewatched many times, its defintiely top3 ghibli. But I do love laputa castle in the sky and kikis delivery service a scooch more

Absolutely love the soundtracks to Studio Ghibli films. The French artist Pomme does a beautiful cover of the song from the credits: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9XCLKKOA03I&pp=ygUScG9tbWUgaXRzdW1vIG5hbmRv

Ghibli dubs are so good. This was my first time watching with original audio and it is still good but makes it harder to get lost in the story and world for me

I'm dying to see Princess Mononoke here. Favorite movie of all time.

I also love that there isn't an "evil" antagonist in most Miyazaki films. You should def do the rest of the Miyazaki catalog. But also don't miss out on Your Name, Mirai, and the Satoshi Kon movies (my favorite is Paprika but they're all amazing.)

After many watches I am still fascinated by the stink spirit/river god. I interpret it that the river was polluted, and that's why the bike and all the trash come out. Once the river spirit is free from the garbage he can thrive again. There are MANY interpretations for No Face, from being a symbol of mental illness, addiction, greed, and others. I always see him as representing healthy and unhealthy friendship/relationships. When he seeks validation and attention from people who just want his gold, it turns him into someone he's not. He's popular, outwardly successful, but never really fulfilled, and when actually questioned about himself he can only say he's "lonely." Chihiro, and later Zeneba, respect him for a person and ask for his company and contribution, not to exploit him, but as respectful equals, which redeems him.

Love that you watched this even just for patreon and I'd be excited to see more movies like this! Even with just a timer! There are a ton of fantastic and beautiful anime movies out there! Glad you enjoyed it!! :)

Maybe I’m in the minority but I hope you decide to do future Ghibli movies dubbed, or at least do a poll for it. Some of the dubs are really quite good.

There are many ways to read this movie. But I always felt like Miyazaki always tap into mythology and archetype the way that mushrooms and acid works. So it may defy ‘logic’ but there is always that feeling of going into a journey. Like there and back again kind of feeling.

Mmm great reaction :) I always say for Ghibli films it’s great to watch both sub and dub since both offer little differences that are enjoyable. This can be a jarring movie if you’re new to anime (I know you’re not entirely) but I’m glad you picked up on so much and saw the beauty of things. Can’t wait to see other anime movie reactions from you!

i think that you would love animes like attack on titan or demon slayer

have ypu think of doing more anime reaction

This movie carries such a beautiful symbology of modern society’s desecration of the natural world and the spirits that embody every little thing. We don’t believe in these spirits and treat them with respect anymore. The system forces us all to worship money, materialism, and consumption instead. We should all aim to be more like Chihiro in our lives.

This was great. I hope you will continue to do more Studio Ghibli.

Adam Savage, from Mythbusters, did a No-Face for comic_con. He was giving out chocolate gold coins to people. After a bit, someone grabbed his hand and gave the gold coin back to him. It made him so happy because someone understood what getting a present from No-Face meant. It is one of his favorite fan interactions from a con. He has also dressed up as Totoro.

Studio Ghibli, Aniplex, and Nintendo are feared 💀

Spirited away is an anime! That means AoT can’t be far around the corner!!

Omg. I’m so excited to get home to watch this with your reaction!

Love the idea of this 🥹 and it finally gave me a reason to finish the movie without falling asleep 😅 not because it’s bad, it’s gorgeous to look at it and the vibes are immaculate. It’s TOO relaxing

You should continue the karate kid movies and get to cobra Kai

I just remembered that voice actor for Lin is the same Meg from Hercules.

Soooo glad you decided to watch with the original Japanese audio. Looking forward to watching the other Ghibli films with you (if you decided to do that). Would definitely love to see you check out Princess Mononoke and Totoro.

I think at one point, early in the film, you put forth the idea of a video game in this style. Studio Ghibli has collaborated with Level Five on a couple of games: Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch and the sequel, Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom. Both are great (and gorgeous).

Spirited Away has those feels. It's why its one of my favorites. I could go on and on but just a couple of observations: The music is spectacular. I've seen a number of Ghibli films and I don't recall the soundtrack being so perfect than it is here. Spirited Away is an example of how music can enhance the thematic material on screen. From the moment Shihiro first entered the tunnel with her parents, with the soft piano tones, I knew I was listening to something special. This leads me to the Train Scene. My favorite moment in the movie is the Train Scene, and there's something about that moment, a sort of quiet counterpoint to the chaos of the previous 20 minutes. There's constant action from the moment Haku returns with the paper birds to the moment Shihiro leaves the bathhouse. And then there's this gorgeous pause. The combination of the music and the otherworldly landscapes made it almost sublime. It's like when I see a beautiful vista or travel through a new scenic landscape. The Train Scene is a callback to all of those moments, and I appreciate it.

Sweet now do, Nausicaä, princess Mononoke, howls castle, castle in the sky, cat returns, boy and the heron, ponyo

It's a wonderful movie and one that gets better with every view! - Also time works differently between the Spirit World and the Human World. She spent 3 days amongst the spirits but a lot longer had passed when they returned to the car.. Absolutely loved this reaction and can't wait to chat with you about it during the next stream <3

Joined your Patreon just so I could watch you react to Studio Ghibli films! I'm so glad you enjoyed Spirited Away. It was my childhood favorite (like I used to watch it three times straight lol). Nowadays I consider Princess Mononoke as not only my favorite Ghibli film but tied as my favorite film of all time.

Wooooo !!!

I'd never heard of this movie before. It was very beautiful.

Love that you identified the Pixar lamp!

I think this could be a monthly patreon exclusive series, in fact, maybe we should just vote on the order of the next 5 films instead of trying to pick 1. How about a rank choice voting poll once you're back?

Great reaction, I am glad you choose to start reacting to ghibli this way, they have so many beautiful movies.

In Greek mythology, in order for Orpheus to save his wife Euridyce from hell, he had to leave without looking back. He was so concerned with whether or not she was behind him he couldn't help it. He looked back when he reached the gates only to see she was behind him the entire time. She immediately descended back into hell. I wonder if this is where Miyazaki got the idea for Chihiro's departure.

Can't watch until later but I'm super excited for this one! Really hope you're willing to make more patreon exclusive videos if you can't put anime on the main. There's so much amazing anime beyond Ghibli that you'd really appreciate - Perfect Blue (Satoshi Kon film's in general), Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Your Name, etc - and that's just the movies!

I joined ate the right time! I love this film and have lost count of how many times I've seen it over the years. Not only that, I know the soundtrack well. I hope you continue with Studio Ghibli and watch Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle. They are my favorites.

Such a great movie. I know some people are put off by it because a lot of the cultural references and inspirations aren't explained, but I think it's just a fun way to learn about a different part of the world. I'm pretty sure this was my first introduction into learning anything about the Shinto religion. For instance, when Chihiro makes a circle with her hand and Kamaji 'cuts it', that's like an old superstition, similar to throwing salt over your shoulder. It's supposed to cleanse your body of negative energy.

haha! I wonder what scene... maybe it's "that" scene... lol

LFG

Hi Nat, hope your having fun off grid... that's if you can see these comments lol.. This is another show/film that I would never have watched by myself, so thank you for opening my eyes to some great movies/shows..

So cool! This is gonna be a fun watch this weekend. Haven't seen in years.

Happy Feature Friday Nat. Haven't seen this one so interested to see what its all about. You had me reaching for the volume at the beginning Nat. No spoilers ha ha 😄 This was an awesome animated movie Nat. Had the feel of The Wizard of Oz to it. A lot of bizarre and interesting characters, and the music was so beautiful. You can't beat a good symphonic film score. Thanks for giving us the chance to watch this movie along with you on your channel Nat. It was perfect for a Friday afternoon. Hope your trip is going well and you're having fun 💛