Spirited Away [contains slight spoilers]

[2099net]

I've updated the header to indicate this post contains a small amount of spoilers

Well, today I watched Spirited Away with my daughter. I've watched it before hand and I had my doubts how appropriate it would be for a six year old girl.

As I expected, she found the opening section very scary, and often closed her eyes and squeezed my hand tighter when watching Chihiro surrounded by the spirits in the street and was especially scared when Chihiro's parents were turned into pigs, burying her head under my arm.

I was worried that perhaps I shouldn't have shown her the film. But as the film progressed she became for confident - she loved the 'soot balls' and laughed when they all dropped their coal in an attempt to get Chihiro to do all their work and made me rewind to watch this bit several times. As the film continued fear turned to excitement and more laughs and smiles. She didn't like the big baby much and was ecstatic when he was turned into a mouse.

At the end of the film she was excitedly talking about all the bits she liked the best - including the bits that scared her.

So what am I saying? Well basically - my daughter's reactions to the film mirrored Chihiro's and even though she was only watching a film she feels that she has been on a big adventure like Chihiro herself.

Now, more than ever I am impressed with Hayao Miyazaki than I was when I first watched this film a couple of nights ago. Children like to be frightened - as long as their parents are with them and the threat or scary parts are overcome by the end of the film.

I'm sure she will be wanting to watch this film many times in the future.

[Luke]

Glad to hear your daughter liked it. I can understand how young children would be frightened by it, but I think it's great to be able to emotionally respond to movies, whether it's characters you care for, suspense, atmosphere, or the story. A lot of kid-oriented fare isn't able to do cause that kind of response.

It's great you enjoyed watching it together!

[Trevor]

That's awesome! I really enjoyed Spirited Away also. I have never watched anime before, and this movie was basiclly my introduction to it. I have seen other anime on TV, but it was really violent and bloody, and not what I really wanted to watch. But Spirited Away did everything excellent...it starts out scary like you said, but everything is worked out and resolved and it is an amazing movie.

I havent had the money to buy the DVD yet, but I will be getting it shortly. Also, you may want to look at getting Kiki's Delivery Service. That is a great movie also. No real scary parts, as it basiclly tells the adventures of Kiki as she ventures out on her own and has to face the challenges that come with being an adult. Miyazaki is incredible, I can't wait to see more of his stuff!!!

[Loomis]

It is refreshing to hear so many comments here that appreciate the scary parts along with the happy.
I have read so many reviews (by parents especially) that have unfairly said the movie was "too scary" or perhaps more disturbingly "too weird and different".
I think it is great that although some of the apsects of the film that are 'scary' to little ones, they sat it out and appreciated the film to the end.

Children like to be frightened - as long as their parents are with them and the threat or scary parts are overcome by the end of the film.

That is very true. Too often do we see the ratings boards and interest groups get overzealous and reject the film out of hand because some parts may disturb some people.
Anime has a lot to offer lots of people, paticularly Miyazaki. As I am someone who often protests that animation and comics are 'not just for kids', it is great to see that animation can be treated as a serious art form by adults and children alike.

[Maerj]

I agree... there are so many bad things out there for kids that I think society is getting a lil bit too overprotective of kids. They can deal with more than we think.

Another reason that many people and reviewers are finding the film 'weird' is that there is a lot of cultural references in the film that are new to Western audiences. I've been enjoying Anime for over twenty years now, there is a lot of good movies and shows, many of which have been dubbed into English. The older programs and even some of the newer anime tv shows use what is referred to as Limited Animation. I think that Miyazaki's films are a little more fluid than the average anime. So, explore your local video store's anime section and enjoy!

[Ariel]

My kids are 2 & 4. Do you think they are too young to understand this? I am hesitant to let them watch it.

[buffalobill]

I just got my Miyazaki 3 pack from Amazon.com last night & haven't watched Spirited Away yet. I'm watching them in chronological order & if it is as good as Kiki or Castle then WOW. Those two I've just watched for the first time & I am very impressed. I look forward to watching Spirited Away tonight. I sure wish that Disney would give their own product (Lilo & Stitch, Treasure Planet) the same 2 disc treatment accorded these 3 movies though.

[Luke]

My kids are 2 & 4. Do you think they are too young to understand this? I am hesitant to let them watch it.

They might be a little young to understand/follow it, but maybe give it a try? It's long and kind of more symbolic/thoughtful than most children's fare, so I wouldn't be surprised if they wouldn't stay interested.

But others who HAVE children would probably be able to give you better advice.

[2099net]

Be aware that the first 15 minutes or so of the film could be frightening for a young child - but I see no harm in allowing your 4 year old to see it as long as you are present to offer comfort if required, unless you know that your child tends to be particularly sensitive to frightening images. Be aware that unlike some animated movies, this movie is not suitable to be used as a 'television babysitter' and watch by your children alone. I would say it's more scary than any other Disney animated film (inlcuding the Witch in Snow White, who did give my daughter a couple of nightmares when she was 4 and a half).

I'm not sure if your 4 year old will understand the movie - I don't think my 6 year old understood the movie fully - but there are lots of action scenes that she did like and the sights, sounds and colours will certainly entertain her and I'm sure he/she will be enthusiastic about the film afterwards. My daughter has lots of favorite scenes she asks to see over and over (including the "scary" scenes, now she knows that they're not so scary).

I think watching with a 2 year old will be less of an issue - again the sights and colours should keep him/her entertained, but I'm pretty sure the narrative of the movie will be totally lost. Make sure you are present throughout incase you are needed to offer comfort.

If you are still unsure, why not do what I did and screen the movie yourself first. At least watch the first 20 mins or so, as this is as disturbing as the film gets.

[Loomis]

I'm not sure if your 4 year old will understand the movie - I don't think my 6 year old understood the movie fully...

I don't know if I understood the film fully
Having said that, I tend to agree that some adult supervision is probably required for the real littlies, but otherwise a worthwhile experience all 'round.