Steven Spielberg is possibly the most famous director and a master of his craft. Now he motivates us to finally watch Spirited Away – if we haven’t done so already. Because: The film is said to be better than any Disney movie.
What is Spielberg’s connection to Studio Ghibli? Steven Spielberg was fascinated by the animation sector and is a big fan of Katsuhiro Otomo’s masterpiece: Akira. The film from 1988 influenced him and is still one of his favorites.
Even at MeinMMO, there are enthusiastic anime fans, who recommend 5 anime classics that everyone should see.
When Spielberg was recently asked about his opinion on other works, the American director commented to our partner site Jeux vidéo as follows about the co-founder of Studio Ghibli:
I particularly admire Miyazaki’s universe, his taste, and his way of telling stories. Spirited Away is one of the best animated films ever made. It could be better than any Disney movie I have ever seen. It was a true inspiration.
Steven Spielberg via Jeux vidéo
Here you can see a trailer for Spirited Away:
The Delayed Release in the West was a Triumph
Where did the success of the film come from? The animated film might never have left Japan, but the reviews for Spirited Away were excellent. This prompted the studio to seek an international release. At that time, Disney was responsible for distributing the films, but they were “too mature.” Thus, it took a long time for the Ghibli films to be shown in America.
Miyazaki’s films were only released and professionally marketed in the West after Studio Ghibli signed a contract with the Disney Corporation in 1996.
A true triumph because: The film won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and influenced many directors, including Spielberg. To this day, it remains the only feature-length anime ever awarded in this category.
What is Spirited Away about? Spirited Away is a Japanese animated film by director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli from 2001. It was long the highest-grossing anime film in the world by box office revenue.
Thematically, it is about a young girl named Chihiro, who is trapped in a strange world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must summon the courage she never knew she had to free her family.
There are numerous interpretations and analyses of Spirited Away. Those who have not yet seen the film should do so as soon as possible – after all, even Steven Spielberg strongly recommends it.
And if you are also enthusiastic about animated films, but your friends are (still) not, we have here 5 series to seduce your friends to anime.
