Spirited Away
Watched Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away for the first time in my local theater, and it moved me on so many levels. Some loose reflections:
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It reminded me of something one of my favourite teachers said in a class about folk music history -- that you may be saying the same thing (or rather, the same song), that those before you have sung, but applying your unique voice, your signature, your "style" to that retelling is what music is all about. Miyazaki's messages are not something I have not encountered or thought about many times -- our relationship with the environment, growing through throwing oneself into experiences, and more -- but to communicate those in the way that he has is so unique and special.
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The genius of the movie is in being able to convey things that could make literally anyone -- regardless of age, language, culture -- smile, go "aww", or laugh. The medium is so accessible, e.g., the little dust mites bobbing up and down, and still somehow so rich, complex and deep.
And I'm out of time for now, but still going to make this push and finish this to be consistent with the spirit of the blog. It's fine that this feels lame and I'll probably look back and cringe