Spirited Away

Spirited Away is a 2001 animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. It follows ten-year-old Chihiro who stumbles into the spirit world when her family takes a wrong turn. Her parents are turned into pigs by magic, and Chihiro must work in a bathhouse run by the witch Yubaba to free them. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Chihiro's Journey

Chihiro starts as a scared and whiny girl but becomes brave and resourceful. Yubaba steals her name and calls her Sen. Chihiro works hard in the bathhouse serving spirits and magical creatures. She is helped by a mysterious boy named Haku who has a secret connection to her past.

A Masterpiece of Animation

Spirited Away became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. The film is filled with imaginative creatures and beautiful animation. It explores themes of growing up, courage, and remembering who you truly are.

Fun Facts

• Spirited Away won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
• It was the highest-grossing film in Japan for nearly 20 years.
• The bathhouse was inspired by real Japanese bathhouses and hot springs.

Did You Know?

Hayao Miyazaki made Spirited Away for the ten-year-old daughter of a friend. He felt that there were not enough movies made for girls that age. The character of Chihiro was designed to be an ordinary girl, not a superhero, to show that anyone can find courage when they need it!