Spirited Away is a Japanese animated movie which still holds the record as the most successful film in that country, beating Titanic at the box office when it was released in 2001. In the same year it won the Oscar for the best Animated Film, and in 2002 it won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Since then Spirited Away has received universal acclaim and is frequently ranked among the greatest animated films ever made.

With superficial similarities to Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, Spirited Away is a coming of age story and a voyage to understanding. Writer and director Hayao Miyasaki was inspired to create a story for the ten year old daughter of his friend, that was not just about the crushes and romance in the magazines she read. In doing so he created a film which speaks as eloquently to adult viewers as to children.

Inspired by the Shinto/Buddhist philosophy of Japan, Miyasaki brings to life the kami, or animistic spirits which are traditionally thought to inhabit the rocks, trees, animals and landscapes of the material world. A ten year old girl, Chihiro, is moving suburbs with her parents when they take a wrong turn and end up in a mysterious village. Her parents decide to eat at a restaurant with great smelling food and no staff but Chihiro goes off to explore. She is warned by a small boy that she is in danger but it is too late.  Chihiro is spirited away into a realm of ghosts, gods and evil spirits.

Movie goers need to know that COVID has brought some changes to our Movie Nights, so here's what to expect:
 
Food and Drink
We will operate 2 bars (in the Hall and the Nonie Carr room) to facilitate social distancing
Unfortunately we still can't share food at interval, but of course bring your own food & nibbles if you like.

Sunday 6th September at the Franklin Palais.
Doors open 6.30pm
Admission $5
Film starts after 7.15pm but before 7.30pm