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千と千尋の神隠し [Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi] #1
Spirited Away: Chihiros Reise ins Zauberland 01
Durch einen geheimnisvollen Tunnel verirrt sich die zehnjährige Chihiro in eine wundersame, von Gottheiten und Zauberwesen bevölkerte Welt. Um hier zu überleben, muss sie im Badehaus der Hexe Yubaba schuften, in dem die skurrilsten Gäste verkehren. Chihiros Suche nach einem Weg zurück in ihre Welt gerät zu einem märchenhaften Abenteuer, in dessen Verlauf sich das verängstigte Mädchen zu einer selbstbewussten jungen Persönlichkeit wandelt...
Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
366 books3,496 followersHayao Miyazaki (Japanese: 宮崎 駿) is a celebrated Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, and manga artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of animation. He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio responsible for producing many of Japan’s most beloved and internationally acclaimed animated films. Over the course of a career spanning decades, Miyazaki has developed a reputation for creating visually rich, emotionally resonant stories that often explore themes such as nature, pacifism, flight, childhood, and the human condition.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
February 25, 2022
Chihiro and her parents are on their way to a new home. Chihiro is grieving and apprehensive to the idea, as any child that's forced to leave their friends and familiar places behind would be. Her father takes a wrong turn along the way which leads them to a mysterious tunnel that connects to an abandoned amusement park. After having a disagreement, Chihiro separates from her parents and wanders the abandoned amusement park alone, only to find out that it's not nearly as abandoned as the naked eye would leave outsiders to believe.
At night, the amusement park comes to life, as it is inhabited by hundreds of ghosts, demons and spirits of nature. Among the strange inhabitants of the land is a boy named Haku who seems to remember Chihiro from a distant memory that he's now forgotten, but his intuition tells him to help the lost girl survive by finding work and acceptance from the spirits. Determined to save her parents who have been transformed into pigs after being cursed for entering a land forbidden to humans, Chihiro overcomes her inner fears and sadness that gives her the courage she needs to confront the bizarre land she now inhabits as well as learning to leave her past life behind.
It's easy to mistake Chihiro as a bit of a brat when we first meet her, but we soon learn that she's actually quite intuitive while her parents are somewhat ignorant of her personal feelings. Being forced to leave everything she cares about behind and having no one around to help her through the grieving process would be upsetting to anyone in her position, especially at such a young age. The dangers of the amusement park force her to confront the fear of moving to a new place and she learns to adapt to a new way of life. Even after feeling like her parents didn't care about what she was going through, she never once thought of abandoning them. She actually has quite a few selfless and admirable qualities.
The spirits hate the girl at first, but they learn to sympathize with her after seeing how hard she's willing to work for people that may or may not even care about her. Spirited Away is a story about selfless acts of kindness coming back to give you the support you need in your lowest moments. People will remember when you do kind things for them without them asking you for help and without you asking for anything in return. Through the many trials and aid the zany spirits of the land throw her way, Chihiro receives the extra push she needs to accept her circumstances, come to terms with her grief and move on to a better life.
At night, the amusement park comes to life, as it is inhabited by hundreds of ghosts, demons and spirits of nature. Among the strange inhabitants of the land is a boy named Haku who seems to remember Chihiro from a distant memory that he's now forgotten, but his intuition tells him to help the lost girl survive by finding work and acceptance from the spirits. Determined to save her parents who have been transformed into pigs after being cursed for entering a land forbidden to humans, Chihiro overcomes her inner fears and sadness that gives her the courage she needs to confront the bizarre land she now inhabits as well as learning to leave her past life behind.
It's easy to mistake Chihiro as a bit of a brat when we first meet her, but we soon learn that she's actually quite intuitive while her parents are somewhat ignorant of her personal feelings. Being forced to leave everything she cares about behind and having no one around to help her through the grieving process would be upsetting to anyone in her position, especially at such a young age. The dangers of the amusement park force her to confront the fear of moving to a new place and she learns to adapt to a new way of life. Even after feeling like her parents didn't care about what she was going through, she never once thought of abandoning them. She actually has quite a few selfless and admirable qualities.
The spirits hate the girl at first, but they learn to sympathize with her after seeing how hard she's willing to work for people that may or may not even care about her. Spirited Away is a story about selfless acts of kindness coming back to give you the support you need in your lowest moments. People will remember when you do kind things for them without them asking you for help and without you asking for anything in return. Through the many trials and aid the zany spirits of the land throw her way, Chihiro receives the extra push she needs to accept her circumstances, come to terms with her grief and move on to a better life.
August 10, 2018
This was kinda weird. XD But I still really liked it, though!
February 11, 2016
Spirited Away is a fun read for those looking to get into manga. The story centers around a young girl named Chihiro who is moving to a new home. Along the way, her father gets lost and they end up in an area they believe to be an amusement park. The joke is on them, however, when the land turns out to be one for spirits only. Her parents eventually get turned into swine, and in an effort to get them back Chihiro must try to get a job and excel in the spirit world.
Many of the reviews say this book is indistinguishable from the movie, but I'd have to disagree. To begin, the detail in each panel of the book can be appreciated much more than in the movie. For example, in the 4th volume, the ocean scenes feature detailed waves and an oceanic view. The panels are calm and the gutters are clean, reflecting the serene nature of the scene. However, as the action continues, the scenes become alive too. The speech bubbles are outlined in sharp, pointy outlines that emphasize the chaos ensuing at the bath house. When paper birds attack, the birds fly out of the panels, through the gutters and onto other pages. Despite that it is in paper, the whole manga reads with as much action and thought as a movie. Similarly to movies, the illustrations really guide the text. The reader could get as much out of the book without the text. The use of color and symbolism enlivens the reading, and builds suspense as readers try and predict the next plot twist.
Overall, for those readers who have interest in manga, I would highly recommend the series. The character development, plot and story come alive much more in the manga where the reader can use their imagination to complete the adventure herself.
Many of the reviews say this book is indistinguishable from the movie, but I'd have to disagree. To begin, the detail in each panel of the book can be appreciated much more than in the movie. For example, in the 4th volume, the ocean scenes feature detailed waves and an oceanic view. The panels are calm and the gutters are clean, reflecting the serene nature of the scene. However, as the action continues, the scenes become alive too. The speech bubbles are outlined in sharp, pointy outlines that emphasize the chaos ensuing at the bath house. When paper birds attack, the birds fly out of the panels, through the gutters and onto other pages. Despite that it is in paper, the whole manga reads with as much action and thought as a movie. Similarly to movies, the illustrations really guide the text. The reader could get as much out of the book without the text. The use of color and symbolism enlivens the reading, and builds suspense as readers try and predict the next plot twist.
Overall, for those readers who have interest in manga, I would highly recommend the series. The character development, plot and story come alive much more in the manga where the reader can use their imagination to complete the adventure herself.
May 10, 2019
I'm biased because Spirited Away is one of my favourite movies.
January 6, 2025
3🌟
Plot was gripping and mysterious.
MC - Chihiro was the most practical character I have read so far, she represents the real emotion.....when one hit the rock bottom in life.
Super excited for the volume 2😁
Plot was gripping and mysterious.
MC - Chihiro was the most practical character I have read so far, she represents the real emotion.....when one hit the rock bottom in life.
Super excited for the volume 2😁
October 30, 2010
Miyazaki. 'nough said.
January 30, 2014
Chihiro is a lively girl who senses the bad virtures of what is to follow of their parents visiting the spirits realm, but is ignored and constantly told that there is nothing to fear. When something does happen she finds her parents turned into pigs and must seek help form Haku, an apprentice of a magical being who steal peoples names, Yu-Baaba. Chihiro, now under the name of sen, must remember her name, deal with daily life in the spirit hotel, and identify her parents among the many pigs to go home! The beautiful story about this heart warming reunion between family, and between Kohaku (aka Haku) and Chihiro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2017
One of my favorite movies <3
July 20, 2016
Keeping with one of my 2014 reading resolutions to read more graphic novels I was thrilled to find this at my library. It was beautiful and fantastical and creepy all at the same time. The art was some of the best that I have ever seen. So you might ask - why didn't I give it five stars? Well this was a solid 4.5 stars and I had to round up or down and I rounded down to 4 stars
Because
This is the first in a series! I did not know that when I got it. Can't anyone write a stand alone anything anymore? I'm so entirely sick of everything being part of a series. I like series as much as the next person but I also like and respect an author who can write a stand alone tale without wrapping up my time with 4 to 5 more stories....aaarrrrggg!
Because
This is the first in a series! I did not know that when I got it. Can't anyone write a stand alone anything anymore? I'm so entirely sick of everything being part of a series. I like series as much as the next person but I also like and respect an author who can write a stand alone tale without wrapping up my time with 4 to 5 more stories....aaarrrrggg!
April 19, 2008
-mr. miyazaki
-has done it again
-such unpredictable
-events
-the ghosts and monsters
-scared me [just a bit]
-such beautiful art
-like always
-better than disney
-has done it again
-such unpredictable
-events
-the ghosts and monsters
-scared me [just a bit]
-such beautiful art
-like always
-better than disney
August 20, 2021
It’s moving day for Chihiro and her parents. As they drive to their new home, her father ends up in front of a long tunnel in the midst of the forest. Curiosity strikes her parents as they get out to go explore.
Initially reluctant, Chihiro follows them as they walk through and make it out to the other side, which opens up into an abandoned amusement park. Chihiro separates from her hungry parents to look around, but runs into a boy named Haku.
Night falls and Chihiro is stuck in a world of spirits as the only human. With Haku's help, she tries to find out how she can reunite with her parents and make it back to the real world. But first, Haku sends her to Kamaji, the boiler man, telling her that she needs to find work.
I absolutely love this story, and it is one of my all-time favorite movies as well. Therefore, I’d recommend this manga to anyone - both teens and adults. It includes colored photos from the actual movie so it’s very easy for the reader to get absorbed into the world of spirits with Chihiro and Haku.
- Chloe, Grade 11
Initially reluctant, Chihiro follows them as they walk through and make it out to the other side, which opens up into an abandoned amusement park. Chihiro separates from her hungry parents to look around, but runs into a boy named Haku.
Night falls and Chihiro is stuck in a world of spirits as the only human. With Haku's help, she tries to find out how she can reunite with her parents and make it back to the real world. But first, Haku sends her to Kamaji, the boiler man, telling her that she needs to find work.
I absolutely love this story, and it is one of my all-time favorite movies as well. Therefore, I’d recommend this manga to anyone - both teens and adults. It includes colored photos from the actual movie so it’s very easy for the reader to get absorbed into the world of spirits with Chihiro and Haku.
- Chloe, Grade 11
April 23, 2018
Posted : 9 years, 7 months ago on 16 September 2008 10:35 (A review of Spirited Away)
''Don't you see? It's called... Love.''
In the middle of her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl Chihiro/ Sen wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches, and monsters; where humans are changed into animals; and a bathhouse for these creatures.
Rumi Hiragi: Chihiro / Sen
''...Once you've met someone you never really forget them. It just takes a while for your memories to return...''
Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece is obviously a very foreign Anime piece; not simply because it comes from another country i.e: Japan. There is an imagination at work that is so organic, so remote that it seems to be given birth from an individual's subconscious. Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi(2001) from Studio Ghibli connects universally; speaking as it does in a language that suggests anything is possible and children (Plus imaginative adults) of all cultures will respond to it instinctively.
The soundtrack is also very effective in setting the mood in key areas of the story.
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi is trying to explain death in a simplistic yet secretive way to children; The creature/character No Face would be a likely candidate for that assumption.
Chihiro lets him in and does not fear him as with the adults fear of him; because she doesn't understand what he is. Interestingly, No Face travels on the ghost train and is, consequently, the only companion invited to stay with Granny when the friends decide to make their return journey.
Interestingly, the character No Face greatly resembles a silkworm. First, the film is Japanese and silkworms are important in Japanese culture. No face seems to have a white face and a mouth below it; Silkworms also have markings that look like facial features, and their mouths are below these indentations. Silkworms and No Face eat constantly and grow rapidly. At the end of the movie, No Face goes with Sen to visit Zeniba. No Face stays with Zeniba spinning silk which symbolizes the importance of the material and the creature. Miyazaki has created a perfect representation of the silkworm and an iconic character in the shape of No Face.
Personal favourite sequences included are the battle against No Face as Chihiro fends him away; by simply using a medicine/cure she was given and teaching him the importance of friendship. Also, revealing whom Haku really is and showing such loyalty to the one you love is a subtle touch; portraying the value of the emotional bond.
The moral of this epic story is that sometimes perhaps, you need to mature and learn that you can't rely on someone else to save you.
It teaches us we must also value Friendship and loyalty with those few whom deserve it.
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi is a fantastic animation from Studio Ghibli's Miyazaki; with beautiful music, charming characters, a storyline that sucks you in with art and imagination; beyond possibility and comparison.
First anime film to be nominated for (and win) an Academy Award. It also has the longest runtime of any other film nominated or winning in that category (125 minutes).
Also of note, the flexible light creation that jumps around and leads to the house is a reference to Pixar's mascot, Luxo Jr. Miyazaki is a big fan of Pixar and wanted to show his admiration with this sequence. Many of his inspirations are given tribute by Miyazaki.
Triumphantly in 2003,Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi won the Oscar Best Animated Feature for Hayao Miyazaki; although Miyazaki was not present at the Awards ceremony, he definitely, like his Award winning piece, was there in spirit.
Simply put; a must see for any Anime fan, any fan of Ghibli studios; a story able to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi, or Spirited Away for Western audiences will leave you breathless and satisfied. It will capture your imagination and leave you spellbound.
''Don't you see? It's called... Love.''
In the middle of her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl Chihiro/ Sen wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches, and monsters; where humans are changed into animals; and a bathhouse for these creatures.
Rumi Hiragi: Chihiro / Sen
''...Once you've met someone you never really forget them. It just takes a while for your memories to return...''
Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece is obviously a very foreign Anime piece; not simply because it comes from another country i.e: Japan. There is an imagination at work that is so organic, so remote that it seems to be given birth from an individual's subconscious. Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi(2001) from Studio Ghibli connects universally; speaking as it does in a language that suggests anything is possible and children (Plus imaginative adults) of all cultures will respond to it instinctively.
The soundtrack is also very effective in setting the mood in key areas of the story.
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi is trying to explain death in a simplistic yet secretive way to children; The creature/character No Face would be a likely candidate for that assumption.
Chihiro lets him in and does not fear him as with the adults fear of him; because she doesn't understand what he is. Interestingly, No Face travels on the ghost train and is, consequently, the only companion invited to stay with Granny when the friends decide to make their return journey.
Interestingly, the character No Face greatly resembles a silkworm. First, the film is Japanese and silkworms are important in Japanese culture. No face seems to have a white face and a mouth below it; Silkworms also have markings that look like facial features, and their mouths are below these indentations. Silkworms and No Face eat constantly and grow rapidly. At the end of the movie, No Face goes with Sen to visit Zeniba. No Face stays with Zeniba spinning silk which symbolizes the importance of the material and the creature. Miyazaki has created a perfect representation of the silkworm and an iconic character in the shape of No Face.
Personal favourite sequences included are the battle against No Face as Chihiro fends him away; by simply using a medicine/cure she was given and teaching him the importance of friendship. Also, revealing whom Haku really is and showing such loyalty to the one you love is a subtle touch; portraying the value of the emotional bond.
The moral of this epic story is that sometimes perhaps, you need to mature and learn that you can't rely on someone else to save you.
It teaches us we must also value Friendship and loyalty with those few whom deserve it.
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi is a fantastic animation from Studio Ghibli's Miyazaki; with beautiful music, charming characters, a storyline that sucks you in with art and imagination; beyond possibility and comparison.
First anime film to be nominated for (and win) an Academy Award. It also has the longest runtime of any other film nominated or winning in that category (125 minutes).
Also of note, the flexible light creation that jumps around and leads to the house is a reference to Pixar's mascot, Luxo Jr. Miyazaki is a big fan of Pixar and wanted to show his admiration with this sequence. Many of his inspirations are given tribute by Miyazaki.
Triumphantly in 2003,Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi won the Oscar Best Animated Feature for Hayao Miyazaki; although Miyazaki was not present at the Awards ceremony, he definitely, like his Award winning piece, was there in spirit.
Simply put; a must see for any Anime fan, any fan of Ghibli studios; a story able to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi, or Spirited Away for Western audiences will leave you breathless and satisfied. It will capture your imagination and leave you spellbound.
June 2, 2015
This is just the first of several volumes and really just sets up the story. Seems interesting and different but not sure I will continue the series. It got much better after I figured out I was trying to read the story backwards! You would think because I'm currently living in Japan I would have known to read it right to left but it never dawned on me until I realized I was starting on page 146!
November 12, 2012
Not nearly as good as the movie--it was made, I understand, after the film not before as with Nausica, another great Miyazaki manga and film.
October 26, 2021
olen mangasid ju enne ka lugenud, aga sellise peale polnud veel sattunud, kus oleks eraldi lehekülgedel lahti kirjutatud ja ära tõlgitud need kanjid, mis tähistavad igasuguseid hääli, aga ka värisemist või pilguheitu või tule süttimist. see oli päris lahe.
filmi ma ka pole näinud ja tegelikult tahaks. ilus filmilik tundus see manga ise ka muidugi. ja raamatu esimene osa muidugi lõppes ära kõige põnevama koha peal ja järgmisi mu raamatukogus pole:(
filmi ma ka pole näinud ja tegelikult tahaks. ilus filmilik tundus see manga ise ka muidugi. ja raamatu esimene osa muidugi lõppes ära kõige põnevama koha peal ja järgmisi mu raamatukogus pole:(
June 4, 2024
It was a great adaptation to the movie, well every single panel is a shot from the movie, and the dialog was taken from the movie, so it is as if the movie was turned into a manga. This means every single detail from the movie is in this book. Well, the first 20 or so minutes of the movie, this is only volume one. The only problem I had with this manga was that the sound effects were in Japanese, and I only knew like 3 of the sounds. I know that it's supposed to make the story feel more real, but they made reading take longer than it should've, and it's hard for me to read Japanese to begin with, I only know hello and other greetings in Japanese. But if you know what the sound effects are, you'll have a good time. I'm not going to take any stars from my rating, it would be unfair to say I didn't like it because I can't read Japanese and don't really know how the sound effects are supposed to be. One time the translation was a little choppy, the main character, a young girl said something like "Sorry, I took a breath", which sounded really out of character. She should've said something like "Sorry, I breathed", but it's okay. I liked how the parents turned into pigs, some might find that terrifying, but I find people turning into fat stupid pigs funny, because they're now fat and stupid. The last thing that I want to say that I liked was how the dialog is good, like how the main character will not want to go to the place where her parents want to go. But then she gets scared for being alone because her parents left her to go to said place and says something like "Wait for me!" The reason why I rate it 4 stars and not 5 was because I didn't really get into the book. I guess it wasn't for me. Maybe it's because I don't really like reading right now because it takes me a while and I can't really get into books anymore. But it was great to read anyways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2022
It makes makes me just want to watch the movie.
May 19, 2023
This book transported to a world filled with enchanting spirits and fantastical creatures. The protagonist's courage and resilience left a lasting impression, reminding me of the power of self-discovery and the strength that lies within.
March 5, 2012
This novel is by a Japanese author named Miyazaki Hayao. It is about a ten year old girl Chihiro with his parents driving back home when her dad takes the wrong way into a mysterious forest. They have no idea how to get back to their home, but they find a suspicious looking place, but they decided to go in. Her parents finds a restaurant and starts eating, but something wasn't just right. Her parents would never put their plates down and keeps on eating. While they were eating, they slowly turned into pigs which made Chihiro freak out. She had no idea what to do until then, she met a boy named Haku. Haku tells her that she was in the world of ghost, demonds and strange gods and the only way to leave this place is to do work for somebody.
She then meets a nice old man with six legs in the boiler room named Kamaji with a slug girl named Lin. Kamaji tells her that working for a woman named Yu-baaba is the only way to get out of this place, but she wasn't just a woman, she was the most powerful and evil sorcerer in this world. Chihiro freaked out for a second but she would do anything to get out of this place. Haku leads Chihiro to Yu-baaba's place and she was very old and loud. Yu-baaba changed Chihiro's name into Sen and gets her to work. The first day of work in Yu-baaba's place was very though for her. She would have to scrub the whole floor and was made fun of since she was a human.
Every night, she would sneak out of her palace and meets Haku, and one night Haku tells her that he is a dragon and he has met Chihiro before, and the only way to memorize where or when Haku met her was to break Yu-baaba's curse and to meet her sister who is the opposite of evil.
She then meets a nice old man with six legs in the boiler room named Kamaji with a slug girl named Lin. Kamaji tells her that working for a woman named Yu-baaba is the only way to get out of this place, but she wasn't just a woman, she was the most powerful and evil sorcerer in this world. Chihiro freaked out for a second but she would do anything to get out of this place. Haku leads Chihiro to Yu-baaba's place and she was very old and loud. Yu-baaba changed Chihiro's name into Sen and gets her to work. The first day of work in Yu-baaba's place was very though for her. She would have to scrub the whole floor and was made fun of since she was a human.
Every night, she would sneak out of her palace and meets Haku, and one night Haku tells her that he is a dragon and he has met Chihiro before, and the only way to memorize where or when Haku met her was to break Yu-baaba's curse and to meet her sister who is the opposite of evil.
March 3, 2017
Spirited Away volume 1, based on the movie by Hayao Miyazaki, tells the story of Chihiro. She's being forced to move to a new home, a new school and is not taking it well. On the way to the new house, she and her parents stop alongside the road. Her parents stumble upon a few food booths and begin to eat, but Chihiro feels something is not right. She stumbles upon a ghost town and is at the mercy of the spirits, provided she follow a few rules outlined by a mysterious stranger.
Fast forward to the future (no timeline, for sure), Chihiro, now named Sen is trying to work within the bath house and learning to live according to the rules within the ghost world. But something calls to her, her old life. She needs to make certain she doesn't forget her old life, her old name AND her parents. But when she accidentally brings in something that doesn't belong, she puts everything into jeopardy. Including her own name.
Spirited Away is my favorite movie of its type and I am happy I picked this up. The sturdy construction of the paperback has a dust cover AND features print-like clips from the film, scene by scene.
Who would read this: Fans of Studio Ghibli, Geeks (like me) who haven't read manga but love the movie, anyone interested in a good, strong female character--this is an ALL ages book.
Time to Read: This took about 30 minutes… I wish it had gone on longer.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Funny Story: I don't really read manga, I may open it up to Studio Ghibli books because this was AWESOME!
Final thoughts: It was hard to get all of the books, but it was totally worth it. While I would not have selected a manga normally, it was part of a challenge--and I am so happy I actually read it! It may have opened a door.
Fast forward to the future (no timeline, for sure), Chihiro, now named Sen is trying to work within the bath house and learning to live according to the rules within the ghost world. But something calls to her, her old life. She needs to make certain she doesn't forget her old life, her old name AND her parents. But when she accidentally brings in something that doesn't belong, she puts everything into jeopardy. Including her own name.
Spirited Away is my favorite movie of its type and I am happy I picked this up. The sturdy construction of the paperback has a dust cover AND features print-like clips from the film, scene by scene.
Who would read this: Fans of Studio Ghibli, Geeks (like me) who haven't read manga but love the movie, anyone interested in a good, strong female character--this is an ALL ages book.
Time to Read: This took about 30 minutes… I wish it had gone on longer.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Funny Story: I don't really read manga, I may open it up to Studio Ghibli books because this was AWESOME!
Final thoughts: It was hard to get all of the books, but it was totally worth it. While I would not have selected a manga normally, it was part of a challenge--and I am so happy I actually read it! It may have opened a door.
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May 1, 2025Despite Spirited Away not being my favorite film out of the legendary Studio Ghibli (I probably just need to rewatch it), I still thought of it as a remarkable achievement and beautifully-presented film, and further proof that Hayao Miyazaki is and always will be one of the best filmmakers to ever live, which not enough people say.
I only read this novelization of the film's first fifth in my English class due to me forgetting Nicholas Pileggi's Wise Guys at home. Before reading it, I had no idea that Studio Ghibli films had been turned into graphic novels. It seemed kind of pointless, but I was willing to keep an open mind, due to my deep love of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki. But I was honestly correct before: this is pointless.
Literally every single panel in this book is a screenshot from the movie, without any thought put into how it would function in an entirely different format. This book entirely gets rid of the best part of Spirited Away: the fluidity. The clothes in the film are more fluid and lively than real clothes. When characters embrace, the love between them is so palpable. And NONE of that is communicated in this stilted novelization. The energy felt when Chichiro climbs down the steep staircase is now non-existent. It's so awful.
In short, this is a truly shameless cash-grab banking of the popularity of one of the greatest achievements in the medium of animation. Not even worthy of a rating. No, I will not be reading the other volumes. Now I just want to rewatch the film.
I only read this novelization of the film's first fifth in my English class due to me forgetting Nicholas Pileggi's Wise Guys at home. Before reading it, I had no idea that Studio Ghibli films had been turned into graphic novels. It seemed kind of pointless, but I was willing to keep an open mind, due to my deep love of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki. But I was honestly correct before: this is pointless.
Literally every single panel in this book is a screenshot from the movie, without any thought put into how it would function in an entirely different format. This book entirely gets rid of the best part of Spirited Away: the fluidity. The clothes in the film are more fluid and lively than real clothes. When characters embrace, the love between them is so palpable. And NONE of that is communicated in this stilted novelization. The energy felt when Chichiro climbs down the steep staircase is now non-existent. It's so awful.
In short, this is a truly shameless cash-grab banking of the popularity of one of the greatest achievements in the medium of animation. Not even worthy of a rating. No, I will not be reading the other volumes. Now I just want to rewatch the film.
February 26, 2023
pure nostalgia, I watched spirited away as a kid and I always thought it was a masterpiece. Reliving the story is amazing.
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February 11, 2016Spirited Away is about a young girl named Chihiro. Her and her parents are riding along to their new home. Stupidly, her dad makes a wrong turn thinking it would be a quicker route to their house. They get trapped in the middle of a forest and walk into a tunnel that leads them to a mysterious place. When Chihiro runs off, what's left of the real world is behind her and comes out monsters. This brings out the culture and individual through literary, physical, visual, and artistic devices.
Chihiro's character is very shy and underdevelopment for her age. She had much to grow through this story to find her true identity. The theme is mixed with her losing her identity as a child and growing into a young adult. There are many components that helped tell this story through its text and illustrations. Scenes were surrounded by buildings which lines created to show height and depth in the pages. There are also many colors being expressed throughout the pictures. Mostly green (she wears), yellow, pink, blue, and red. Red seemed to be the dominant of all that showed signs of warmth or even danger. Between the readers and the text it showed surrealistic interaction. Chihiro felt like she was dreaming but when in reality it was real and she had to face what wasn't in her imagination.
Chihiro's character is very shy and underdevelopment for her age. She had much to grow through this story to find her true identity. The theme is mixed with her losing her identity as a child and growing into a young adult. There are many components that helped tell this story through its text and illustrations. Scenes were surrounded by buildings which lines created to show height and depth in the pages. There are also many colors being expressed throughout the pictures. Mostly green (she wears), yellow, pink, blue, and red. Red seemed to be the dominant of all that showed signs of warmth or even danger. Between the readers and the text it showed surrealistic interaction. Chihiro felt like she was dreaming but when in reality it was real and she had to face what wasn't in her imagination.
January 21, 2017
This is not a review of this single volume, but of the series as a whole.
Like I said in my review of the Princess Mononoke Film Comic, one misses out on the gorgeous animation and beautiful soundtrack by experiencing this story in the graphic novel format rather than as a film. However, unlike the Princess Mononoke comic, where I missed the animation and soundtrack enough to dock it a whole star, I left in all five stars for this one. Why? I honestly can't give a definite reason. Maybe this was a simple case of reading the perfect story at the perfect time. Perhaps the artwork, plot, and characters were so compelling on their own that Spirited Away didn't feel quite as naked without the icing on the cake as Princess Mononoke did. Either way, if you're looking to experience this beautiful tale in a manner that allows you to savor and enjoy it at a book's pace rather than a movie's pace, you can't go wrong with the Spirited Away film comic series.
Like I said in my review of the Princess Mononoke Film Comic, one misses out on the gorgeous animation and beautiful soundtrack by experiencing this story in the graphic novel format rather than as a film. However, unlike the Princess Mononoke comic, where I missed the animation and soundtrack enough to dock it a whole star, I left in all five stars for this one. Why? I honestly can't give a definite reason. Maybe this was a simple case of reading the perfect story at the perfect time. Perhaps the artwork, plot, and characters were so compelling on their own that Spirited Away didn't feel quite as naked without the icing on the cake as Princess Mononoke did. Either way, if you're looking to experience this beautiful tale in a manner that allows you to savor and enjoy it at a book's pace rather than a movie's pace, you can't go wrong with the Spirited Away film comic series.
November 13, 2017
3.5☆ really, but Goodreads doesn't have half starts. I love the movie Spirited Away, it was the first Miyazaki film I ever saw and fell in love with it. That was when i was 12 or so, and it been a few years since the last time I rewatched it. If I'm honest I forgot how annoying Chihiro could be when she acts like a winny brat who has these stupid temper tantrumes for 5 seconds. Then you have here parents who are unreliable, irresponsible, stupid, and neglectful. They were going to leave there child in a car by herself at 10 years old why the wonder around and then they deside to eat random food without permission in a random place. I can understand Chihiro respones and behaviors given everything, but that doesn't change how she irritates me at certain parts. When the magical spirit world kicks in is when the book start to hit it stride, but that right where this volume ends. Bit of a bummer, but makes me exsited to pick up next volume very soon.
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June 18, 2012im about halfway through and am finding it i pretty good read. for what it is its seemingly childish appearance and output it seems to cover a fair few mature themes. it also seems to grip the reader as you see this gradual journey of a young girl trying to reclaim her family who have been overcome with greed and ironically turned into pigs for it. during this journey the mount of twists and pure imaginative creations by the author seem to amaze and mesmorise the reader or viewer, depending on wheter you are reading it or watching it. in the book however i found it a relly good read as it was evenly balanced between action and description and you never seemed to think about having to much of one as it was changing drastically at points when you wouldnt expeect it and yet you were also waiting for something along those lines to happen.
put simply, brilliant 9/10 almost perfect.
put simply, brilliant 9/10 almost perfect.
April 8, 2018
Spirited Away, Volume 1 is first in a series of manga based on the Studio Ghibli film. It is essentially screen shots from the film in manga style. The sound effects are written in Japanese with page by page translations at the end of the book. The story follows Chihiro as she moves to a new home with her family. Along the way her father takes a wrong turn and they end up in an abandoned theme park that turns out to be much more than that.
Reading the Spirited Away graphic novel didn't add much to the movie watching experience, but it is a good introduction if you've never read a manga before. The illustrations are marvelous, as with any Studio Ghibli creation, and the plot moves quickly. Fans of the film or those interested in an easy start to manga will enjoy this one.
Reading the Spirited Away graphic novel didn't add much to the movie watching experience, but it is a good introduction if you've never read a manga before. The illustrations are marvelous, as with any Studio Ghibli creation, and the plot moves quickly. Fans of the film or those interested in an easy start to manga will enjoy this one.
March 5, 2020
“Those are shrines. Some people believe spirits live in them.”
Uh, this was one of my favorite childhood movies 🌷 so reading this manga adaption was really making me nostalgic. I loved this one so so much!!! I definitely have to rewatch the movie now, it is my favorite Studio Ghibli one! I'M GETTING EMOTIONAL MY CHILDHOOD 😭💗
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October 28, 2013
I read this book in the october brake. This story is come from the movie.
The girl, who move to the another city (like us), she don't want to move to another where, because her old friends is all in the old city, but when she move to another where, she can't meet and play and study together. I think she don't want to study or play alone.
When she almost get to the new city, she remember when her old friends give to her to good bye present. She was getting cried, but she didn't cried. She thins, if her friends know she was cried, all her friends will be all laughing. I think she don't want to people to say something bed word to her.
The girl, who move to the another city (like us), she don't want to move to another where, because her old friends is all in the old city, but when she move to another where, she can't meet and play and study together. I think she don't want to study or play alone.
When she almost get to the new city, she remember when her old friends give to her to good bye present. She was getting cried, but she didn't cried. She thins, if her friends know she was cried, all her friends will be all laughing. I think she don't want to people to say something bed word to her.
November 19, 2008
For one thing, i didn't realize that this was going to be a series, so was quite disappointed when i got to the end, but it wasn't really the end. Also, my understanding is that this is base on a movie - and I am guessing that this is one of those rare instances where the movie is actually better then the book. Maybe I was just turned off by the sound effects being written in Japanese, making it difficult for me to understand them without constant referral to the lexicon.
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