Podcast Summary: The Big Picture – “The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 19 - ‘Spirited Away’”

Episode Information:

• Title: The 25 Best Movies of the Century: No. 19 - ‘Spirited Away’
• Host: Sean Fennessey & Amanda Dobbins
• Release Date: May 26, 2025
• Podcast: The Big Picture by The Ringer
• Description: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins delve into the cinematic masterpiece Spirited Away, exploring its significance, themes, and enduring legacy. The episode features insightful discussions, comparisons to other influential films, and reflections on Studio Ghibli's impact on global cinema.

Introduction to Spirited Away

[01:43] Sean Fennessey: "For 25, a Big Picture special conversation show about Spirited Away. We finally have an animated film on our list. Amanda, how are you feeling about that fact?"

Sean and Amanda introduce Spirited Away as their 25th pick, marking the only animated film on their prestigious list of the century's best movies.

Amanda Dobbins: "I feel great. Jack, our producer was like, I don't know what the argument against Spirited Away would be. And that's not the point of this series that we're doing."
[01:57]

Why Choose Spirited Away?

The hosts express unanimous admiration for Spirited Away, emphasizing its status as a visual and narrative masterpiece that transcends the typical confines of animation.

Amanda Dobbins: "There are no arguments. What a beautiful film."
[02:07]

Sean acknowledges the historical significance of the film in bridging cultures and generations.

Sean Fennessey: "Miyazaki, one of them maybe at the top of the inarguable leaderboard of filmmakers along with like Spielberg and Coppola..."
[03:56]

Cultural and Generational Impact

[04:31]
Sean elaborates on how Spirited Away became a phenomenon in Japan and its subsequent international acclaim. He compares its impact to Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park, highlighting the film's ability to resonate across diverse audiences.

Sean Fennessey: "It's a movie literally about life and death and everything in between those spaces. So this was a huge movie in Japan, and I think it's a fitting movie to add to our list..."
[04:31]

Amanda adds that the film has a profound generational appeal, especially among younger audiences who grew up with Miyazaki's storytelling.

Amanda Dobbins: "Miyazaki films became so huge to kids about 10 to 15 years younger than us."
[06:38]

Artistic Excellence and Animation Style

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Miyazaki's unparalleled animation style, which seamlessly integrates intricate backgrounds, vibrant colors, and dynamic movement to create an immersive experience.

Sean Fennessey: "Miyazaki's hand-drawn animation... you can watch this movie a few times and see something different in every corner of every action."
[15:04]

Amanda Dobbins: "It is a feat of imagination. It is a feat of composition. It is a feat of just something that you want to look at."
[16:55]

They contrast this with more commercial animated films, praising Miyazaki's ability to infuse depth and artistry without resorting to mere spectacle.

Narrative and Thematic Depth

The hosts delve into the film's complex themes, such as the transition from childhood to adolescence, environmentalism, and cultural identity.

Sean Fennessey: "This movie is a really important bridge for generations of movie fans to be more open to international stories. But I think it's also a huge bridge for animation at large, being accepted beyond your typical Disney storytelling style."
[35:27]

Amanda Dobbins: "This is just like a strange and exciting fairy tale... your imagination can get funky too."
[10:18]

They discuss how Spirited Away portrays the protagonist Chihiro's emotional turmoil and growth amidst fantastical challenges, making it relatable to both children and adults.

Comparisons to Other Films and Influences

Sean and Amanda draw parallels between Spirited Away and other classic and modern films, highlighting Miyazaki's influences from Western cinema and his influence on contemporary storytellers.

Sean Fennessey: "Alice in Wonderland... Pinocchio... Peter Pan... the thin line between human and beast..."
[11:00]

They also mention how Spirited Away set the stage for the globalization of cinema, influencing films like Parasite and paving the way for international stories to gain mainstream acceptance.

Characters and Symbolism

The discussion touches upon the rich character development and symbolic elements within the film, such as Yubaba, Zeniba, and the transformation of Chihiro's parents into pigs.

Amanda Dobbins: "Chihiro is not like a typical girl character... she is vulnerable even at the same time as she is really focused on getting her parents back."
[14:12]

Sean Fennessey: "Yubaba... twin sister Zeniba... there's some Wicked Witch of the West stuff going on there."
[34:07]

They explore how these characters represent deeper societal and environmental themes, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.

Legacy and Enduring Relevance

Sean and Amanda reflect on Miyazaki's continued influence and the timelessness of Spirited Away. They speculate on its standing as a "perfect movie" and its role in inspiring future filmmakers and storytellers.

Sean Fennessey: "Steven Spielberg very famously said, I think this is better than any Disney movie ever made. And that's high praise from somebody who understands what it's like to reach for a perfect movie."
[27:30]

Amanda Dobbins: "The influence of this movie is not just in like the other animated films, but in how all the young people watch movies."
[27:25]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts emphasize the unique position of Spirited Away in cinematic history, celebrating its artistic merit, emotional depth, and cultural significance.

Sean Fennessey: "I think it makes it a really elegant inclusion in this list. And Miyazaki, we gotta appreciate him while we got him."
[37:03]

Amanda Dobbins: "It's a coming of age story in a lot of ways, as well as being a fantasy story. And so those are technically about younger people, but we consume them through all ages of life."
[32:55]

They conclude by acknowledging Miyazaki's commitment to his craft and the enduring legacy of his work, ensuring that Spirited Away remains a beloved classic for generations to come.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Fennessey [15:04]: "The act of creation."
• Amanda Dobbins [16:55]: "It is a feat of imagination. It is a feat of composition. It is a feat of just something that you want to look at."
• Sean Fennessey [27:30]: "What is the imperfect version of Spirited Away? ... It is singular."
• Amanda Dobbins [32:21]: "He seems to maintain a childlike wonder."
• Sean Fennessey [33:05]: "It's way too early. ... it's not Ponyo. It's not even Porco Rosso..."

Final Notes:

This episode of The Big Picture offers an in-depth exploration of Spirited Away, celebrating its artistry, storytelling, and cultural impact. Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins provide a nuanced analysis that underscores why this animated gem deserves its place among the century's best films.