Hayao Miyazai's award-winning film Spirited Away continues many of the celebrated director/ animator's cinematic tropes. Strong, young female lead goes on a journey of self-discovery through an enchanted, natural world and uncovers a world of fantasy and intrigue where she must learn to survive for herself. If you think there's something dull or overused in that formula, think again. Miyazaki's tendency to stimulate viewers with his progressive themes and commendable portrayal of female characters has won him acclaim all over the world, matched only by a few. Revisit this 2002 masterpiece and follow Chihiro as she goes down a strange rabbit hole to meet magical beasts, witches, and other surreal creatures; you might have a few self-discoveries of your own.
Wed., Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., 2015
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.