Welcome to Episode 86 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” This week we continue our countdown of Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time.

Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” is the “other” film many consider to be Miyazaki’s best work, on a par with “Princess Mononoke”. It’s story recalls classic Lewis Carroll tales, in that a young girl is drawn into a magical realm, representing the boundary between childhood and adulthood, and must learn to navigate her way through it. But there are larger issues being depicted here too, not the least of which reflects the generational changes in Japanese society. There’s a kind of yearning for the old ways, as it becomes clear that greed and consumerism are taking a toll on the natural world. This film is very much about the need to find a balance in life. It’s also one of the most gorgeous examples of hand-drawn animation you’ll ever see. 2001’s “Spirited Away” is by turns strange, mysterious, funny, endearing, and thrilling. But is it for everyone? Particularly westerners.

Joining your host Adam Stolfo is Reel Chat stalwarts Andrew McCaskill, Penny Jelly and Damon Quah. Join the team as they discuss Hayao Miyazaki’s legacy and body of work, the differences between the English dubbed version and the original Japanese version, the 2 separate cast members, the restrained but evocative score by Joe Hisaishi, the gorgeous animation style, it’s high-quality Blu-ray release, as well as detailed discussion on the film’s cultural impact in both Japanese and western cultures.

So does “Spirited Away” deserve it’s spot in the Top 100? And is position number 80 where it belongs?

THE TEAM’S REVIEW SCORES

Adam            2 1/2 out of 5

Andrew         3 out of 5 – RECOMMEND

Penny           4 out of 5 – RECOMMEND

Damon         2 1/2 out of 5