5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful insights, watercolour paintings and stills

L. · 29 November 2019

I used this to help for a Uni research project on the spaces in Miyazakis work and it was one of the most helpful sources. It contains so many stills and original sketches and watercolours. I would recommend it to any Spirited Away fans who want in insight into the world of Ghibli or any artists interested in the work as a precident. The English script for the movie is on the last few pages of the book too which was an unexpected bonus! The book itself is printed on really nice paper and the binding is gorgeous. It's the perfect coffee table book!TL;DR A beautiful book, great for anyone who loves art or ghibli!

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love the film

5. · 16 December 2014

What can I say? If you love the film, you will love the book. A good mix of concept art, background art, cell art and film stills (although the balance is definitely towards the film stills). Beautifully printed. Interesting to see is the distorted perspective of the indoor background scenes to allow for the camera to pan from a downward view to an upward view (a bit like a camera's fish-eye lens, but then only in one dimension). The same can be seen in the clubhouse background art in "The art of From Up On Poppy Hill"). The amount of detail in the film is amazing, this book will allow you to properly appreciate that without having to hit the pause button every ten seconds.

5.0 out of 5 stars This would have been a treasured gift, had I not bought it for myself!

T.W. · 19 March 2021

Really thorough, though accessible, examination of the art style and parts of the production process as well, coupled with character sheets, location designs and layouts. Really exciting were a few of those famous watercolour storyboards that have been so (rightly!) mythologised as part of Miyazaki’s process.There’s some entertaining interviews and descriptions from the art and animation team which animation/Ghibli (esp Miyazaki) fans will find amusing, and aspiring creators will find instructive and illuminating. When there are stills from the film, they’re well-chosen, high quality and relevant to the chapter- not haphazard. There’s a good balance of writing to pictures, feeling neither like the publishers got stingy about putting full colour printing throughtout, nor that they threw together a bunch of pictures and added text to justify releasing a book at all (I’m looking at you, Star Wars and Disney tie-ins!).Studio Ghibli seem to have put real effort in making this book.The only aspect I felt could’ve been done better were explicitly showing the artistic and folklore influences that the creators drew from for creature design and story. For the 20ish years I’ve loved this film, I’ve slowly pieced together some of the yōkai (Shinto spirits or cryptids), ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock art) and traditional folklore that might be more obvious to a Japanese audience but is wonderfully mysterious to myself as a British fan, but one day I would love to see some of those influences spelled out more explicitly.Honestly one of the best books I’ve gotten all year, would work as a gift for an arty kid or to go on a film connoisseur’s coffee-table.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hardback with crisp colourful pages

E.S. · 27 March 2019

Beautiful hardback book. The pages are glossy and thick. I also didn't know it had the script for the film at the back! That was a nice surprise. It doesn't give too much detail of the making of, as the book it made up of clips from the film with a descriptuon underneath, but there are some storyboard drawings in there too. I wouldn't recommend if you're wanting more info for the making of. But I'd definitely recommend as a gift for any Ghibli fan and as beautiful well presented book

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book

A. · 8 July 2019

Bought as a gift for my daughter who is a big fan of Spirited Away and all the Ghibli films.The display of artwork, and the way in which it’s created is beautiful and informative.There are in depth character and place/scene descriptions along with the the script.My daughter was very happy with a it.

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute pleasure

M.A.J.C. · 6 October 2012

If you're even reading this, then I will assume you are already a fan of what is an amazingly quirky, but beautiful animated film from Studio Ghibli.With the quality of the film's animation, you know what to expect here. This is a beautiful hard back book showcasing the wonderful designs and sketches from the film. I take great pride in presenting this in my living room, and from time to time, have a good browse to remind myself of the genius of Miyazaki.If you are indeed a fan of the film, you won't be disappointed with this.

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking

B.B. · 14 February 2003

This book provides some insight into the creation of one of the most beautiful and inspiring films NOT to have been distributed in the UK. For reasons unknown Spirited Away never made it to the cinema's in this country, and if you want to see a master at work it is essential that you find yourself a copy of the DVD (beg, steal or borrow) and then settle down with this and a cup of cocoa afterwards.The glossy production stills show the breathtaking amount of work in every single aspect of the production, and although the amount of written information is meagre, the sketches and storyboard samples are enough. There's also a well written section on the groundbreaking use of subtle CG effects in the film, which is both enlightening and inspiring.It's one of the greatest animations of all time - taking you on a magical trip with a little girl as she finds herself trapped in a mythical world of gods and monsters. I won't go into detail as far as the story goes, but if you want indisputable proof that Hayao Miyazaki is currently the most important person in the field of animation ANYWHERE in the world, then this is it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Magic Miyazaki

B.C. · 25 February 2019

If you love the film, then this is the book for you .Full coulour illustrations , pencil drawings and an insight into the meaning of one of Miyazaki's best animated films.A beautiful book , and a great addition to any collection.

Très beau livre

O.H. · 1 December 2013

J'ai vraiment été satisfaite du contenu du livre par rapport au prix. Les images et les nombreux dessins sont formidable et les notes et commentaires qui y sont associés très intéressants ! J'ai aussi appris pas mal de choses sur le processus de création d'un film d'animation.Ce n'est pas un livre où l'on trouve des explications sur la symbolique de telle ou telle chose ou bien des comparaisons avec les autres films de Miyazaki permettant de comprendre son univers. Mais pour quelqu'un s’intéressant davantage au côté artistique et technique, plutôt qu'au sens, c'est parfait !

Stunning Art, Great Quality

L. · 4 August 2024

This book is an amazing gift for any fan of Miyazaki‘s works. It’s absolutely worth the price and offers a great insight into the art of Spirited Away. Delivery was fast.

Not good

N. · 7 March 2024

No

A Lush Portal into Miyazaki’s Masterpiece

L.V.S. · 23 September 2025

The Art of Spirited Away is a breathtaking companion to one of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved films. This hardcover edition is packed with concept art, background paintings, character sketches, and production notes that reveal the depth of craftsmanship behind Hayao Miyazaki’s surreal coming-of-age tale.The book balances visual splendor with insightful commentary. You’ll find early drafts of Chihiro’s expressions, architectural studies of the bathhouse, and even unused creature designs that expand the world beyond the screen. The layout is clean and generous, allowing each image to breathe. It’s not just a behind-the-scenes look—it’s an invitation to linger in the spirit realm.Whether you're a Ghibli devotee or a collector of animation art, this volume is a treasure. Just be aware: some editions may have minor translation quirks or printing inconsistencies, but the overall quality remains high. A must-have for anyone who wants to understand how magic is made.

Molto bello

B. · 18 August 2021

Un volume ben stampato, con copertina cartonata, solida rilegatura e bella carta e colori. Chi ha amato "la città incantata" potrà godersi un viaggio attraverso bozzetti, schizzi e studi di ambienti e personaggi. Affascinante e magico. Il prezzo non è "economico" ma del resto chi può pretendere qualità e risparmio? Binomio infelice. Le cose belle hanno il loro costo. E questo volume merita in fondo il prezzo richiesto. "Peccato" sia in lingua originale, tuttavia anche col mio inglese maccheronico riesco a godermelo. Agli appassionati del genere lo consiglio vivamente. Consegna Bolo veloce e puntuale. Anche il mio volume era lievemente danneggiato in un angolo ( colpo subito forse cadendo) ma per fortuna in modo poco rilevante. Credo che i libri meritino un imballaggio più solido e sicuro. Ho fiducia che Bolo saprà lavorarci.