To watch Spirited Away, is a treat. I have watched it over a dozen times and always find something new. The detail is amazing, the animation technique is masterful.
I use this film in my Leadership, Tech Lit, Digital Media, Broadcast Media, Information Design, and Journalism classes to introduce, and expose students to a multitude of concepts and examples centric to these classes.
Find below PDF resources and activities required for students to preview and use as follow-up to viewing this film. Specific activities for my classes are outlined below as well.
Roger Ebert Movie Review 2012 (2002 Revisited) – Important Reflections on the importance and value of this film 10 years later.
Spirited Away Assignment Questions – All classes.
Class Requirements:
Tech Lit – Preview assignment questions prior to watching the movie: Whole class read together on screen – lead by instructor. Be prepared to answer questions after viewing the film. Post viewing discussion will focus on digital animation technique, storyline, character development and values.
Digital Media – Preview assignment questions prior to watching the movie: Whole class read together on screen – lead by instructor. Be prepared to answer questions after viewing the film. Post viewing discussion will focus on digital animation technique, storyline, character development and values. Students will watch additional features disc showing animation technique detail, language and voice dubbing technique, and project management issues related to producing a file of this nature.
Information Design – Preview assignment questions prior to watching the movie: Whole class read together on screen – lead by instructor. Be prepared to answer questions after viewing the film. Post viewing discussion will focus on digital animation technique, storyline, character development and values. Students will watch additional features disc showing animation technique detail, language and voice dubbing technique, and project management issues related to producing a file of this nature. Discussion will also focus on the branding and marketing of the film.
Broadcast Media – Preview assignment questions prior to watching the movie: Whole class read together on screen – lead by instructor. Be prepared to answer questions after viewing the film. Post viewing discussion will focus on digital animation technique, storyline, character development and values. Students will watch additional features disc showing animation technique detail, language and voice dubbing technique, and project management issues related to producing a file of this nature. Discussion will also focus on video technique including perspective, camera angles, special effects, script writing and editing.
Journalism – Preview assignment questions prior to watching the movie: Whole class read together on screen – lead by instructor. Be prepared to answer questions after viewing the film. Post viewing discussion will focus on digital animation technique, storyline, character development and values. Discussion will focus on Roger Ebert’s initial 2002 review, and a follow-up review in 2012. Students will write their own review on the file based on movie review writing standards – handout with requirement specification will be handed out.