Spirited Away Reviews

Beautifully Drawn Animation

The single most impressive thing about this Japanese animation is that it is a wonderful hand drawn work of art. You have to go right back to the Disney animations of the 1940's and 50's to see anything this well crafted. And unlike American animations, the characters feel real and the Japanese work ethic shines all the way through. Whether young children will enjoy it as much as the Hollywood movies, I doubt. But as an adult, I adored it.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Strangely compelling

This animation is far East Asian, culturally , the story held my interest and kept drawing me back to find out what would happen.

Enjoyable and different.

A Magical Dark Fairytale for all ages

It is rare to come across a film that is entirely unique, charming and unpredictable, yet every film by Miyamoto fits that description, and Spirited Away is probably his most accomplished film to date. Become immersed in the dark spirit-world he has created, with its wonderful characters and scenery. Beautifully animated, with rich soundtrack, it’s a work of art. The dubbed version feels natural, unlike many anime films, and the Disney budget really shows in the quality.

Miyamoto says there is no such thing as a hero, just an ordinary person who is able to survive extraordinary challenges without giving up. Here he shows the story of a little girl moving to a new home. On the way her parents take a wrong turn and decide to explore the place they find. They discover tempting food, and her parents help themselves, though Chihiro doesn't feel comfortable. Her instinct is proved right when the food turns out to be an offering for the spirits, and her parents become trapped in the spirit world. The story unfolds as Chihiro learns to adapt to the spirit world, surviving the adversity with the aim of rescuing her parents.

I can't recommend this film enough. I'd give it six stars if I could. Suitable for children who don't mind a few scary/ghostly characters, and enough to stretch the most demanding adult viewer, this is a film that all the family can enjoy.

I love this film. Everyone I have shown it to has loved it too.

Incredible stuff

Probably one of the best animated films I've ever seen, beautifully done, an amazing cast of characters, anyone who doesn't enjoy this film has no soul. Do another one soon!

Utterly unique genius

A surreal fantasy about a little girl getting lost in an abandoned theme park, where her parents get turned into pigs and she has to work there until she can find a way of rescuing them.

I'm not sure what kids would make of it - it's no Finding Nemo, plot wise and it might be a bit surreal for some adult's tastes, but I loved it.

In fact I consider myself very lucky to have seen this on the big screen too, but it isn't an over-exaggeration to say that every frame is a work of art. Amazing work, amazing imagination.

Phew! Blimey!

What a film! At first it fazes you, then freaks you, then intrigues you, finally leaving you dazed. I don’t think you get the full effect until about a day later, then when it sinks in - you will reckon it’s a winner.

This allegorical tale is powerful, poignant and deep. It contains some wonderful if slightly disturbing animation so pick your moment for watching it.

[Highly rated reviewer]

I was spitited away to the land of sleep

This film started well but within 20 Min's I was bored and started to fall asleep (in bed luckily) The children were engrossed for about 40 Min's then they were bored with it. The point of the story was?????????

I would give it a miss if I was you, unless you want a film to send you to sleep.

Boring & Stupid

Boring, bizarre, stupid and throughly rubbish from throughout. Only gave this 1-star because 0 star wasn't an available option.

Suspend your disbelief and be spirited away

Right from the start this film just feels right. The animation is beautiful and evocative, and the story slowly builds to let the character of the little girl Chihiro emerge. When she's flung into a weird (and wonderfully realised) world of spirits and witches setting all manner of challenges for her you already care for the little thing and want her to do well. Which she does, surpassing all expectations.

I was sad that this film ever finished.

Spirited Away

This was not very enjoyable for the children, my 8 yr old was bored by it and my 3 yr old was frightenend. Not a family film!