Spirited Away on DVD (2001)

Beautifully Drawn Animation

Laurie from East Grinstead, England , 26/04/2004

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.

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Strangely compelling

RIP from Manchester [Highly rated reviewer] , 09/04/2005

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.

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A Magical Dark Fairytale for all ages

miriam from bucks , 24/02/2004

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.

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Incredible stuff

A customer from London , 10/06/2004

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!

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High Spirits

Neil from Watford , 17/10/2005

Fantastic ! A real epic fantasy cartoon, with a truely imaginative plot and amazing artwork. The story is original and unpredictable and the characters both colourful and loveable. My only criticism would be that its a little too dark to show to younger children ( some parts would scare the crap out of them ), but as with most Japanese animation it tries to aim for both adults and children alike. Well worth the high ratings others have given it though, it puts Disney to shame. Excellent stuff !

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Not Sure

Julian Powell from cornwall , 28/12/2007

I fell asleep during this film...Well it was Christmas. However the rest of my family liked it. Well there you are another fine review from me.

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