Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful...
Review: The latest of Miyazaki's works ported over to the U.S. via Disney's funding is probably one of the best animated films to hit American shores to date, even going so far as to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Picture of 2002, and it certainly deserves it.Set at first in modern-day Japan, the movie begins with a ten-year old girl named Chihiro moving to a new house with her parents. After a wrong turn, her father decides to make a shortcut through the woods, which leads the three to what appears to be an abandoned amusement park, where her parents find food sitting out and begin to stuff themselves like pigs. Chihiro refuses to eat and goes exploring, and as nightfall approaches, it becomes clear that this is not an abandoned amusement park, but a place thriving with activity. When she tries to find her parents to escape, she discovers that they have transformed into pigs after gorging themselves on the food of the spirits. To survive in this new world, Chihiro is befriended by a boy named Haku, who helps her hide from the spirits until she can reach the bath house, where she must get a job from Yu-baba or be turned into an animal like her parents. "Sprited Away" takes a different path than the conventional Disney film that so many are used to in animated films. For one, there aren't any musical numbers, which is almost always a plus (the only animated films I can think of where the the musical numbers set well were "Beauty and the Beast," which had but two that worked while the rest interrupted the plot, and "Lilo & Stitch," where the songs and story seamed together flawlessly.) The animation is also very different, consisting of Japanese animation (anime) to create characters and settings that flow very smoothly. There's more to the difference than simple audio and visual flavor, though. Chihiro is not the standard hero. She's a whiny, immature brat (as Yu-baba puts well) and won't stop complaining at first. It isn't until she's pressed with incredible odds and responsibilites (some of which force her to break down) that she can begin to grow up and face the strange world around her. That strangeness is yet another difference. The world that Miyazaki has created here is nothing short of odd, tossing in plenty of spirits and gods of Japanese folklore, and even poking fun at some of them, such as the Radish Spirit. Yu-baba isn't a clean "villain" either. In fact, she's more of an antagonist than a true villain, as she really is protecting her property and her ability to earn profit, while Chihiro is an invader, even if she is innocent, and threatens the spirits' way of life. Some may call this evil, but they would do the same thing when put in a position of defending what they hold dear, as petty as it may seem. There are themes and subtle symbolisms riding in "Spirited Away" as well. Much of it involves the effect of humans on the enviroment, as clearly evidenced when Chihiro's parents are eating the food that belongs to the spirits, or the endearing scene with the Stink Spirit. There are also things that I have yet to decipher, such as the separation between adults and children, but I really don't know. The shadow people of the train harks some sort of symbolism, but I don't know it yet (if anyone has any theories, contact me.) Everything about the plot and characters will take in children, adolescents, and adults. The visuals are stunning and look wonderful, only catching off when we some of the CG takes place when the train passes a house later in the movie. And then, there's the music, an absolutely wonderful score by Joe Hisaishi, who's composed scores for other Miyazaki films. "Reprise," when matched with its scene, is enough to bring tears. The DVD isn't all that great, but it has a nice animation on the menu. There are a couple features, as well as some Disney trailers. The second disc has a few extras, but much is in Japanese. The trailers for "Spirited Away" will seem like poor advertising for those used to American-made trailers. The DVD features aren't important though. I wasn't even expecting a 2nd disc when picking this up, so it was really just a nice bonus. The real gem is the movie, in all it's wonder and glory, and it begs multiple viewing (which you'd do anyway, right? Why buy it otherwise?) If any movie deserves credit and attention, it's this one. All in all, "Spirited Away," simply put, is beautiful... -Escushion
Rating:
Summary: You people just don't understand....
Review: ... i've seen a lot of good anime tv shows (Furi Kuri, Inu-Yasha, Lain, Excel Saga (Joking on that one))and i've seen a lot of good anime movies (Totoro, Kik's Delivery servce, Laputa:Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke, all Miyazaki) but this movie is the best. ... there are some scary parts for young children (the dragon bleeding, some noh-face scenes, Ubaba's heads, and a coule of other parts) and then there are some parts that are just plain cute (the mouse, the mini bird, the radish spirit, and the soot sprites) if you're into anime (especially some of the movies mentioned above...don't expect a Furi Kuri like plotline) then sit back and enjoy ...
Rating:
Summary: Bought it for the kids but loved it myself
Review: This is the first Miyazaki DVD we've seen. The purchase was for our 5-year-old, who couldn't handle some of the 'scarier' scenes. The scenes do get pretty intense - an elegant dragon flees from a hoard of swarming origami flying creatures and gets sliced to hell from paper cuts, almost dies; (Don't die, Don't die!) but he makes it out OK. There are other intense scenes but they're more threatening that explicit. The theme of the story (Take the high road) couldn't be better. It's a story of a girl who goes from having it a little too good, where you feel a bit for the parents, to a story where the parents overstep, help themselves to some chow intended for spirits looking for a weekend retreat, and turn into pigs. The rest of the story is the girl rising to a series of challenging steps necessary to win back her parents. Woven into this eastern story (inanimate objects have spirits too) are many Christian values such as blessed are the meek, what you do to the least of my brothers you do to me, the perils of greed, love the sinner, etc. The plot has twists - you're not sure who to trust, but, again, right prevails eventually. A footnote to the appropriateness for kids - the three-year-old loved it. I recommend sitting through it with any young kid the first couple times. Also, watch it yourself alone first if you have a concern. My older boy wanted to quit right at the scariest part, which I thought was not good, so without knowing for sure, I decided to ride it out (I took the high road), and sure enough the scary part was over quickly and there was a happy ending. Well worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: odd, weird, and odd
Review: Unless you like movies with parents getting turned into pigs, spider-like humans, a woman with a big pimple on her forehead,giant babys, a cruise ship with human-like things on it and things that don`t look like humans at all, this movie is not for you...
Rating:
Summary: An utterly charming modern fairy tale
Review: There is so much that could be said about Hayao Miyazaki's incredible tale of a little girl lost in a new world, it's difficult to even know where to begin. Since others have already said so much, I'll try to keep it short. "Spirited Away" has all the ingredients of a classic fairy tale, but told using a modern medium. In just over two hours, it accomplishes the admirable goal of establishing a new world, one experienced for the first time by the young human girl Chihiro, later called Sen. As first her parents are changed, so Chihiro changes as she learns how best to adapt to this new environment, though Chihiro is changed in far more subtle (and perhaps more permanent) ways. Comparisons to L. Frank Baum's "Oz" series, or perhaps even more, Lewis Carroll's "Alice" books, are entirely apt. "Spirited Away" shares the best elements of those classic stories: frightening situations, mysterious characters, a sense of humor, and an unquenchable sense of wonder and magic. As Chihiro adapts to and comes to terms with this strange new place and the new people she has to interact with, we are given a rare treat... a glimpse into something we've never seen before, through the eyes and sensibilities of a child. The DVD presentation is even better than expected, with excellent image and sound reproduction. What's more, the second DVD includes extras that are actually worth watching. In particular, the Nippon TV special includes some enticing segments showing Miyazaki working on "Spirited Away," conveying his ideas to the rest of those working on the film. The DVD is well worth watching more than once, and will be a happy addition to my small (but growing) collection. What's best about the DVD, however, is unquestionably the film itself. Steeped in Japanese culture and mythology, and yet universal in its themes, it is a film which is worthy of the best tales we pass down to our children, and to our children's children. The story is unique, and yet it should have meaning for anyone who sees it, particularly those who remember with fondness the rare magic that a good story can weave. This story weaves the best sort of magic imaginable.
Rating:
Summary: Modern Day Alice in Wonderland
Review: I can understand why Disney bought the rights for distributing this amazing animated feature in the United States. It's very similar to their previous rendition of the Loius Carroll story, Alice in Wonderland. In addition to being of course, the biggest animated feature in Japan of all time. The story's premise is about a family of three that get lost in an old theme park, when the little girl of the family realizes that this theme park is not your everyday Disneyland. At night this place becomes a freakshow where all the spirits of the world come out to relax and enjoy the good life. With her parents lost in the grasp of greed that turns them into the same things associated with the Orwell's Animal Farm, little Chihiro is alone to try and fight through a battle of courage, strength and the angst of growing up. She meets a horde of very colorful friends and foes, but through it all, you feel that no one is truly any. I was surprised that the movie was still playing in the theaters after two years of it being released. The animation itself is worth the ticket price. Miyazaki takes you on a wild ride between the wonderful world of the spirits. Some, I admit, can be scary, but you learn to look beyond the looks and understand the character for who they are. When I got to see the film, none of the people in theater were children, all were adults looking for a good time in the midst of a good film with an unbelieveable creative premise. Well worth it!!!
Rating:
Summary: I was Spirted Away by it!!!
Review: It's sorta like a japenese Alice in Wonderland. They took the Witch and the baby from the book anyhow. And The voice of Lilo does the voice on the japenese girl Chichro, The voice of Scrappy Doo does The Frog and the voice of I think Tino from Disney Channel's orginal series The Weekenders. It's like a manga film for manga fans, but you may like it. It's an odd story, but you can fall in love with it like a snap. If you like Alice in Wonderland and manga, this is your kinda film!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Movie
Review: This is a Miyazaki film. That should be enough of a review by itself. Miyazaki is simply, one of the most talented animators to ever live. This story is an intriguing mix of fantasy, drama, and human emotion. You should buy it, you'll be glad that you did. I'd recommend the DVD as it is bound to last longer. This is an ageless film that will continue to capture imaginations for years and years.
Rating:
Summary: Spirited to Japanese Culture
Review: I wanted to give this movie 100000 stars but I know that many people only read the bad reviews (myself Included) I had to give it one star just so you might read this film review... The reason most people dislik the film is that they are too Americanized (or Westernized). There are so many aspects of Japanese culture in the film that many "outsiders" just don't understand. To say that the story line is bizarre is just like saying I don't get Don Quixote. But you'd never bad-mouth Don Quixote. Maybe you should get off your high horse and take a Japanese Culture class and watch the movie again. It is a magical Movie. I have not been this enthrawled in years. Its not my favorite movie (Spirited Away is my 8th favorite) But its worth every penny and worth the praise it got. If you don't understand a movie then don't condemm it. And lastly, in responce to the comments about this movie being too scary for children, my cousins (6 and 10 girls and 5 and 8 Boys) all loved this film and were not scared. They loved the raddish God (so did I) and they thought that the story was very good. (they understood most but not all of it) This film takes me too a place I yearn to go and brings be home with the joy and hopefullness that are lacking in todays world... thank you Miyzazki
Rating:
Summary: Animation Tour-de-Force
Review: Hayao Mayazaki's stunning work takes the boundaries of traditional cel animation and stretches it to a point no Western animated movie has in quite some time now. The film owes a lot to Lewis Carroll as much as it does Osama Tezuka. Chihiro is a reserved apprehensive girl who is transported to a world of large fuzzy gods and old Japan-style theme-parks turned marketplaces and bathhouses. Transformation is a large theme in the film: river gods transformed by human pollution; humans transformed into pigs; Chihiro transformed by her domineering employer into 'Sen'. Like Mayazaki's eco-fable 'Princess Mononoke', this film's Romanticism allows for morals to play through in very clever ways. Characters are more complex than first glance and each has a redeeming side no matter how grotesque. The imagery is stunning at times. Rich Mannerist color schemes with elaborate set designs unfold for the nearly flawless animation to take place in. Having said that, the only flaw in this DVD package is the credit Disney tries to take for some of it in the Bonus Footage. As usual, the Mouse talks down to their audience in their sophmoric and superfluous explainations. English-Version Producer John Lassater comes off like a big dope that (thankfully) Mayazaki can see through. Who cares about Kirk Wise or any of the other Disney directors that had almost nothing to do with the film itself? Skip instead to the Nippon Television documentary that takes you through Studio Ghibli and the final tense months of production. This segment where the animators and staff work round the clock offers a candid view of the animation film process. The film itself transcends its Western distributor and shines as something very distinct and touching.
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