Rating: 
Summary: Miyazaki does it again
Review: Note: This review refers to the Hong Kong DVD version of this film that is dubbed in Japanese and Cantonese with Chinese, Japanese, and English subtitles.When Hayao Miyazaki came out with Princess Mononoke, it was said that it would be that last animated feature film he would direct. Lucky for us, it was not, otherwise this gem, from the mind of the man who brought us My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Nausicaa, would never have been made. While the characters look very 'Miyazaki', this film (and note...it's not a "movie"...it is most defiantly a film...) is quite different from anything we've seen in Mononoke Hime or anything before it. As 'Spirited Away' begins, we are introduced to Chihiro, a rather unhappy and lonely 10-year-old girl, and her family, who have decided to move to a new home. Upon arriving in the new town, Chihiro's father accidentally makes a wrong turn and leads them down a road to a large wall with a man-sized portal in it. Curious of what's on the other side, Chihiro's mother and father, including the reluctant Chihiro herself, explore it. However, none of them even remotely expect what is about to happen to each of them once they reach the other side, especially Chihiro. To tell you any more about the story at this point would be to destroy the whole enjoyment of watching this wonderful film. Miyazaki has taken what can only be described as the best aspects of an 'Alice in Wonderland' tale, with an eastern flair, and infused them into a rich world with vibrant characters that are all brought to life through wonderful animation and CGI work, not to mention Miyazaki's well written script. In 'Spirited Away' the plot highlights many issues that are great for children and deals with them in a way that is a far cry from the swords and spears mentality of Mononoke. The film deals with issues like parental separation, dealing with extreme situations, being confident under pressure, as well as putting oneself out for another, especially those you love and care about. There are also major undertones referring to Sloth, Gluttony, Greed, and other lesser evils, and Miyazaki's take on the pitfalls of each of them. All of these messages, although primarily intended for a youthful audience, can be appreciated and recognized by the more adult audiences. In fact, as a person of only 20 some odd years myself, both the younger side of me and the more mature side of me find the messages to be quite powerful as well as a clear cut wake up call to people of today as to what's really important in the world, and what should be important to ourselves. On another note, Joe Hisashi, who has written the music for just about every Miyazaki film has once again returned to write another fitting score that helps to carry along the images and the voices onscreen as well as embody that 'spirited away' feeling. While reminiscent of something out of Mononoke (you can here it here and there)...the music is nothing as drastic as a James Horner rehash (I'm sorry, but that's the connection). There is clearly new stuff here, and it's good. (Look for a full review sometime in the near future.) In closing, hardcore Miyazaki fans or no, this movie is a must see for anyone one who calls themselves a film enthusiast, as well as anyone who has ever dreamed of a world beyond our own. Go see it, bring your children, and if you have no children, take a friend or sibling along for a visual and aural ride that will touch you and make you believe. I've watched this move 5 times in a row now, and I just have one thing to say...this movie 'spirited' me away. And it will do the same thing to you.
Rating:
Summary: Supreme Craftsmanship, and a well paced story to boot!
Review: I saw 'Spirited Away' in a Tokyo theatre last year while visiting, and then bought the Japanese DVD with English subtitles to understand the story. Each time the film improved even though the first viewing was stunning enough. Watching this lush visual film in the theatre will show viewers how limited DVD video is in detail. After seeing the Disney trailer I can admit they did the voices very very well, and the interpretation helped massively from the trailer alone. Mr. Miyazaki's imagination explodes across an Asian 'Alice In Wonderland' tale of a girl, Chihiro (shortened to Sen by a witch during the story) caught in a realm inhabited by gods and spirits seperated from the real world by a widening river she and her parents accidentally cross. Underneath the playful designs and truely scary, yet uplifting, scenarios lies a strong story dealing with greed and its abuses. Chihiro's pure heart is the only free path avoiding the pitfalls of gods, spirits, and her own parents which brings revelation and culmination to the twisted circumstances confusing the world she is placed within. Never a dull moment, and the story doesn't wander aimlessly between confusing B and C plots as some Miyazaki films have done. This is a brilliant film for any member of the family, although it could be intimidating for some younger children. There is no gore, sex or prolonged and gruesome battles which splatter the anime screen, but there are rather creepy moments dealing with spooky appiritions while Chihiro attempts to regain her composure as she gets surrounded by the spirits appearing in the world, and then being chased by a vomitous, spidery goliath which entrances, then devours its greedy prey (but don't fear, it resolves well). Hopefully this is the film that breaks Miyazaki to the average American movie goer. This and Porco Rosso are his greatest animated films due to their subtlety, variety and skill along with strong story line and truely appropriate acting conveying intentions and plot perfectly. Congrats, Ghibli.
Rating:
Summary: Magical
Review: This is one of the most original and haunting movies I have seen in a long time. Spirited Away is visually stunning. The quality of the animation blows away anything done by Disney. The colors and level of detail are almost hypnotic. Watch the movements of Chihiro as she pulls her hair back or sits crying against a wall. The animators have EXACTLY captured the fluid and subtle movements of a real person. Simply amazing. In the course of the movie Chihiro becomes more than an animated character, but a real person whom you will remember.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: I didn't know anything about this anime but since I'm a fan of anime, I watched it. 99% of anime is just pure trash--mostly stupid robot wars, flying girls in school uniforms and just plain fetish stuff.
Spirited Away has the best characters I've ever seen in an animation film. There are at least a dozen wonderfully weird characters that just get weirder and weirder--one character more original than the one before.
It's also the funniest animation I've seen. That little frog is unforgettably funny. Chihiro, the 10 year-old girl, is clumsy and cute. I fell in love with her. I hope Disney releases this film in America so everyone (and yes, you can take your kids to this one) can fall in love with it as I have.
Rating:
Summary: Another record box office hit in Japan
Review: Okay for those who aren't anime fans, Hayao Miyazaki is the Walt Disney of Japan. ... This movie is magical and definitely touching in a way that reaches all of us back to our childhood. Some will argue that Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter was the movie of the year. But trust me it will be a grave mistake of Hayao Miyazaki does not get nominated this year for Spirited Away. The story about Chihiro's love for her parents, and the love for her friend Haku makes this movie a love story and a magical adventure. The scenes are very intense as it will make you fall into the movie. But Miyazaki controls the scenes well enough where the children will enjoy it and believe that if you believe in yourself you will succeed. Years ago Walt himself has embedded this vision for children. Hayao Miyazaki will be accepted world wide for his work. I'm betting that Spirited Away is the final picture that will break him into the US market. Totoro, Princess Mononoke will be passed on from generation to generation along other classics like Peter Pan and Robinhood. Spirited Away was so well done, I literally saw it as more mystical and a touching film like Harry Potter. If you liked Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, definitely go out to watch Spirited Away. Bring your family as you will endure and watch this film many many times with your children and grand children. Hayao Miyazaki, thank you for another great film. ... To this day Totoro is still one of the most sought after DVDs as fans await the dvd release.
Rating:
Summary: breathtaking!
Review: Once again, Miyazaki has created another breathtaking animated feature. This, I would have to say, is one of his greatest works of all time. Possibly even one of the greatest animated feature ever. The animation and music is simply beautiful and outstanding, with a very intricate plot that is like a string that unravels into many threads, but in the end, all threads are tied in together. The peaceful scenes at times feel very calming and quiet; making me feel as if I was standing there on an empty train platform; winding blowing gently; water rushing calmly. I could almost smell the air! The heroine (Chihiro) is portrayed like many young girls of her age; showing her change in courage and personality as the movie progresses witht he help of a friend. She is one of the few characters that leave a lasting impression and opens the magic in one's heart, without having supernatural powers or wielding weapons with extraordinary skill. All characters are unique and if not lovable, memorable and touching. This movie for sure, is strongly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Anitidote to Silliwood!
Review: Witch Yubaba captures little Chichiro after her parents let her down.. she overcomes her own fears, falls in love, works hard, acts selflessly, makes friends, and saves the day .. The movie has a couple of touches that really kick Japanese viewers but will be meaningless to other cultures reading subtitles (eg: the scene where she stamps on the evil spirit and the boiler guy has to "chop" her hands to cleanse it), and the Bathhouse of the gods concept (plural) will be understood far faster in Japan than outside, but 99% of it can be appreciated by anyone in any language. The music is beautiful (the train journey scene for example) and the ending shamisen song over the credits is wonderful but also untranslated which is a shame because the lyrics are lovely. This movie is not about a fight between good and evil! there are no purely evil beings in it, even the "wicked" witch is respected and has a good streak.. there are also fables to do with greed, and the pollution.. The region 3 DVD has an extras disc with the storyboards set to the full soundtrack .. as well as further studio ghibli clips and information. The main disk has a great DTS soundtrack. Animation is wonderful, Miyazaki has Chichiro expressing more with her face and posture than most actors can manage on film! There are a few computer assisted parts for beautiful or key scenes, yet, unlike Disney efforts, they do not look like they were grafted in from another movie.. The camera is always at the level of Chichiro, who is only 11 years old, I believe? Miyazaki wrote the movie for his daughter .. the point of view adds power to the innocence and imagination on the screen and transporting all but the hardest adult back to their own childhood.. For those who said it was a little too long ? its sad you think that way, there is never a dull moment and multiple viewings give your eyes a rest from reading every subtitle so you can fully appreciate the animation touches. ...
Rating: 
Summary: Weak ending...but what a beginning.
Review: Ok, the first hour of this has got to be the coolest, trippiest stuff that Miyazaki has ever done. Dark, bizarre and hilarious. Then Chihiro hops on a tiny train and...the movie loses steam. The Disney-like side-kicks that manifest themselves in the later half are a tad too cutesy as well(I suppose to offset the grotesque appearance of many of the other characters), and the ending is puzzlingly anti-climactic. These complaints aside...whoah, Miyazaki brings us an Alice in Wonderland in Hell that comes off like David Lynch directing Lilo and Stitch. SEE IT.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible....
Review: "Sen To Chihiro no Kamikakushi" aka "Spirited Away" is simply fabulous. Following the usual Miyazaki theme of problems in the world (or perhaps just Japan), the movie depicts the problems of greed and the usual Miyazaki theme of the problems involving the environment. The artwork is fabulous, although their use of CGI is a bit more prominent this time around. The story is top notch, about Chihiro, a young girl who is trapped in a strange world, forced to work for Yubaba or be turned into an animal. There are bits of comedy mixed in with the drama and unlike Mononoke Hiime, the moral of the story isn't forced down your throat. Fans of Ghibli/Miyazaki work will love this movie. Those who were just introduced to this style from "Princess Mononoke" will find the same powerful story, characters and artwork as before.
Rating:
Summary: Life is a dream- discovering your identity
Review: This film makes you feel and think.
Characters are not devided into good and bad nor us and enemy.
It's a funny,strange but not didactic.
When 10 year old Chiro(= senn) gets on a train(named 'morderate') with Gaonasi(means without face,creature who once obssessed with Chihiro)
passes stations across the sea, this animation becomes more than a just pretty animation.
This film is working in every level-beautifully visualized and animated with right content and open meaning. O.S.T is beautiful too.
Kids will love this animation (not for people who are more into diseney 'action') but I think adult will get more out of this film.
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