Another lovely Studio Ghibli cartoon

Rating: 9/10 (23 February 2008)

In some ways, this is a classic tale. A lost princess meets a village boy, a ruthless baddie searches for power, friends who help the good guys overcome the odds, and a happy ending. But it is so much more three-dimensional and original than that. There are also enchanted rocks, robots, military fortresses, and a devastating weapon that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah! Studio Ghibli again weaves the mundane with the magical and throws in the usual mix of interesting characters for the journey. The main characters are innocent youngsters but that's what makes it heartwarming. The themes of friendship, love and nature are beautifully illustrated here too.
I don't know how much the new Disney version has altered the dialogue, but certainly at times it did seem inappropriately saccharine or blunt. Also I should say I really liked the main theme (used in the end music too).