A masterpiece - make sure you see the full, Japanese version with subtitles

Rating: 10/10 (14 September 2002)

It's a testament to the problems of translating and dubbing foreign films that this Myazaki classic isn't far more recognised than it is. Check the ratings: over 50% of those who voted for this gave it a 10 (mean score 8.5), but it's adjusted score is much lower. This can only be accounted for by the mode of it's release in America - the film was dubbed and scenes were cut to make it more appealing to a young audience, inevitably losing something given the perfect voice acting, characterisation and pacing of the original. I can't think of an animated film I would place over this, and that includes the entire Disney back catalogue. The music alone is worth the music of any 4 Disney films you care to name (No musical numbers! No Elton John!).

In fact, this is probably a film it's best to get an import copy of if you can. However you do it, you should definitely find a way to ensure nothing has been changed "for your own enjoyment".