Classic of animation

Rating: 9/10 (10 December 1999)

I cannot possibly say enough good things about this film. I'm really dissapointed Miramax isn't giving this film a wider release. More people need to see this. Even only having seen it on video (and a less than perfect copy at that), I find it to be a much more satisfying adventure than the last Star Wars film or the last Disney animated film. I can see why this film is the top-grossing film to date in Japan. I don't put this film in the same category as your usual "Japanimation", because I really don't see myself as a big "Japanimation" person, I just look at it as a very good animated film that just happens to come from Japan, much the same way I look at Miyazaki's other films, Akira, and the films of Mamoru Oshii.
The film is written and directed by master animator Hayao Miyazaki, from whom I have yet to see a less-than amazing film. The artwork and animation in this film are beautiful, and the film has a much more "cinematic" feeling than a lot of animation, Miyazaki could direct a great live-action film if he wanted to (some anime directors have also directed live-action films, like Oshii and Otomo). One thing I like that that the CGI was used sparingly and effectively, not obtrusively like in a lot of animation these days. The film also makes me think a lot of The Thin Red Line in it's depiction of nature balanced with violent conflict.
The musical score by Joe Hisaishi is simply beautiful, I personally think it's one of the great film scores of all time, right up there with Ryuichi Sakamoto's score for The Last Emperor (which Hisaishi's score for this film reminds me of a little in parts).
In short, an incredible film, if possible, see it in a theater, or, failing, that, video. Just see it! I'm purchasing the DVD the day it's released.