Smiles of all kinds

Rating: 10/10 (26 October 2002)

I smiled the whole movie through. Some smiles were from laughter, some were from enchantment. Many were accompanied with a cocked eyebrow marveling at the bizarreness of it all, but most of my smiles were those of the child inside, for I can't remember the last movie that has been so simply wonderful.
This movie's shining praise lies in its ability to stir up enchantment inside even the crankiest cynic. You'll leave the theater feeling eight years old.
Yet giggling at mystical creatures' cuteness doesn't begin to fully define this movie's depth. Those who prefer to keep their inner child under lock and key will still appreciate this movie's gorgeous animation, and simply unbelievable strangeness.
Like all timeless fairy tales, Spirited Away casts a spell on eyes and ears of all ages.