A must see!

Rating: 10/10 (10 September 2006)

It doesn't matter whether you are a fan of anime or not - this film is a must see. It tells the story of a little girl who becomes lost in what appears to be an abandoned theme park when her parent stop for a break en-route to their new home. The reviewer who drew parallels with the Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland and Chity Chitty Bang Bang was spot on - it's the old favourite - a quest to return to ones own world brilliantly retold in cartoon form.
And what a cartoon! Chihiro and her parents are the only humans in a world of strange spirits and animals. Dragons and gods abound! Particularly spectacular scenes are those of the train crossing the never-ending lake, and the first view of Yubaba's oriental apartment, with her strange offspring entombed inside! One very important point - this film absolutely must be watched with the original Japanese soundtrack and subtitles, not only to preserve the atmosphere of the original presentation, but because the American dub insults the audience by giving away plot spoilers. Do we really need to be told the use of the exotic building Chihiro is working in when it becomes blindingly obvious later in the film? Ten out of ten for an animation that will appeal to children and adults alike!