Hayao Miyazaki's animated fantasy is wonderfully unique and a real pat on the back

Rating: Null/10 (7 October 2003)

Spirited Away (2002) Voices of Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Michael Chiklis, Jason Marsden, David Ogden Stiers, Lauren Holly, John Ratzenberger, Susan Egan, D: Hayao Miyazaki. Unique animated fantasy (dubbed in English) constructed by much-commended Japanese filmmaker Miyazaki about an amusement park that dumps a little girl-moving to a new house with her parents-into its spirit world surrounded by odd characters (a la ALICE IN WONDERLAND), where she learns of her blinded love. If the story is difficult to follow most of the way through, it's propped up by abstract visuals and imaginative storytelling. A stunning, detailed work of art. John Lasseter is executive producer. Oscar winner for Best Animated Film. Running Time: 125 minutes and rated PG for some scary moments. *** ½