Miyazaki's Spirited Away

Rating: 10/10 (19 March 2010)

As you can see from my rating, I do not have any problems with Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "Spirited Away". Nor do I have a problem with the original Japanese; "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi". My problem is with IMDb's choice to use the Japanese title without reference to the title "Spirited Away" in the headlines, on ratings lists, on "best of" polls, etc. Disney negotiated for a long time, and spent an enormous amount of money, to be able to take Miyazaki's films and properly translate them (any fan of anime knows how important a proper, professional translation is). They then hired some of the best voice actors in the business, along with some Hollywood stars. The voices are fantastic, and absolutely fit the characters. The soundtrack is wonderful. Disney has taken one of the "Gods" of the animation world, and made his art available to people who normally would not be exposed to his work. Someone at IMDb decided to disregard the English title for the Japanese title, most likely to be "politically correct". Yet all that they have done has caused confusion. You can go on any auction site and find "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi" with English subtitles, and believe me, watching it is a different experience. If that was your goal is one thing, but if you thought you were getting the Disney version, you will feel disappointed (or worse). People rely on IMDb for information, and in my opinion IMDb missed the boat on this one - and many other of Miyazaki's films. MY advise would be to LOOK to make sure you are getting the Disney version of his films. LOOK for the English titles. If you take these precautions, You will not be disappointed.