An instant classic, truly heart-warming

Rating: 9/10 (30 January 2006)

Animation is not my favourite medium of film but I have always been fascinated by it. I cannot draw to save my life and so watching some of the greatest artwork ever created come to life before your eyes can be overwhelming. And that is what Spirited Away does, it brings animation to life.
Unlike other animations that focus on action or special effects this is all about the story and characters, and these ore some of the greatest fictional characters I have ever seen. Whether it be the leads of Chihiro and No Face to the supports of Lin and Kimarji they are all fascinating to watch and you quickly get attached to them, willing them on to succeed in their given tasks.
Tha animation itself is also some of the best I have ever seen, it is fluent and bursting with color and life. Every character is beautifully realised and there voices are perfect Talking about voices, this is where I get stumped. Most people agree that the original Japanese dialogue with subtitles is superior to the dubing. But I cannot make my mind up, apart from the witch i find all characters to be equal in their dubing and Japanese versions. The dubing is also easier to understand (although it can border on Disney-ification sometimes, a lot of work has gone into the dubing and it shows. Only the witch really sounds better in Japenese.
Overall this is one of the greatest films I have ever seen and easily the best animation, whether 12 or 112 you will LOVE this movie.