Like watching a dream unfold!

Rating: 10/10 (25 July 2004)

I am sure it is redundant for me to write a review on this film, since many others have already praised it. I will tell you this, watching this film made me feel like if I was in a wonderful dream. Scary at times, thrilling at times and very magical. I am an adult now, by definition, and I don't have the same imagination I used to have when I was younger, however this movie brings that imaginative youngster out of me (sheesh I sound like a senior citizen). The movie has beautiful animation and a wonderful score. The music throughout the film captures the atmosphere impeccably. Some people have given this movie negative reviews saying that there was no clear plot, well I say when does a dream have a clear plot? It really does'nt now does it? Not that I am saying that this movie is plotless, in fact the simple plot is all that is needed here, nothing else. There is even some bias mainly because it is not a "western" story, and it deals with some aspects of shintoism and eastern belief in spirits...etc. I was discussing this movie with a friend who did not like it saying he thought it was "weird" with all those "spirits and monsters" in it. So I asked him if he liked 'Alice in wonderland' and 'Wizard of Oz'? Guess what he answered? In fact he became aware of his bias. In conclusion I will say that you have to enter this movie with an open mind and do not look at it as a kid's cartoon (although kids will love it). Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.