Beautiful, well drawn, a near masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (25 September 2002)

First off, if you are a typical American animated movie lover in the typical style of Walt Disney, this movie may not be your cup of tea.
However, if you have seen and enjoyed movies such as Mononoke Hime, Totoro, or Graveyard of the Fireflies you will LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie.
First off, the movie is far more accessible than Miyazaki's last few films. However, all of the elements that make the Studio Glibli movies top-notch are here - In spades; Great art, traditional Japanese themes, (such as ecology, spirit gods, honor, courage) unique off-beat characters, strong lead roles (both male and female) - they are all here. Add in a great story that really moves along quickly through it's 2 hours and this is easily the best film I've seen in 3 years.
Fortunately this film was lovingly translated into English using top-notch English actors, so for you Otaku out there (You know who you are!!!) don't be put off by seeing this film in dubbed English.
A 10...