Not terrible

Rating: 6/10 (19 April 2003)

*May be some spoilers ahead*
This was supposed to be the anime I could appreciate. Yet, once the DVD's turned off, it is still... just anime.
You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: Why does all anime look the same? As lush and imaginative as the world of Spirited Away is, Chihiro et al still look like they could have come from any other Japanese animated movie. I'm starting to think it is a good thing Disney has the American market monopolized. At least Disney strives for variety from year to year. You may not like the consistently happy endings, or the ultra-family-friendly nature of the films, but visually, at least, the Mouse innovates. Compare the differences between Beauty and the Beast and Lilo and Stitch with those between... well, any two anime titles. Notice something? The difference between "good anime" and "bad anime" does not constitute stylistic variety.
Yes there are positive themes in the movie. Chihiro grows up. It's great that she learns a lot of good things: respect, discipline, true friendship, etc. But the character development is spotty at best. Whereas we get a good understanding of Chihiro, we learn very little about Haku, the boy she learns to love (in a semi-platonic way).
Two more gripes: Why do the main characters have to explain the plot as it unfolds via monologue? e.g. "He flew into that window up there. Maybe I can climb up and help him." (when no one else is present) And, even in a fantasy setting, shouldn't the characters struggle a little before accepting some things? e.g. "Oh he's a dragon." and "Call me Granny." "O.K., Granny."
Again, it's not a terrible movie. But it is still anime, little mouths, little noses, cute fuzzies and all. I give it a 6/10.
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Edit: I'd say it's grown on me by about an extra star over the years, but still isn't one I'd recommend to someone who wanted to watch anime. Even for Miyazaki, you're better off watching Howl's Moving Castle or some number of his older stuff.