Between "Wonderland" & "Little China"

Rating: Null/10 (5 October 2002)

This film is a thoroughly impressive tale, with astounding animation and a great amount of humor, emotion, excitement, and absolutely incredible imagination. From the moment young Chihiro's parents turn into pigs, Spirited Away lies somewhere in between "Alice in Wonderland" and "Big Trouble in Little China." A somewhat regular Jane is thrust into a world of spirits, toads, monsters, and one BIG BEB-BEH (as Fat Bastard would call him.)

I will just say that I have only watched one other Japanese animated movie, and that was the post-apocalyptic classic AKIRA a while back, which was definitely not suited for kids. In contrast, SPIRITED AWAY was fine for both kids and adults, as really a lesson in how kindness, bravery, and as someone else said, lack of greed or violence can make one into a hero.

(SPOILER) The No-Face character got almost too much attention, but the core story of what he is, becomes, and how he is "defeated" is wonderful. So are the characters of the river spirit, Yubaba, Kamagi, the toad, Haku, and all the others who populate this mysterious universe. (I don't know why, but the little moment between the Radish Spirit and Chihiro in the elevator had me doubling over.) This film is an eye-popping treat, that while maybe 15 minutes too long, will definitely give you a smile on your way home.