Miyazaki's Latest Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (28 September 2003)

Well, what a surprise; "Miyazaki" and "masterpiece" together in an affirmative sentence. Spirited Away marks Miyazaki's first work as a semi-retired director, though the movie doesn't suffer from it in the least. Spirited Away is about a young girl gets lost in a world of ghosts and spirits and is forced to work at the bath house for specters. Any fan of Miyazaki will instantly fall in love with this movie. Don't be fooled by Disney's involvement or the fact that it's animated. It's still very much anime, but not anime for anyone. This is a good movie for young children and those who have a timeless love for movies. If you're the kind of person who still loves Toy Story, for example, then this will become another one of your favorites. People who are only into anime like Ninja Scroll and Cowboy Beebop, this may not be the movie for you. This is a movie for those who love anime of all kinds, like myself. Spirited Away is a fanciful movie that most open-minded individuals will enjoy. I'd have to give it a 9.25 out of 10.