a wonderfully crafted film for all ages.

Rating: Null/10 (30 September 2002)

I just saw this film tonight in the theater. It was the English-dubbed version, and to my surprise, this didn't spoil the movie. In fact the characters and voicing were very convincing and the animation quality and detail strengthened that aspect. The movie is about a young girl named chihiro moving to a new house with her mother and father. They get lost on a side road that leads them to what looks like an abandoned amusement park. It actually turns out to be a spa for spirits and under-world creatures. Soon, chihiro's parents are locked under a spell and she must save them by negotiating with the spirits. I have not seen Miyazaki's earlier films but this encourages me greatly to check them out. I saw this film as a blend of fairy tales and mythology. I even saw aspects of Russian folk tales added in. (The name Yubaba strikes a bell in my mind). I thought the plot lines were nicely weaved together to make a solid story. This is a story that should please everyone. It has morals and symbolism adults should understand, and great animation and cute characters for children and adults alike! It has suspense, fantasy, comedy, and mythology all rolled up into one. There are heartfelt parts, scary parts and cute laughable parts (i.e. the mouse and his bird companion!) I have always been interested in the notion of finding a separate little world within your own world that sweeps you away from reality and takes you to a whole separate place, like a dream. Until a little before the end of the movie, I forgot about my own life!! A great movie if you want to escape reality. The story does a good job of sweeping you away through a variety of characters and plot lines that mystify you. (The frog aprentices were some of my favorite characters). The hidden morals are cleverly incorporated unlike many linear paper-thin hollywood movies. Key themes to look for: gluttony, love, courage, power, perserverence, and other themes I probably missed. That's very likely because this movie takes on so many ideas, you'd have to watch it a few times to get everything! This movie is definitely worth the money and time!