Spirited Away (1 Disc) (Studio Ghibli Collection)

My young nephews and nieces settled me down with them over the August Bank Holidays to watch 'Spirited Away', which I duly did to humour them, not having ever watched an Anime film before. As the film rolled I became increasingly transfixed and mesmerised.

This was no cutesy Disney cartoon but a deeply complex and beautifully intricately woven web of extraordinarily beautiful images with deep, dramatic undertones, resonances and subtexts. The image of 'No Face' in particular stays in my mind and decorates my dreams (in the nicest way possible), such was its vividness and dramatic reverberation, as does the journey of the train through the swampy everglades by night.

I recommend this film unreservedly to all, adults and children alike, and truly envy all those who will be watching it for the very first time. The quality of the imagery is unsurpassed and the storyline utterly compelling. The film received many awards, including the second Oscar ever awarded for Best Animated Feature, the first Anime film to win an Academy Award, also winning the Golden Bear at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival. Oh, you lucky, lucky people, to be watching this extraordinary film for the first time!

Okay, this animated movie won awards and is quite popular within its respected genre, but for the life of me I just can't understand why? I found it plain, strange and annoying. There was no substance to it. Whatever the story, I can usually find at least one character, idea or element appealing, but this one lacked any strength or depth. If it was supposed to be an original concept then it just didn't work for me. It felt like the writer made it up as he went along. I've seen better TV animations on cartoon network more intriguing.

This Film is soo good i watched it 5 times in a week. The idea behind it is great with all the spirits and how this girl gets lost
were she should not be. Just watch as she finds a way to save her parents and herself. If you Have not watched anime this is a great one that the whole of the family will enjoy too. try it!

This anime has everything, to cliche a phrase 'for the whole family'.The quality of the film is absolutely tremendous, with a beautiful written plot to immerse the audience entirely. Emotionally provoking, it provides moment of happiness, sadness and overcoming joy.

The music enchances the whole feeling of the film, its a delight to the ears. I found myself continuously listening to the soundtrack a long time after watching the film.

A film to explore the wonders of a new colourful and emotional universe. Not just for anime lovers, it can be enjoyed by a massive range of people. But no one can sample the eleagence this film resonates without watching it. Its certainly not to be missed at the mere price of £6.99. Theres nothing to not like.

Its easy to see why this won so many awards.
The story, while moving and often very imaginative, keeps you wondering at times, as they dont feel the need to explain all the details like in alot of american cartoons.
The film is beautifully animated, far better then most other cartoons out there.
Full of colourful characters who stand out from eachother, this is worth picking up and a great addition to your anime collection.