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!

Simply unbelivable
such depth and substance and originalty
really deserves recognition

The first time I saw this amazing anime, i was blown away. When we see films which follow a character into another world and usually depending on the depth of the characters, stories and curiosity, it depends on how absorbed we become.
The world that this conjured here, helped me become lost, you really get the sense of crossing into another realm. Everything about it was enjoyable and in my opinion its suitable for children of all ages. Never mind simply seeing this, buy it, you will not regret it.

If you haven't already got this, it's because either a) you're not an anime fan, or, b) you've only just got in to anime and simply haven't got round to purchasing this yet, even though you don't necissarily have to be an anime fan to enjoy this film. Otherwise, any and all anime fans should own this, aswell as anyone just looking for one of the most amazing animated films ever. I won't bother going over the story as it's been spelled out a hundred times over. The characters are all great, imaginative, and well designed. The animation is stunning, although I, personally, still consider Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust to be the best animated film (visually), this is still incredibly good. It's little touches like the detail in the reflections that make this film such a marvel to watch.
I could go so far to say this is my favourite anime film, as I just have absolutely no problems with it. There's no little annoying niggles or things that put me off, it's just brilliant. Is it perfect? Well, apparently "nothing's perfect", but this seems to the only film I've ever seen that may disprove the saying. Most highly recommended.

Spirited Away is a great film, about one little girl who loses her parents, and must find a way to get them back! from the moment you start watching it you are drawn into Miyazakis great animation, stunning soundtrack and a superb storyline! A fantastic film, for anyone of any age!

What can I say that has not already been said, very imaginative Anime from the Master studio. This film is oscar winning for a reason. So entertaining and compelling. Without doubt some of the finest Anime I have ever seen.

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!

Hayao Miyazaki has become somewhat of a legend in certain circles. Not only in Japan but with anime fans the world over.

With Spirited Away he finally achieved some recognition from the mainstream and moviegoers who weren't particularly familiar with his anime or any other for that matter.

A tale of morality and how greed corrupts, Spirited Away is, quite simply, visually stunning. Its lush landscapes and attention to detail draw the viewer into Miyazaki's spirit world and capture the imagination. I only wish I could view from the point of view of a six year old.

The main character, a spoiled and lazy little girl, becomes trapped in the spirit world and is forced to change her attitude to survive and escape. Miyazaki's use of metaphor expounds the idea of humility and hard work in a way that will capture the imagination of younger viewers.

The film can also be quite dark in places and this is reflected in in the PG rating. At various points Miyazaki paints a nightmarish vision that reminds me of a Grimm fairytale.

The plot may be a little confusing and winding but don't let that put you off. Miyazaki, or anyone else, may never make a film quite like this again. Truly unique.

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.

lovely film.. although come of the characters are a tad unnerving. still great, though.