5/5 Miyazaki - not for anime lovers (only)
  by Jason Verenski (Chicago, IL)
Spirited Away is not related to the thousands of other anime films out there. Miyazaki is a storyteller first and foremost, weaving dramatic, comedic tales. Spirited Away, and most of the other Studio Ghibli films, are made pretty much - for everyone. If you're between 8 and 100 years old, you'll probably enjoy this film. Depending on your age, you'll see a slightly different film. Spirited away combines traditional Japanese culture, post war culture, 90s culture, magic, spirits... no robots or space creatures in this one and although Miyazaki touches on Steampunk in some of his other films, there's not really any in this film. Everyone I've ever shared this film with, young and old, has absolutely loved it. Miyazaki's use of children (or childlike characters) in the lead roles - and the fact that his films are animated, leads a lot of people to assume that these are films for children, and while they are great for children, they are certainly not kid movies. Highly suggested.

5/5 highly recommended
  by Matthew Kuemmerlein (Kansas City, MO)
Spirited Away is a delightful movie about a fantastic world and a lazy little girl who gets her first job in a bathhouse for spirits. Hiyao Miyazaki, praised as the Walt Disney of Japan, has created a wonderful story, rich with magical logic and unforgettable characters, that is sure to please younger and older viewers, and told it through hand-drawn animation abounding with loving detail and living backgrounds.

Chihiro starts the movie as a listless girl lazing in the backseat of her parents' car as they move to the Japanese countryside. A shortcut through the woods brings them to a decaying theme park that mysteriously draws them in and leads them to a market stall laden with platters of delicious food, where her parents gorge themselves and turn into pigs. Chihiro ends up employed at a majestic bathhouse, run by a greedy old witch named Yubaba, where spirits come to refresh themselves. She makes friends with a dragon boy named Haku, a six-armed boiler room operator, and a mess of soot balls (remember these from My Neighbor Totoro) while figuring out a way to save her parents and return home. In the course of this, she discovers that she's a tough, resourceful little girl.

Every plot development in Spirited Away is a surprise, and the characters are more subtly drawn than the characters in a Disney feature. Yubaba's a nasty witch, but first she is the strict boss of the bathhouse. The monster No-Face can be destructive, but is shy and awkward in his crush on Chihiro.. Haku is a good person, contrary to what the employees say, but is mixed up with Yubaba, which complicates things. The Japanese feel of the movie, in the beautiful styles and textures, kimonos, bowing, and disgusted faces characters make when something icky or smelly enters the scene, also contributes to the Spirited Away experience. The soundtrack is a treat too, especially the melancholy music that plays during the dreamlike sequence when Chihiro rides the train off into the horizon formed by the sea and the sky.

Spirited Away is a lot of fun and has real heart. Regardless of whether animated movies are your thing or not, you will enjoy this one.

5/5 "The Best I've Seen in a Very Long Time"
  by S. Hong
Hayao Miyazaki works wonders in this spectacular film. It is a little spooky at times, but it is an amazing film out of all I've ever seen. I do not reccommend it for children under seven to eight years old, yet it is wonderful for every other age. I understood it perfectly and believe that the plot is at the perfect place between dramatic and simple. I have seen other Miyazaki films, but this one truly took my breath away and is amazing beyond amazing. If you want a perfect example of a major motion picture, choose this fantastic movie for you and your family. It's Academy Award is truly well-earned and, I believe, that this is easily one of the best films ever produced.

5/5 Miyazaki's Masterpiece
  by Jawertae (Smithfield, NC USA)
Spirited Away is an AMAZING movie, straight from a brilliant imagination. The art is beautiful, the story is captivating, and the characters feel like they are a part of you. Appropriate for any and all ages, kids to adults. If you haven't seen this movie, save yourself the rental fee and just buy it; if you have seen it, then you were probably going to buy it regardless of my review, so either way, BUY IT!!!

5/5 SPIRITED AWAY
  by "GOOD" Movie Lover (Pueblo, CO USA)
Miyazaki's animated movie SPIRITED AWAY is an entertaining story about a modern day young Japanese girl who gets caught up by accident between the world of the living and the spirit world. This young girl learns how to grow up in a hurry and also learns to be able to stand up for herself. The story includes lessons about trust friendship and using one's wit. Some very imaginative spirits are found in this story-some from Japanese folklore. Very young children may find this story a bit too scary, but older children and adults (I'm an adult and I liked it!) should enjoy this animated feature. Lots of fun!