90
It will disturb you as much as thrill you, make you wonder whether the boundaries between life and death, reality and fantasy, imagination and insanity are ever what they appear to be.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
100
TV Guide Magazine by Frank Lovece
Serenely stunning.
90
A very nutty fruitcake, Spirited Away is characterized by wonderfully detailed animation, packed with incident and populated by all manner of comic creatures.
100
New York Daily News by Jack Mathews
Turns everything we know about the contemporary world on its head, and substitutes it with one in which spirits, monsters, magicians and animals mix it up in a carnival of energy, good humor and freewheeling illusion.
100
Charlotte Observer by Lawrence Toppman
Yet its visual surrealism, identity-bending and strong social/ecological message make it as much an allegory as a fable.
100
A Japanese cross between "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Wizard of Oz" -- is such a landmark in animation that labeling it a masterpiece almost seems inadequate.
100
New Times (L.A.) by Luke Y. Thompson
Probably like nothing you've ever seen before. In a cool world, it would be guaranteed not only the Best Animated Feature Oscar, but Best Picture as well.
100
Baltimore Sun by Michael Sragow
A visual masterpiece about a scared little girl's breathtaking journey of self-discovery. All of the fun is getting there.
88
Chicago Tribune by Michael Wilmington
It's a movie full of bewitching images and timeless fun and beauty.
100
Philadelphia Inquirer by Steven Rea
Wondrously strange and just plain wonderful.
One of the most beautiful and moving movies about coming of age and girlhood I've seen—not just for kids, this film is like a piece of art!
If you made me choose, I would say that this is my favorite Studio Ghibli film. It has some of the most stunning animated visuals you’ll ever see, and its story about the often painful but essential journey of growing up and growing into yourself always stays with me.
I waited far too long to watch this film for the first time; do not make the same mistake as me! The world is so lucky to have Miyazaki and his art in it. His films' themes and messages are evergreen, and all audiences can enjoy them. If you are curious about his movies or watching more animation in general, this is a great place to start.