Spirited Away (2001)

Chihiro's family stops on the way to their new house, and they end up in the world of the spirits. Can she rescue her parents before she forgets who she is?
This is a beautiful movie. The story is unlike anything else, although it echoes some familiar characters. It's the classic story of a slightly spoiled girl finding her inner strength. Told very simply, it's all the more affecting.
What really makes the movies special, though, is the animation. In a world where most movies are computer-generated, it's nice to see something hand-drawn. Miyazaki has made a name for himself as a director who can marry the story with his distinct style to a spectacular result. It's lovely and dreamlike.
I would recommend this to a collection that serves young readers of all ages, although parts may be too scary for the little ones to watch alone. It's a story with so many levels that it will appeal to a range of viewer. ( )

Both charming and creepy, this Miyazaki anime followed on the heels of Princess Mononoke and received much the same critical acclaim. It follows the adventures of Chihiro who, after her parents have been magically transformed into pigs, descends into a kind of underworld, peopled with fantastic ghosts and monsters, in a frantic quest to have her parents restored to normalcy. Compelling and unforgettable. ( )