Many years overdue, but I finally watched Spirited Away this weekend. What a lovely film. I don’t know why it took me so long to get around to it.
I haven’t seen all of Miyazaki’s films. Just Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo. Some of which I enjoyed a great deal, though maybe I wasn’t in the right mood or frame of mind for Ponyo. Then again, I was raised by wolves.
I’ve heard much praise for the other films, such as Nausicaa and My Neighbor Totoro. Although at the rate it takes me to watch DVDs it will be 2036 before I get around to these.
“Spirited Away” is the best of the Miyazaki films. I love it. “My Neighbor Tortoro” is next, with “Princess Monoke” following. “Howl’s Moving Castle” isn’t as good, but it’s an adaptation, not an original. He’s better at original stuff. I’d recommend “Porco Russo” (IMDB says he’s working on a sequel) and “Nausicaa” as your next viewings. “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and “Castle in the Sky” are good, but they can wait (“Castle” being the better choice here). I have a problem with “Ponyo,” too. His propensity for strangeness in his stories surfaced more in that one (fish with chicken legs, anyone?).
Princess Monoke is my favorite and then Spirited Away. But don’t forget “The Cat Returns” — Any cat lover will enjoy this story.
I’m a Anime fan, watching classics back in late eighties. SO there are a lot more films that I think are even better than Miyazaki (or at least a notch above). But Miyazaki transcended barriers and you must respect any who can change the world view-point.