THIS WEEKEND'S RENTAL:

Drawing on 'Spirited' world (Roger Ebert, September 19, 2002, Chicago Sun-Times)

'I love his films. I study his films. I watch his films when I'm looking for inspiration."

So says John Lasseter, director of "Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life," about Hayao Miyazaki. Other animators agree that the quiet man from Japan with the mop of gray hair may be the best animation filmmaker in history. His films are so good, they force you to rethink how you approach the art of animation.

Lasseter is one of the most successful animators in Hollywood. That he would take time to personally shepherd "Miyazaki's Spirited Away" for an American release by Walt Disney Studios is a tribute to the older craftsman. ... Lasseter, who directed the English-language soundtrack for the film, joined Miyazaki at the recent Toronto International Film Festival.

"The very first screening of 'Spirited Away' outside of Japan was at the Pixar animation studios," he said, "and I was stunned at how amazing this film was. North America hasn't had a chance to discover Miyazaki's films. In the animated community, he's a hero, like he is to me."

We particularly recommend: Kiki's Delivery Service [Majo no takkyubin] (1989) Hayao Miyazaki (1941-)  (Grade:A-)
Posted by Orrin Judd at September 19, 2002 12:51 PM