It started with a suggestion from Scott that we watch "Kiki's Delivery Service." Melanie mentioned that it might not be appropriate for my youngest, but that we ought to see "My Neighbor Totoro," also by Hayao Miyazaki. Well, we are hooked. We rented it from Blockbuster (I tend not to rent kids' movies from Netflix because they're never due back, and you know how kids want to watch the same movie over and over and over again...!) and had to return it today. We miss it already! I can't stop singing, "Totoro, Totoro...." So I just ordered a copy on ebay. (I didn't—yet?—buy any of the wonderful Totoro toys, posters, T-shirts, and accessories.) What a delightful movie! Julie watched it twice a day while she was sick (her fever finally broke, thank you).
Miyazaki films are really magical. Try Kiki, it'll make you smile. Spirited Away is a fantastic movie that would probably be appropriate even for young kids. Princess Mononoke might be a stretch for a sensitive youngster - it's violent. But don't get me wrong, it's also a great movie.
Posted by: Scott D. Feldstein | December 30, 2004 at 09:37 PM
I thought Spirited Away was a fantastic movie, but it is definitely too intense for my young children. Kiki's Delivery Service was a bit intense for them when they were younger, but they enjoy it now. Then again, my kids are pretty "movie naive".
I can't wait for Howl's Moving Castle! Check out http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/
Posted by: Melanie | December 31, 2004 at 03:47 PM