[Heckalaska]

I got turned on to Japanimation in around 93', when I moved to Hawaii for 4 years. That place is basically little Japan (that's not meant to sound derogatory) and I started checking it out since it was in my face at every video store on the island. I started with Guyver, which was cool until Mark Hamil soiled it with live action. Dug Akira quite a bit as well as a few others. My daughter started getting into Ranma 1/2, which was annoying as all hell and at times, a little racy for a youngster. After that and a few (I think they're called "hentai"?) amazingly stupid xxx cartoons, I wrote off most Japanimation as annoying and immature.

I've rented a couple over the past few years, all of which have not changed my mind. Spirited Away was my very last try at checking out a Japanese cartoon (I told myself). And I only gave it a shot because the word of mouth I read here and at other sites.

I was very pleasantly surprised and glad I did rent it. I'll be buying for sure in the near future. I agree that the opening was a little slow, but not so much that it detracts. The english dub was pretty good for a change and the story was great! None of the characters, save for maybe that midget witch lady, was overly annoying like almost everything else I'd seen in the past.

Only one viewing wasn't enough to discuss it in depth, but I thought I'd relate my little experience like that. It's the first time I've seen something from Japan that I've really liked in a long, long time. I encourage any others out there like me to check it out.