Although Disney chose to give Hayao Miyazaki's SPIRITED AWAY a modest release in the U.S., the film has managed to catch the eye of critics. Already winning Best Animated Feature from the New York Critics Circle, The Los Angeles Critics Association and the National Board of Review, SPIRITED AWAY is now finding its way on to critics' "Best of 2002" lists. Featured among such acclaimed films as Todd Haynes' FAR FROM HEAVEN and Martin Scorcese's GANGS OF NEW YORK, SPIRITED AWAY placed tenth on USA TODAY's 2002 round-up, with critics saying, "The mystically tinged adventures, gorgeous artistry and dreamlike storytelling are a rare treat among children's films." Popular CHICAGO SUN-TIMES critic Roger Ebert also praised the film, which landed eighth on his year-end list, alongside films including Steven Spielberg's MINORITY REPORT and Spike Jonze's ADAPTATION.
