Reviews

I have not seen any other of Kurosawa's movies, so I comment on this film from that perspective. This movie is wonderful, one of my favourite movies. It doesn't try to follow the typical movie routine... it is far different to what most viewers would be used to. To enjoy it you have to realise that nothing is really going to happen - this film is simply made to be enjoyed.

I would however like to complain about the TERRIBLE treatment this film has been given on DVD. Both the Hong Kong and US releases are awful quality. There is a good Japanese DVD, but it has no English subtitles. Come one someone, release the remastered version please!

I do not know much about Norway so I have no idea how realistic this movie is. Apparently that country has the highest standard of living in the world so the lives portrayed must not be typical.

But I can say that I thought it was well acted and directed. A worthy achievment in my opinion.

This movie is almost as good as the excellent Mononoke Hime in my opinion. Every aspect is so masterfully rendered. Children will probably like it (but might become slightly restless in its 2 hour length), but adults should see the film with an open mind and they will be able to appreciate it.

The subtitled version should be watched if possible. The voice acting is much better and more suitable.

This movie is spectacularly excellent, all the good comments about this movie are true.

It's unfortunate that they had to dub it into English. It should be watched in Japanese with subtitles.

Also I noticed that the older demographic did not like this movie. They would of course have no legitimate reason for this - just closed-minded about animation.

People, please. Get it into your thick heads that animation is NOT just for children. Try to be a little less western in your thinking.

This is a very interesting film, the complete opposite of the glamour of hollywood. It is very slow, but I was never bored, and the lack of sentimentality is very refreshing.

If you ever get the opportunity, do sit down and take the time to watch it.