Article on the film's release in Japan. Free registration required. [New York Times]

Harvey Karten, Steve Rhodes, and Dustin Putman give the movie 4 stars out of 5.

Two reviews.

Discusses themes, with screen captures and wallpaper. Rating: 5/5.

Includes comments from Miyazaki. Rating: 3.5/4.

Wesley Morris describes the film as a "vividly timeless oddity suitable for many children and most stoners". Rating: 3/4.

Roger Ebert considers this one of the year's best films. Rating: 4/4.

Michael Wilmington recommends the film for children and adults alike. Rating: 3.5/4.

Rob Vaux says the movie "brings an incandescent joy that rises above its flaws." Rating: B+.

Mongoose rates the film "really good".

Includes user comments. Rating: 5/5.

Bruce Westbrook feels that although the film dazzles, it also dawdles. Grade: A-.

Article discussing the success of the Japanese release. [CNN]

The film is Mark Schilling's "new favorite among Miyazaki's many masterworks". Rating: 5/5.

Kumi Kaoru discusses the film's background, its meaning, and whether it is successful in its goals. [Animation World Magazine]

Kenneth Turan praises the film's imagination and the English dubbing.

Tom Mes calls it "one of Miyazaki's best works to date".

Thomas Hibbs believes the film presents lessons missing in most American movies for children.

Lou Lumenick describes the film as "breathtakingly beautiful and poetic". Rating: 4/4.

Elvis Mitchell expects an Oscar nomination for the film in this positive review. [Free registration required]

Andrew O'Hehir calls the film an "extraordinary Miyazaki concoction" and a hallucinatory trip.

Jeffrey M. Anderson calls the film an animation landmark comparable to Snow White.

Willian Arnold likes the film and its protagonist, but fears it may not connect with American viewers.

Charles Schoellenbach calls the film an "example of what makes going to movies so much fun".

Chris Maltby calls the film a "true masterpiece" with "many identifiable aspects from previous Miyazaki films."

Rob Blackwelder feels the movie is imaginative but lacks purpose. Rating: 2.5/4.

Review by film critic Josh Gilchrist

Mark Holtz reviews the film at the San Francisco International Film Festival.