What's different from the homey American animations about talking animals is animator Hayao Miyazaki's talent for large-scale fantasy, his sheer tale-spinning talent and his potpourri of animation styles.

Liable to strain the patience of adults and the attention spans of children.

Frequently astounding.

Miyazaki’s characters feel tangible and human, his action scenes ripe with energy, and his film’s design, as always, abundantly imaginative.