First of all, Disney has sensitively adapted this film into English, maintaining Miyazaki's complexity and depth, never undermining the cultural textures and not remotely Disney-fying it at all. It looks and plays out unlike any animated film you've ever seen (unless you're an Anime fan)--it's far more layered and interesting as it lets us unearth meaning that applies specifically to us. Essentially, this is a tale of self-discovery as Chihiro finds not only the inner strength she needs to cope with events far beyond her wildest imagination, but also the skills and talents inside her. Miyazaki tells this story with breathtaking imagery and an almost overwhelming sense of originality. It's hard to recall a film that has filled me with this degree of wonder and expectation--I never once had a clue what would happen next, and I could hardly wait for the next plot twist or astonishing set piece, not to mention what visual magic Miyazaki still had up his sleeve (and he has plenty!).

The central theme has to do with cutting through surfaces to the real person underneath, and virtually every character goes through a series of astonishing transformations that reduce us as viewers to bewildered children. In this sense, maybe it's a film for young people after all; they will have less trouble identifying with it and letting it carry them off somewhere amazing. But perhaps this is why we grown-ups need to see it even more than they do! If like Chihiro's parents you're unable or unwilling to accept the unexplainable and learn from the intangible, then the film will no doubt leave you cold. The rest of us, though, will feel like we've traveled somewhere wonderful ... and surprisingly revealing.