I thought the film was fun, but agree that the plot was hugely condensed. So much so that the credits just start rolling and the movie has to double-time it to wrap everything up even halfway decently.
Of his older films my favorite is Porco Rosso, and of his newer ones Princess Mononoke. It's also worth mentioning that Nausicaä the comic is leaps and bounds better than Nausicaä the movie.
The book is very good. I liked the movie - it was interesting to see which elements from the novel Miyazaki chose to drop.
Great review. I saw the movie in february, and it's still my favorite movie of the year.
This was one of the few movies I missed this summer, and I'm really disappointed I didn't catch it. I found Spirited Away somewhat underwhelming, primarily for the plot issues you mentioned.
I'll try to catch it on DVD, though.
My friend and I went to see this in the theater months ago and I absolutely loved it, but I know exactly what you're talking about. By the end of the movie, Miyazaki is frantically trying to wrap things up - so much so that the entire end of the war just feels like someone walking up and going "hey, I'm here, the war's over".
On the other hand, the world he built for it is so weird, and the war itself so much of a background element more than a plot element, that I was totally willing to forgive that bit. This movie is just so crazy that its great to watch.
The other weird thing about the war wrap up, if you're British, is that you're too busy thinking "Good god, it's Rod Hull" to pay attention to what he's saying until it's too late.
Ha! Rod Hull!
The book is similarly packed, and also has a last couple of scenes that rush to try and tie everything up (and don't do it as well as they could), although of course the book and film are tying up a whole different bunch of plots.
I prefer the film, all told. Miyazaki's visual imagination is just a joy to see. If nothing else, Howl's looks amazing.
My favourite is still Princess Mononoke though.
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