Oops, I did it again. Thought I would never buy and watch another DVD without downloading a rip first, but I wanted a memento from my quintiennial visit to Fry's. They still have an anime section!

I don't know if this is what a Ghibli film not directed by Miyazaki is going to be like going forward, but main impression is that Arrietty lacks impact. When compared with something like Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke, everything is not as grandiose. The struggles of the heroine are not as epic. The fantasy setting is way subdued. So, while quite nice and potentially a kid's classic for other age, people who saw Ghibli masterpieces may be too spoiled to like this. BTW, the dude is kinda a dick, and he grows in orthogonal ways.