> The apparently lovingly dubbed English version of "Princess Mononoke," a Japanese anime film from anime legend Hayao Miyazaki, opens on October 29th in the U.S. The buzz is huge. Roger Ebert has said it is his favorite film of the year thus far. Some are predicting it will be the first anime release to reach beyond the small but devoted cult following anime has in this country. The English version was written by Neil Gaiman, and the dubbing, by A-list English-speaking stars, is apparently so flawless than you won't notice many asynchronous lip movements, if any at all. Like most greatly-anticipated films, great anticipation can ruin the experience, and so I will watch it with diminished expectations -- and I would encourage any one else interested in seeing it to do the same.
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> But my question is, how many of you are interested in seeing it in the first place? I certainly am, though I am new to anime -- (I watched the "Bubblegum Crisis" series, which was fair, and "The Ghost In the Shell," which was brilliant, but that's the extent of it) -- and I'm taking a big gamble on dragging my wife to it, who isn't interested at all (with luck, it'll be a pleasant surprise to her; otherwise, I'll never sell her on anime.) I may make a Reader Poll question out of this when the release date comes a little closer, but I'd be more interested in individual, personal thoughts rather than the statistical compilation of many.

I haven't had much exposure to anime other than Speed Racer (if that's considered anime) and Pokemon (one of the benefits/curses of being a parent!). As a general rule, I'll give any movie a chance. I've seen a lot of animated movies and really enjoyed them, so I'll probably go see this one. Do you know if it's appropriate to take kids to see? I know some people who take their kids to see any "cartoon movie", and regret it later. There was an anime movie out not too long ago that dealt with graphic and violent sexual behavior. If it had been rated, it would have most assuredly garnered an NC-17. It wasn't rated at all however, and a lot of parents took their kids to see it. I can't remember the title exactly, but I think "Blue" was one word of it.

I'll find out what the title is and post it later. I just don't want to leave this post hanging while I do my research!

Kel"always wanted a Mach 5 when I was a kid"ly