I enjoyed this movie much more than the OAV. No extended introduction, just immediate plot--all the characters look older and much has taken place since Keiichi first made his wish, and I love the look at the goddesses' angels. While the plot is focused on Belldandy's mysterious past, I especially liked the scenes where Urd decided to confront Celestine by herself, or when Skuld blasted him with a spurt of her baby angel power. And, if you've been waiting to see Keiichi and Belldandy have some special moments together, this movie should satisfy you. Beautiful art, and while the themes are a bit familiar, it's simply really nice to see all the characters given time in a story of this scale.
Card Captor Sakura Movie 2
Check out Shaoran and Sakura's matching outfits! Well, that's one reason why I love this movie. ^.~ You should know by now how obsessed I am with the Kaitou Saint Tail ending, and well, I find this movie as beautiful and fitting in its conclusion to the Card Captor Sakura series. It brings the relationship of Sakura and Shaoran to a beautiful close. Not only is the animation beautiful, but the story is terrific and the movie has all the subtle and beautiful touches of the television series. Touya chowing down on spaghetti (mmm), Sakura blushing (all the time!) and Shaoran's strength and support (and patience!)...all really wonderful. Not to mention, the final confession scene is just perfect.
Laputa : Castle in the Sky
My favorite Ghibli movie features Sheeta and Pazo. For two children they are remarkable individuals, courageous and loyal. They form a friendship that is beautiful to watch, and how they face the challenges related to the legendary castle in the sky is simply thrilling. The characters are just so darn likable, pirates and all, and with thrilling action scenes, like the dramatic rescue off a burning castle, what more could I ask for? ^^ The story itself has that strand of legend, magic and mystery that I love, and to have it intertwined with such wonderful characters as these made this movie one of my overall favorites.
Sailor Moon R Movie
My personal favorite of the Sailor Moon movies, because it has some of my favorite scenes and songs in the entire Sailor Moon series. Why? This is where the spotlight shines, for once, on Chiba Mamoru and his mysterious past. What makes him the way he is today, and where is Usagi's place in it? The sweetest scene takes place between them, which always makes me melt. The theme of loneliness and the friendship and love that defeats it is done supremely well in this movie - it's Moon Revenge.
Sen to Chihiro no Kami Kakushi (Spirited Away)
This comes ever so close to taking Laputa's spot as my favorite Ghibli film ever. The scene where Chihiro realizes Haku's real name is incredibly beautiful, sweet, and uplifting. The bo-nezumi creature provides the comic/cute aspect of the movie...and the "Futabi" background music is just superb. ^^ A beautiful movie that makes one thankful for the existence of Hayao Miyazaki.
Tonari no Totoro
Warm and fuzzy. That can describe Totoro, or this movie in general. It gives off warm and fuzzy feelings in waves, and it's a wonderful movie for all ages. The humans are charming and the different Totoro creatures are absolutely adorable (hey, I have all three kinds as key chains...). The story of Totoro and the children who discover him is short and sweet!
