Several months ago we rented “Ponyo”, then a few weeks ago we rented “Spirited Away”. They were both made by Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation and film studio whose films are almost always highly-rated and/or award-winning. Both films were so different from the usual animated fare, and kids and I really liked them. I was excited to learn that the studio has a lot more films that we can see (if we can find them). We rented two from the Main Library today but won’t be home to watch them until next week. I can’t wait to see them! (Interestingly enough Disney is in on these films but I’m not sure how — maybe they handle the English-speaking versions?)
August 14 Update: We watched “Kiki’s Delivery Service” yesterday. The kids all liked it, but I was a bit disappointed. I think my expectations were too high (a common problem I have). We also got “Castle in the Sky” but I don’t think I’m going to let the kids watch it. I read about it and I think it would be too intense for them (and me!).