Really didn't like this. Very little story line with sentimental voice over. Gave up on it half way through. Even the kids thought it dull.
I liked this movie. The story is quite simple but the way it has been told is really interesting. Lovely animation. If you like Studio Ghibi movies you might like this one too.
The story starts well, but rather quickly it starts to drag a bit and loses its initial promise. As others have mentioned, it's *very* sentimental and some of the English language voice acting starts to grate after a while, particularly when the characters laugh or bicker. The basic premise is interesting, and it could have been a great film if handled differently. But by about half way through I had lost interest really and didn't much care for the characters. It's not all negative - for example, the background art is impressive and often really beautiful. But the character animation is more of a stock TV standard and not very impressive.