I went to see this in the cinema last night, and although the style was very much that of Japanese Anime, the plot means that this really doesn't matter. Miyazaki has filled this with wonderful and exciting characters, who are all multi-faceted.

The central theme of the film is the emotional growth of a young girl. To begin with, she is the Japanese stereotype of a single child; weak, demanding and completely dependent on her parents. Throughout the film, she grows up to become effectively the strongest and most stoical figure among the characters of the story.

What is particularly refreshing about the plot is that none of the characters conform to the way one as a westerner would stereotype them - whether that is the result of differing traditions in Japanese writing or simply the skill of the director do not really matter. The result is a film which works on many different levels and so will appeal to both children and adults alike.

The reason I would reccomend this as a DVD is the splendid animation and story board drawing in it. It really is a feast for the eyes, and something that, if you are in any way interested in animation, you would defintitely want to come back to. Unlike regular anime, where all faces are based on a similar construct and use the same contortions for expressions, in this film the drawing of every character in some way describes them as an individual. Only the central character Chichiro / Sen displays the characteristics of regular anime figures, and this is actually very appropriate since she is the only one able to maintain consistently the her human identity.

All in all a good film and one that I would watch again - Buy it!!

must confess I made a bit of a leap into the unknown with this album. I am a serious fan of their label buddies Aphex Twin, but I knew before purchase that it would be vastly different. I was not disappointed. In this album this listener is presented with a mix of electronica, hip-hop, chilled synth, some really ecclectic sounds that I just can't categorize, and wierd vocal interludes. I think the best way to describe this would be some sort of thinking-man's DJ Shadow. When you have moved on in your taste, and listened to that genre to the extent you have had enough, then this would be a great advance. Its pretty chilled out, but provides some really interesting listening, rather than simply melting into the background. The album is hugely varied, with some dub-fuelled human beat-boxing going on, though its not as dark as something like Deadly Avenger.

I would thoroughly advise what is simply a very good album and a pleasure to listen to, plus the cover is nice!

Without a doubt, this is one of my top ten films of all time, mainly because there is so much that can be drawn from.

Zinnemann's adaptaion of the Robert Boltman play was done on a low budget, and whilst it takes artistic license slightly further, the film remains a historical masterpiece. Paul Schofield as More is magnificent, combining a stoical adherence to truth on the one hand, with a dry wit on the other, and this is an accuracy of depiction that could not have been drawn from the words of the script. Robert Shaw as Henry is also fantastic, showing the viewer both the very personal side of the monarch, when he is disappointed at More's non-attendence at the wedding to Anne Boleyn; and the aggression of a lion as he shouts (in full hearing of all party guests) - "I ask you, do they take me for a simpleton?" The swift change from an amiable friend to a dominating absolute monarch is brilliantly played by Shaw, and though it is a marked contrast to the plain More, the performances are equally great.

In October 2000, John Paul II made Thomas More the Patron of politicians (he was already the unofficial patron of Catholic lawyers in the UK). Both positions indicate what a great man he was. A scholar of great learning, a man of letters, a liberal in an autocratic age. His character was perhaps best displayed as his end, in his words to the executioner - "Pluck up thy spirits, man, and be not afraid to do thine office; my neck is very short; take heed therefore thou strike not awry, for saving of thine honesty." The combination of humor and greatness, even in the face of death, povide a role model for all.

If you enjoy the film, read the play and 'The Life of Sir Thomas More' by William Roper, his nephew. Although it bears relation to a specific incident, this popular poem of the time is a fitting epitaph for this great man -
When More some time had Chancellor been
No more suits did remain.
The like will never more be seen,
Till More be there again.

Before you even start listening to this album there are a few things that should be bourne in mind.
1. Madlib is a renowned Hip hop producer.
2. Blue Note is a fantastic label for jazz.
3. The album was produced by Eli and Peanut Butter Wolf.

With these sort of credentials it is hardly surprising that a fantastic album has been produced. It combines some wonderful jazz (I don't pretend to be knowledgeable at all, though I have a few Miles Davis and Coltrane Albums, so I have dipped my toe in the water) with a hip hop flavour, which generally means a bit of lyrics in the background, with the melody of the song remaining intact. The beats are chilled, with some cool bass guitar, double bass, piano and trumpet playing around with the music in a way that only jazz musicians can.

I like albums which I see as progression for music in general, and this is definitely one of them, as is Bobbito Earthtones which I would also advise. This sort of music just gives you a good feeling, firstly because you found it but also because of the tempo of the music itself - just makes you wanna smirk and get down in a modern day James Brown stylee. That's right!

This is quite simply a great album, there are no two ways about it. John Mayer is both a talented vocalist and musician - think Jeff Buckley, but less depressing and more accessible. The songs move from being uplifting, the soulful, to musically fantastic. See below for track description.

No Such Thing - upbeat number and the first UK single release. It is one of those songs you want to play when getting up is difficult - and you know by the end you will feel ready to face anything.

Why Georgia - less upbeat but great combination of music and vocals in which John sings to some long lost girlfriend. Great stuff.

My Stupid Mouth - here John laments his stupidity, albeit in a fun way, in what he has said, since his stupid mouth has got him in trouble. Something we can all relate to I am sure.

Your Body is a Wonderland - the title is fairly self explanitary. This is a love song but John is not a crooner and maybe you will sense real feeling in this track, or simply enjoy it for the lyrics and music.

Neon - The best track of the album. This combines an amazing guitar lick with really interesting lyrics about a girl he is losing, which seems to be a continuing theme in many of the songs. This one of the best tracks I have heard recently and will really clinch the album for anyone so I am going to stop the review here (if this doesn't persuade you try 1983).

All in all a great artist. Buy this and get uplifted by a singer who will make you feel good - maybe that is the point of music??

A friend of mine brought this album over 4 days ago, and I musthave listened to it 50 times following. Further to this I have also booked tickets to go and see him live; this guy is phenomenal.

The beauty of his music is often in its simplicity, not unlike Leonard Cohen, but also the feeeling of the Lyrics. Eachsong conveys a very clear message to the listener. However, the acoustic feel of guitar and then rising strings make you feel you're almost in the music. The music always compliments the heartfelt subject of the lyrics, for example the frustration of 'delicate' with strong rising string cords, but also a chilled slow guitar lick during the more thoughful verses.

Damien is clearly a loely Irish boy, but this does not translate to the very heavy lyrics of someone like Sinead o'Connor. A cello frequently compliments his music, and is almost like another vocalist in 'volcano.' The songs often are like dialogue between two people, saying the same thing to one another, but not really listening to each other.

My favourite tracks are 'The Blower's Daughter' which then flows into 'Cannonball.' Everything on these tracks sums up the best parts of the album. The great emotional feeling is there - "I can't takes my eyes off you / I can't take my mind off you / Till I find somebody new."
This then moves into a slightly more upbeat guitar lick of 'Cannonball.' Here he laments a past girlfriend he no longer has with him, and is confused by the subsequent relationship. This moves into a triumphant chorus in which he describes what he has learnt - "Stones taught me to fly / Love it taught me to lie / Life taught me to die." The contradictions of wht each experience are obvious - "so come on courage teach me to be shy." at then end it still reverts back to his wanting the girl, this track really also is an example of great musical composition.

Other good tracks are 'Amie' and 'Cold Water.' If anyone says this album is boring, they are simply not listening. Tkae a chance, buy it, and if you like it you will love it.

A new studio album from John Mayer was bound to get some people a little disappointed as, having heard the fantastic 'Room for Squares,' they simply wanted something as good and essentially the same. Part of the attraction of RFS was the novelty of John's soft voice, and the emotion conveyed by much of his singing and the lyrics.

Heavier things reflects a maturing of this great artist; the songs are different but that does not mean they aren't great to listen to. My personal favourite from this album is 'Come Back to Bed,' surprisingly not because it stands out, but as a result of the fantastic performance he made of it when I saw him live at the Hammersmith Apollo. It was a record size crowd for the venue, and if you get the chance to see him then I would unreservedly recommend an outing. I quite enjoy 'Clarity' as well, as the horns and construction of the song make an interesting combination.

Ultimately, if you are new to Mayer then I would advise checking out Room for Squares before this album. If you aren't, don't be put off be those who say this isn't as good, it simply different and well worth a listen. Enjoy.

I heard 'Grey Day' for the first time on an online radio and was immediately hooked. Having bought this album I was not disappointed. I am not usually a fan of eighties synth style music, but the combination of upbeat tracks and some more soulful tunes reminded me of French albums like Phoenix's 'United', and Etienne de Crecy's 'Tempovision', both of which I would strongly advise if you haven't already checked them out. If you are interested in the Wall of Sound label then have a look at Roykspopp and Black Twang.

Some of the tracks on this are weaker than others, and the first four or five on the album are the strongest (hence four rather than 5 stars), but it does work well overall. If you like it, then have a look at their first album, 'Living in a Magazine' particularly the title track and the first one, both of which have very cool videos (check out french tv) and really define this band for me. It's not always good to compare albums, and the differences between the styles of music may reflect maturity. I think the tracks on this album do have a more distinct and strong style than its predecessor. Nevertheless I prefer that album, hence the comparsion! "I've got a feeling, it's automatic!"

I only recently got into Aphex Twin; having heard Selected Ambient Works Volume 1 and deciding that it was one of the best albums I had ever heard, I went out and got this, 26 Mixes for Cash and the Come to Daddy mini-album. What I particularly like about Richard James' work is the variation. The music he produces differs greatly from album to album but I have not been disappointed by any tracks I have listened to. What struck about this album is that is far less accessible that others I have listened to, but as such far more rewarding. Two hours of ambient music is a lot, but if you really listen the changes in the music are very subtle and clever indeed. The first CD is slightly reminiscent of SAW vol.1 but with more continuity between the tracks and, if its possible, a more ambient chilled out synth feel to it. CD 2 encompasses some industrial sounds and haunting vibes of the sort you would not want to listen to on your own in a wood at night. Actually quite scary even in the daytime. If you really take time over this album, its subtleties and quality will become clear, and this is far more rewarding than those wear the strength of tracks are immediately obvious. In short, if you really like your music, and like what you have heard from Aphex Twin then this is the album for you - it is not a good entry point to his music for someone who has never experienced it before. Try SAW vol. 1 for this; I did and I was hooked! Warp is a quality label - check out their other stuff for great beats from Prefuse 73, Autreche, Squarepusher, Nightmares on Wax and Anti-Pop Consortium to name just a few.