A Chinese Ghost Story is a very touching and feel-good anime that isn't overly syrupy or irritating. I know what you are thinking. "Isn't A Chinese Ghost Story...Chinese?" Yes, it is. Most people think anime is only Japanese animation and for the most part, it is. However, this animation from Hong Kong is close enough to anime that it should be reviewed. (And it's such a good movie, anyway, that it should be reviewed.) This movie is the same as Japanese animation, but different. For example, the eyes aren't as cute as Japanese anime. The pace and the style of storytelling are completely different. Anyway, the story is about a tax collector named Ning, who happens to stumble upon a ghost town when he is collecting a debt. This ghost town isn't a desolate Wild West ghost town. It's a colorful and cheerful ghost town, which resembles a carnival. However, these ghosts want Ning's spirit to keep Madame Trunks' young complexion healthy. Ning falls in love with his would be ghost assassin and all kinds of problems arise. Throw in a reincarnation train, a crazy pop idol singer, some nasty trees, some exorcists, some flower petals and even a few songs, and you have A Chinese Ghost Story.

First of all, let's start off with the good things. The animation is gorgeous. There is a lot of mixing of traditional animation with computer-generated animation. There is a lot of mixing of computer graphics. Almost to the point of too much. Most of the computer graphics blend well, such as the ghost town, which is absolutely gorgeous, but other things that are computer generated seem unnecessary. This movie is very colorful and it's pretty bright. Another strong point for this movie is the characters. Ning, even though he is really stupid (in fact he is called stupid at least 3 times in the movie.), is a lovable goof. Suzine, (I don't know how to spell her name.) the ghost that Ning falls in love with, is really cool looking and has a great attitude.

Ning's dog, Solid Gold, is hilarious too. Most of the supporting characters are great, however, I found the exorcists quite annoying. That was one problem I had with this movie. The continuing feud between the exorcists was very drawn out and irritating. I think I would have LOVED this movie if they were removed and the movie focused more on the love development between Ning and Suzine. While, I do enjoy the action they provide, the exorcists were just so... irritating. However, I think the love story and the action is balanced rather well, but the action is a little bit heavier than the love story. Anyway, the character moments in this movie are so touching. My favorite one involved Ning handing Suzine his umbrella underwater. It sounds stupid, but the love scenes are so touching and heartwarming that they will be remembered for a while. The music is for the most part, very good. I like Suzine's song, a lot. It involves the first meeting of Suzine and Ning, and lots of flower petals. It's unforgettable. One song I did find annoying was the exorcist, Redbeard's, song. It was just so lame and unnecessary. The Chinese music and action music fits the movie nicely though.

I should also mention that this movie is really goofy. I mean, it's not completely dumb, it just doesn't take itself too seriously, yet it does. You know? This movie is funny and over the top, but at the same time manages to be serious and convey the points that this movie wants to get across. The dubbing is pretty good too. I think everyone sounds really good, for the most part. The young exorcist, Ten Miles, is quite annoying, but he's about the only one. Ning, Suzine and Redbeard are all right on, as well as the rest of the cast. There are a few problems. First, I wish the story focused more on the love between Ning and Suzine. Maybe it's my personal taste, but the action sometimes seemed to overshadow the touching love story. Second, some of the story doesn't make sense. It really wasn't a huge deal to me. I mean, it's a fun, over the top movie. It doesn't need to make sense. The story and everything makes sense but a few minor details just don't fit or aren't explained. No biggie though. Last, the pacing is quite fast. I liked the pacing, as there wasn't any time for goofing around. This movie is to the point and then mostly action from there. No filler scenes or anything. Others may have problems and may be upset that the movie moves so quickly. The movie is appropriate for the family too. I wouldn't agree with the box, by saying it's all right for kids three and up. It's a little too intense, violent and scary for kids that young. I say anyone over 5 will enjoy this movie. Like I said this movie is excellent. I love the themes, colors, story, characters and scenes etc. It's a great movie. It's unforgettable and really heartwarming without being annoyingly sweet and the most important thing, it's really ENTERTAINING. Even though it isn't perfect, it's one of my favorites and it is worth a buy.