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Mr Finch wrote:I'm frankly astonished to hear that critics and audiences weren't receptive to it on its theatrical release. I'd be interested to learn more about what it was about the film that provoked the lacklustre response.

Though box office in Japan was nothing special, enough critics were impressed for it to make #6 on the prestigious Kinema Junpo Top Ten. (First place that year went to My Neighbour Totoro.)

EDIT: Whoops, sorry -- the above refers of course to Grave of the Fireflies, sorry!

Thanks to all for the feedback. I picked up the Optimum Takahatas and a few other things that were deeply discounted. They've already been shipped, though I imagine there might be some delays with the UK's weather this week.