The story was quite simple, but decent enough. It had some good qualities, but nothing new. There were a couple of unexpected moments, some romance, action, and some interesting ideas. However, it wasn't nearly as good as what people hoped it to be. I preferred it to Advent Children since it was a story in its own right, but it doesn't compare to the game series.
The animation was astounding; the characters looked almost as real as they possibly could have done. For its time, it's groundbreaking. Better than the animation in FFVIII, which was being made at the same time.
The character voices were well cast and the music was serene. It added to the atmosphere, and all those sound effects we take for granted well sleak and done to perfection.
Characters were nice, and better than the plot. Each was unique and, while I didn't learn a lot about them during the film, I felt they were created well.
Considering its length, the time, and the fact it's a part of a series which is loved by millions, I would certainly say this movie is under-rated. It's not got much of a re-watch value, but I'd certainly say go and watch it once. Watch it with an open mind, and forget it's called "Final Fantasy". Think of it as nothing more than "The Spirits Within", and enjoy it for what it is, not what many people hoped it would be.
