ゲド戦記 (loosely translated as Ged's War Chronicles) is produced by the Studio Ghibli, the studio who brought us the much acclaimed films such as Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Grave of the Firefiles and My Neighbor Totoro.However, the film was directed by first-timer Gorō Miyazaki, son of Hayao Miyazaki and the difference in style is quite noticeable. It is somewhat lacking in warm sentimentality that was present in some of Ghibli's earlier film.
The film was loosely based on the 3rd and 4th book of Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series. If you read the book prior to watching the film, you will find that some characters and some scenes were followed closely (including the dialog) but that was where all the similarities ended. The plot on the whole was pretty much on its own. The author's response sums it all up - Response by Le Guin
Even so, as a film itself, i must say it was quite enchanting and enjoyable. Spirited Away was the sort of anime that deserves 5 full ticks and i would rate this film about 4 & 1/2 ticks. =)
