Optimum Releasing saw a strong debut for its Oscar-winning Japanese animated feature Spirited Away this weekend. Hayao Miyazaki's blockbuster fantasy opened in 13th place in the UK/Ireland top 20 with a good $4,800 (£2,990) average.

In Ireland alone, it placed 15th but scored a powerful average of $6,710 (Euros 5,939) after taking $13,420 (Euros 11,877) from just two screens.

London's West End saw the film's best performance. Spirited Away took third place from 13 sites and a location average of $8,202 (£5,110).

BVI had cause to celebrate as Calendar Girls was released wide to take the lead in the UK. In Ireland, however, the comedy landed third place with less than half the take of chart leader Intermission in its third week. Intermission is also handled by BVI which boasts six of the top ten films in Ireland. The film passed the Euros 1m mark this weekend. It is released across the UK on Nov 21.

20th Century Fox release The Sin Eater (re-titled from its North American release, The Order) underwhelmed, coming 10th in the UK/Ireland chart and 12th in Ireland (with $18,542 from 12 screens).