Isao Takahata’s The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a beautifully crafted epic. The animation, atypical of the style of Ghibli-esque blockbuster we've come to expect and love in the UK, is delicate and beautiful. It is of no surprise that this melancholic triumph received an Oscar nomination for best animated film this year.
Based on 10th Century Japanese folklore, it follows the life of a humble bamboo cutter who stumbles upon a glowing stalk, a tiny, hand-sized girl growing within. Returning home to his wife with excitement, the child rapidly transforms from baby, to toddler, to infant in a beautifully animated transition. Though the genuine film can be seen with subtitles, the dubbed version stars a formidable cast of Chloë Grace Moretz, Darren Criss, James Caan and Lucy Lui that compliments the animation impeccably. It’s then down to personal preference as to which you’d rather experience.
The film also injects sorrow, particularly as the princess struggles with her new life away from the farm, friends and freedom she grew up with. And While her life moves on, the film develops upon these points before flowing lovingly into a situation in which the Princess sends five potential love interests on a mission to find for her an unobtainable gift. The new development, in which Kaguya finally embraces her power, is charming and brilliant!
The entire film is held together exquisitely by another Joe Hisaishi masterclass. The stirring soundtrack adding beauty, elegance and hope to an already sublime film. The concluding piece of music is harrowing, yet delightful in the ultimate juxtaposition of image and sound. The score alone will have you scurrying home and downloading it just to hear it again.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya is surprising and captivating, a true victory of imagination. With folklore at it’s heart it airs on ridiculous, but remains grounded enough to thrill. The story is simple enough, but ends with a profound message.
Want To See More?
Watch the interview with director Isao Takahata
The Tale of Princess Kaguya is out this Friday!