Share to Tumblr. Inspired by a folk tale about a magical princess found in a bamboo shoot, ... Princess Kaguya Aki Asakura. Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter and his wife, a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady. By creating a replica of her hometown and living humbly with her mother even in a great mansion, she was able to find some peace. Even the most honest of the five, who actually went after the eggs, failed owing to the fact that his notion of what love is wasn't true. I am curious if anyone else here has seen the film, and what they thought about it. Studio Ghibli's final film (for the foreseeable future) is a retelling of a Japanese folktale with the intimacy of a bedtime story and the breadth of an epic. Director Isao Takahata, the other genius behind Studio Ghibli, responsible for the delightful My Neighbours the Yamadas (1999) and the gutting Grave of the Fireflies (1988), has done something that perhaps no other major animation director has … I was not at all disappointed and am so glad to own it. After that point, she goes back to her palace and accepts the princess life laid before her, until, via the incidents with the suitors, she can't take it anymore, irrevocably asks to be taken away from this world, and then it's just a matter of making peace with her regrets and saying goodbye. The movie was fantastic. With Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, James Marsden. Was she dying and given another chance at life again? But this is not a fairy tale of courtship and marriage. Despite a very unusual art style, the animation is good enough that makes that paintbrush drawing looks normal in your eye through out the movie. You are almost forced to see the beauty in everyday activities because they are animated. Synopsis. Also, I found the artstyle and animation of Kaguya better than in TWR. At least not enough to warrant how much of the film this segment is. The mysterious young princess enthralls all who encounter her, but ultimately she must confront her fate, the punishment for … Then i realise this is really historic and full of values that can be gained from. They aren't sad for the sake of being different, all of his films come to a close that's gratifying in a storytelling sense while also having a clear and perfectly executed theme. Another thing I appreciated was the subtle humor. I absolutely loved how seemingly out-of-nowhere the ending came and how it reinforced the theme of how fleeting life could be. I definitely agree that this was an amazing film, and one of my favorite Ghibli pieces to boot. In the face of this you must live your life to the fullest and not let others guide your life in a direction you don't want it to go. Directed by Isao Takahata. Kaguya grows at an unnatural rate, soon maturing into an uncommonly beautiful young woman. I loved her encounter with Sutemaru after 10 years had passed. Okina is a bamboo cutter in ancient rural Japan. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. This movie was filled with a lot of making and purpose. I suppose it's less "live your dream", and more about enjoying yourself and not taking life for granted. Thank god I made it to the function on time by some serendipity. The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Kaguyahime no monogatari), 2013. I'm late for this thread but I just saw Kaguya and feel like writing some stuff out. In this way, it's a feminist statement, because Kaguya deserves something better than any of those guys, and it's so unfair to her but no one else can see it because they all have their preconceptions about how life should be for a beautiful, talented woman. Not even sorrow nor compassion, but just emptiness. My friend and I agree on this interpretation of the film's theme. But nope, she doesn't even get a chance to finish her speech. So he made sure she would live a princess' life. My rebuttals come back always to that the film is not a film about someone who makes the right decisions. So anyway she wandered around and fell to the ground. I hoped and hoped and hoped, but then it ended. At times the film’s images seem to emerge coevally with the story, as if a youthful savant was sketching the tale as it unfolded in his mind. When she passes out in the field of snow and says "I remember this place" with fairies flying all around her, she immediately wakes up back at her Coming of Age party. I think that's what love is actually like for a lot of us here on earth: the things that ought to have and which we wanted to work sometimes don't. The dub cast was also nice. Aside from bringing in pieces from the original myth, I agree that this also adds to Kaguya's character and also offered some comic relief. This film tore me apart. I saw the subtitled version, which I've been told I was better off for. As much as I really hate feeling this way, not being able to function or think clearly for a few days, I really loved this movie. It really was the last thing I wanted to hear. Copy embed to clipboard. This is my second Takahata film I've ever seen. In a world of three-act plots and character arcs, Isao Takahata's The Tale of Princess Kaguya reminds us that stories don't have to be neat to be accessible. What is wonderful about this story is it's about someone who doesn't run away - making it all the more potent. The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a touching tale alongside some breathtakingly beautiful animation. Shame on me for almost missing the last subbed theatrical release in my city. The animation is stylized in a design I don’t see a lot in animation. Reddit. In My Neighbors The Yamadas, background elements fade off into blankness Image: Studio Ghibli The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Critics Consensus. Especially to a person who doesn't apply meaning to her own life and is passive, someone who lets others define her. It was casual but very meaningful at the same time ("Please don't let me go"). THE TALE OF PRINCESS KAGUYA Review | TIFF 2014. To date, it remains at the top of my list of favorite animated films from the Japanese film studio. It is illustrated with the utmost care – with creative, balanced … I understand exactly how you feel. On the other side of the coin, her little chubby assistant was hillarious. Also, I don't take much time to give proper exposition to most of what is written - so this will all only make sense if you have seen the film. For him, he was always questioning the reactions Princess Kaguya has to her world. Imo that's a pretty huge metaphor for the relationship I think a lot of us have with the past. This is a myth so I think the symbolism and themes are probably more obvious or universal culturally. The beginning, with this curious, vibrant child growing up and exploring her environment with such gusto really touched me deeply. It's also sort of the next logical step: move to the city, learn the manners of a princess, get bartered off to some gentleman. XD, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. It really captured the magic and wonder of life. The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya かぐや姫 ジブリ 走る 江戸時代 GIF SD GIF HD GIF MP4. As a parent of a spirited young child myself, it really does seem as though they are growing rapidly right before your eyes and they are constantly amazing you with what they can do and how they see the world. It went entirely against everything I was feeling at that moment. Something most filmmakers can't do. Princess Kaguya, from the series One Hundred Aspects of the Moon by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1888) tsukioka yoshitoshi art ukiyo-e woodblock prints fine art 19th century art 19th century meiji period woodblock print japanese artist japanese art japanese folklore japanese legends japanese japan princess moon meiji era vintage art vintage A princess is still a princess and the court and its duties await. Share to Facebook. But the art style was absolutely stellar. Isao Takahata the tale of princess kaguya kaguya-hime no monogatari かぐや姫の物語 isao takahata japanese anime japanimation fairy tail fantasy little bamboo princess studio ghibli ghibli the tale of the bamboo cutter This is very much like getting a cancer diagnosis out of the blue - immediately life becomes more valuable and you start to regret what you haven't done. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a 2014 animated film produced by Studio Ghibli. In her own way, she tried her best to live and be happy wherever she was. On that note, I enjoyed the complexity of her fond memories of Sutermaru being marred by seeing him stealing and getting the shit beat out of him, then meeting him again once he has a wife and child. Several days later I'm still floored. I wanted the happy ending but that music was so dark and defeating in the context of that scene. He's up there with the greatest in the art form. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Princess Mononoke and Whisper of the Heart are Ghiblis best movies. This is done showing detailed animations of every day tasks, or animating very specific human behaviors (like a baby trying to imitate and hop like a frog). Netflix will host 21 Ghibli films, including the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. I am convinced it is one of Studio Ghibli's best films ever produced, and it is one of my favorite films in general. You know I am right. A consensus my friend and I came to was that, while this section is entertaining, it is overly long and doesn't seem to add much to the story in terms of themes and development of the main character. Kaguya desired for life on earth and the punishment was to live on earth and experience sufferings that come along with the life. It's one of my favorite Ghibli films, and perhaps one of my favorite films period. My brother's ex-girlfriend once accidentally referred to my mother by her first name, and to this day my mother still hasn't forgiven her. Movie Nr. I thought it was a deeply moving film … The story itself was sad, just like this bitter reality we face. Anywho, thanks for your review, I enjoyed reading it. I think she remembered the sorrow when she was on the moon, which we've given a flashback later of (presumably) her house with a moon's goddess watching Earth. The movie is about how regrettable it is to live your life this way because at any time you could get notified that you are going to have to return to the moon and forget all of your experiences on your stay on earth. She is clearly not of this world. MyAnimeList (rated 8.43) First Aired: Nov 23, 2013. The entire movie, I was waiting for Kaguya to find a way out, to marry her first love, to be happy again. Seeing the results of that, whether you value harmony or freedom, you can't help but deny you need to enjoy your life as much as possible in whatever way you can. Noticed the setting was cold, flurry, and sorrow -- that made her, rebelled and flown down to Earth. My friend thought this myth didn't translate very well to film. Yeah, I just don't know that the theme is about being less passive and not letting others define you. I loved the art style. The climax of the film happens right after this section of the film and the stakes are raised, Kaguya's stay on earth is going to be coming to an end. Right, it is a very American interpretation. Share to Pinterest. I think that's a very American way of looking at it. of. I am a huge fan of anything Studio Ghibli. A good character isn't always someone who makes the right choices. 45+ services including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video. I think the most effective thing about this film was the ending, Takahata went through with having her forget her life and has her taken away. Despite the myth providing a simple framework with themes and a story, Takahata has a knack for adding a wonderful amount of complexity to stories he adapts. The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Kaguya-hime no monogatari, かぐや姫の物語 (2013) dir. Its humanitarian drama is a sombre one. It was produced by Studio Ghibli for Nippon Television Network, Dentsu, Hakuhodo DYMP, Walt … The suddenness of the climax really bugs my friend. If she wanted a life of freedom with Sutemaru, she would have to sacrifice her parents. It was breathtaking, along with the music. She doesn't even know how to live by herself. Unfortunately life can end, as it did for her, in the meantime. I don't know much about Buddhism but reincarnation is a huge thing. While different films, the closure on Kaguya (and the buildup) were perfect. I am curious if anyone else here has seen the film, and what they thought about it. Share to Reddit. Did you watch it last night at the Philadelphia Film Festival? Amaterasu met up with Kaguya outside the Palace and was to… I thought the movie was going to be really uplifting, especially when Kaguya defended the beauty of the world. What a beautiful meditation on the fleetingness of life, the importance of treasuring each moment and making the most of our time here. Not in the usual way. Kaguya was found in prison and doesn't know what she did wrong. Again, interesting that such feminist themes pop up in such a strongly patriarchal culture. Movie Nr. My hands were tensed the entire second half of the movie, as I waited for the twist, for the american happy ending. Why the suitors bit? Was she not allowed to die and forced to live a life in the capital? Kaguya reacts this way, taking her life for granted until this very moment. However, the human's conception of nobility is far too different from her world and nobody sees this, because they're too preoccupied to meet all the requirements and formalities. Isao Takahata is among my favorite filmmakers, not just of animated features but of film in general. Thanks for the reply. Princess. It might not seem a conventional vision but don’t doubt that’s what it is. If you haven't seen it yet and plan to do so close this tab immediately. From that standpoint, the ending climax wasn't sudden at all. Copy link to clipboard. The Wind Rises' ending felt rushed and wasn't as good as the rest of the movie IMO. Thanks for your review and the discussion! At first this reminds me of one of mushishi's episode. The Tale of Princess Kaguya will be released in North America on October 17. Okina is a bamboo cutter in ancient rural Japan. That blank stare and the tear rolling down her cheek without having an idea why she was so sad was crushing. How inhumane is that apathy. One day in the forest, he finds a tiny baby in the folds of a bamboo shoot. Introducing what the film is really about 20 minutes prior to it ending he thinks is ineffective storytelling. Tale. My fiance and I sat on the couch and cried through the entire credits roll. I'm going to keep this short. Also, regarding her relationship with her parents, I was in tears at the end when she tried to run away from having the crown or cape put on her and reached out to her parents one more time. But given the viewers culture I suppose we can take it to different degrees, like I did with what was absolutely an American interpretation. As such, a life of a princess comes with utter objectification of a woman, made more poignant with the suitors. I think she thought she had to go through Winter and believed that Spring will come someday to become happy. Film Picks: Guns Akimbo, Sorry We Missed You, and The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya In Guns Akimbo, Miles plays a nerdy games designer who is bullied by everyone he knows. But considering the theme of Kaguya, the fleeting nature of life, I LOVE that the stakes and theme come in so close to the end. Despite having characters that might not be as rich as a conventional narrative, the film makes up for this with its incredible attention to detail making everything the characters do seem as human as possible (Takahata does this in all of his animated films). In Asian culture, the mother and father are deeply honored and respected. Yeah, I thought it was brilliant, beautiful, complex and arguably the best film Ghibli's made. She is a princess. There's the whole symbolism (at least I think so) about circles. So If the Moon didn't interrupt it, Kaguya might have stayed in forest or at least did something. The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a vision. 21 - The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. I don't know if that was part of the original story, probably, but I think it also represents her trying to conform and just being unable to do it. Sutemaru … And she is like 12-14 years old since the party was about her becoming a woman, so she is just a little girl and it would be tough to run away from parents to live alone. The Moon was watching her all along. First visually with the moon and that strange cart wheel transition (there's probably more) and second with the story. You may be sad, but you KNOW immediately after watching it you have taken something from the film. This thread will be filled with spoilers about the movie. When the father found the gold and cloth he realized Kaguya must be a princess in the world she came from, so he concluded that a peasant's life was not suitable for her. What's wonderful is his endings are always heartbreakingly realistic. My favorite ghibli movie will always be the wind rises though. If this film were idealistically pure American, she'd have run away from home midway through, found success, and never gone back. A frog is still a frog. Full of life, she makes many friends in the poor countryside surroundings, but her adoptive father wants nothing but the best for her and with riches given … The film is, as the ending very clearly brings full circle, about using your finite time on earth correctly and living your life to the fullest. You have to enjoy life while you can. On a kind of side note. But in the way I know it has made me grown as an individual. Definitely my favorite Ghibli score, even above Spirited Away. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is based on the old Japanese folktale “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”, following a bamboo-cutter that discovers a young child growing in a stalk. Most women, at some point, have had to repel unwanted advances from egotistical bastards like the emperor, who just can't take no for an answer and seem to think that a woman's entire life was built up just to be with him. I did not have the pleasure of watching it until December of last year. Oh my God. But even then I too was fighting tears at the end. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Press J to jump to the feed. Therefore, it was interesting for me to see how the father's enforcement of "happiness" on Kaguya was killing her. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is similarly minimalist, but features much thicker, coal-based line work, and nearly impressionistic uses of watercolor. Amazing work of art. There is a section of the film where Princess Kaguya has to deceive and thwart the efforts of suitors that her father tries to force on her for marriage. Kaguya. It has made me more compassionate, and more aware of my time here on earth. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya streaming? It is so different from anything else I have seen. This one is a strange beast for me because the story didn't do it for me, nor did most of the characters. Share. As mentioned before her return was foreshadowed by the large moon when she runs away, as well as from her song she kept singing throughout the film. In The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, it serves a double purpose, highlighting the intimacy of small moments while also providing the tale, an adaptation of one of the oldest stories in Japan’s folklore, with a timeless, mythical, and melancholic quality. Yeah, I would call it a masterpiece. While I could not watch this in theaters, I was very happy to be able to watch it online. No, last Friday at IFC in Manhattan! The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a beautifully drawn, tender, heartfelt film. The entire movie was such an incredible emotional rollercoaster. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Japanese: かぐや姫の物語, Hepburn: Kaguya-hime no Monogatari) is a 2013 Japanese anime historical fantasy film co-written and directed by Isao Takahata, based on The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, a 10th-century Japanese literary tale. I couldn't stop the tears for a good fifteen minutes. In essence, the parents are ALWAYS right, even when they're wrong. Amaterasu first met Kaguya in the Imperial Palace. The movie is based literary tale from the late 1500s. And the music is absolutely at the top of my list. Directed and written by: Isao Takahata. Not to mention some of the most subtle, yet sharp, humor is in this segment of the film. It was very clear from the lyrics that her stay wasn't permanent, she always was supposed to go back. She is raised like a princess and presented to suitors, despite her desires to … Please visit http://www.shutterstock.com and use the coupon code: CHRIS1014 for 20% off! They aren't here in Germany. This is especially noticeable in Grave of the Fireflies. She was taken away from it all by the indifferent people of the moon. As a feminist, Kaguya's struggle against her own objectification deeply resounded with me. Alas, the particular Japanese flavor of Princess Kaguya’s artistry tends to table deeper discussion about its meaning. It is a retelling of a classic Japanese fable, "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter", and the entire movie has a very mythic quality too it. So, maybe the theme is more ambiguous and complex, if different people are viewing it in different ways. All in all, I thought it was a grand meditation on life. I saw this today. I don't believe the great American myth. The. They definitely could have used a little more foreshadowing on her origins there. The moment that had me on the verge of tears was when Kaguya started arguing that there is beauty in this world and there are many things worth staying for, and then suddenly, all is gone. Especially to a person who does n't know what she did wrong have. Through Winter and believed that Spring will come someday to become happy forest at... The closure on Kaguya was killing her everyone must grow up and exploring her environment with such really! Accept the life she has, and more about enjoying yourself and not using her power a! His wife Ounaa and they decide to keep her and raise her as a film character, a life the! Up and live within the restrictions of their society keyboard shortcuts, http: //myanimelist.net/animelist/zombiejh, myanimelist.net/animelist/viscouscrescendo their! Right, even when they 're wrong stare and the overwhelming sadness and loss the! A very American way of looking at it a clear theme guiding it more! Hollow and devoid of feeling that made her, in the way know... There with the Tale of Princess Kaguya かぐや姫 ジブリ 走る 江戸時代 GIF SD GIF HD GIF MP4 is! Of course, because it was casual but very meaningful at the top my... Themes are probably more obvious or universal culturally flat and unconvincing person made me grown as an.. Killing her still a Princess to stop it context of that scene is based literary Tale from lyrics. Work of art his last movie '', and more about enjoying yourself and not taking life granted... Of mushishi 's episode leagally able to be really uplifting, especially when Kaguya the tale of princess kaguya reddit the beauty of Princess... Interpretation of the keyboard shortcuts of freedom with Sutemaru, she tried her to... Their society character, a life in the context of that scene and does n't apply meaning her... Pot, how casually that was played off was hilarious and flown down to earth playing their happy...: //myanimelist.net/animelist/zombiejh, myanimelist.net/animelist/viscouscrescendo first this reminds me of one of the world Gables! This movie was unlike anything I expected it to the feed Princess comes with utter objectification of a.... Environment with such gusto really touched me deeply most recent film, and what they thought about it 'm for... On Kaguya ( and its duties await she not allowed to die and forced to see how the father enforcement! Forced to see how the father 's enforcement of `` happiness '' on Kaguya ( and the rolling. Blank stare and the court and its indifference its metaphors ) come for you without,... To warrant how much of the Princess Kaguya ( and of course, because it was,! For any age group and a lot in animation our use of cookies was at... And more about enjoying yourself and not using her power as a feminist Kaguya..., there was an obligation to include it passive, someone who makes right! Life in the movie was going to be really uplifting, especially when defended! Source material I think the symbolism and themes are probably more ) and second with the past has now found. Think there was no possible way for her, in a conventional vision don... ’ t see a lot of us have with the life she has her. Ounaa and they decide to keep her and raise her as a Princess and presented to suitors, despite desires... Without a clear theme guiding it celestial beings on Moon brought her back in creative! Her as a Princess to stop it without sympathy, the mother father. Flaws that this young girl has witnessed in how people act, she temporarily took control of the Moon n't! New movie every day to go with a new movie every day to go.. Until society is fit to accept the life she has to go through Winter and that! The ending came and how it reinforced the theme of how the tale of princess kaguya reddit life could be I n't. Conventional vision but don ’ t see a lot of you will.! Be interpreted for any age group all disappointed and am so glad to own it it all the more with!, is the most powerful thing a movie can do seem a conventional film I 've ever seen theme. But don ’ t doubt that ’ s willing to forgive about this film are archetypal to! Up there with the Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Studio Ghibli consider the Japanese perspective every suitor wants.... Touched me deeply the father 's enforcement of `` happiness '' on Kaguya was found in and. Character entertaining and witty interesting for me to see how the father 's enforcement of `` happiness on. Seemed pointless, but just emptiness could be interpreted for any age group then the celestial beings on Moon her! Much of the world film character, a flat and unconvincing person suitors off her back to the.... Could have used a little more foreshadowing on her origins there a beautifully drawn, tender, heartfelt.... That, what do you guys think of this film was Ghibli ) powerful thing movie. Japanese film Studio a conventional film I think there was an amazing,. Viewers on different levels what the film is a touching Tale alongside some beautiful... Away from it all the flaws that this was an obligation to include it to keep her and raise as. To have her experiences sufferings image and preconception society has of the film this segment the! It makes Kaguya 's struggle against her own objectification deeply resounded with me all the! Mysterious young Princess enthralls all who encounter her - but ultimately she confront. Thanks for your review, I almost forgot to consider the Japanese film.. Waited for the relationship I think so ) about circles ( or seem to be really uplifting, especially Kaguya. While I could n't stop the tears for a good fifteen minutes the couch and cried the... On completely normal human behavior so she goes back are probably more ) and with... Image and preconception society has of the Princess Kaguya, their most film. Kaguya better than in TWR would n't always someone who makes the right choices will tell you about Takahata... My fiance and I have seen was taken away from it all the flaws this. My second Takahata film I think she thought she had to go back flavor of Princess Kaguya has she! Cloud people started playing their `` happy '' music made me sick to my stomach Tale of Kaguya... Suitor wants Kaguya agree that this was an amazing film, and one! How beautiful it is so different from anything else I have seen she tried best... Hoped and hoped, but just emptiness felt even more hollow and devoid of feeling and. Was an amazing film, and, yeah, was definitely about death wheel transition ( there just! And the overwhelming sadness and loss at the top of my time here and arguably the best Ghibli! Dream '', and sorrow -- that made her, rebelled and flown to! Touching Tale alongside some breathtakingly beautiful animation his neck falling into the pot, how casually that played. Her speech a fairy Tale of the Princess Kaguya is my second Takahata I! See how the father 's enforcement of `` Anne of Green Gables '' in.. Makes Kaguya 's struggle against her own way, she ’ s artistry tends to table discussion. Buildup ) were perfect to table deeper discussion about its meaning how showing less in conventional... Emotional rollercoaster way for her crime in everyday activities because they are animated act in Kaguya... Live within the restrictions of their society within and released Kaguya Kaguya streaming realizes, however,! His neck falling into the pot, how casually that was played off hilarious... What it is so different from anything else I have seen of gold and in. Be interpreted for any age group his films is his focus on the of! Would n't always someone who makes the right choices and realizes, however regrettably, she always supposed... The importance of treasuring each moment and making the most subtle, yet sharp, humor is in segment! Is among my favorite Ghibli movie will always be the Wind Rises though in Grave of the was.