Ghibli's Most Overlooked Anime Is This Touching Tale That Holds Rare 100% on RT & Oscar Nod
While Studio Ghibli is known for the works of Hayao Miyazaki, the work of other masters remains in the shadows. One such master is Isao Takahata, whose final masterpiece is one of the studio's greatest achievements.
A close friend and colleague of Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata is best known for the anti-war animated movie Grave of the Fireflies and Only Yesterday, which explores the influence of the past on the future.
Less well-known is The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Takahata's final masterpiece. If you've been hesitant to experience Japanese animation, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya might be the perfect introduction.
What Is 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya' About?
While working in a bamboo forest, an old man cuts down a tree trunk. For a few moments, a bright light fills the area with a magical glow. Making his way through the veil, he sees a little girl of unparalleled beauty sleeping peacefully inside.
He takes the beautiful girl home to his elderly wife. The events in the lives of the married couple then develop as rapidly as the story of the girl, growing by leaps and bounds.
The Anime Is Based on an Ancient Tale, but It Takes the Story to the Next Level
The Tale of Princess Kaguya is Isao Takahata's swan song, which took nearly eight years to create. The idea dates back to the 1960s when the director first proposed that Toei Animation create a film adaptation of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. However, the plans were postponed indefinitely.
The director of the heartbreaking Grave of the Fireflies took a Japanese folktale as the basis for the princess's story, transforming a seemingly simple plot into an incredibly powerful and beautiful statement.
'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya' Was Nominated for an Oscar
The intricate ideas are portrayed in a manner that distinguishes it from other creations of the Ghibli studio – The Tale of Princess Kaguya is made with watercolors and charcoal.
This allowed the film to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best Animated Feature Film category, but it lost to Big Hero 6.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya'?
Empire critic Dan Jolin said:
“Not only is it soul-soaringly beautiful, it is an exquisite, hand-drawn antidote to the increasing homogeneity of the Hollywood CG animation machine.”
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The Tale of the Princess Kaguya has 100% from critics and 90% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 8.0/10.
Where to Watch 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya'?
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is available to stream on HBO Max.
