The Tale of Princess Kaguya Movie Review

Full Review

Pro: Animation, Music, Modern Retelling, Engaging Main character

Con: Maybe a little too down in the dumps story-wise.

Final Thoughts: The Tale Princess Kaguya is quite possibly one of the greatest animated films of all time and certainly the best animated film of 2014. With Studio Ghibli, most people think that goes without saying. Even so, the movie is a step up from typical studio ghibli and miyazaki flair and goes about making a timeless, gorgeous telling of one of the oldest Japanese legends, The tale of the bamboo cutter. If you have not seen it yet and you are still reading after all that, then I guess I have to reiterate why I think so.

Story: This movie is sad. There I said it. It really isn’t all fun and games to watch someone become so miserable, but the movie thankfully balances it out with enough hope and happiness early on to remind us of where we started. And in that sense it is really beautifully honest. Again this is based off an old Japanese legend with many different renditions. It is very difficult to try to make a lot of viewers happy unless the right things are added or subtracted to make the story work. I am just glad it did not go the Disney route and try to sugarcoat everything. That is why this movie could easily appeal to all ages and be so timeless. The message stands clear in the end in that “As humans we all experience joy and sadness. It is not something that should be avoided or feared, but embraced.” So anyone who does not like the ending because it is too sad needs to realize that they are human and it is nothing to be ashamed of. It is ok to cry, that means the movie did its job.

Characters: When looking at the movie closer we find that all these characters have conflicting wants. In the end, Kaguya is the one who ends up taking the heat for her particular want. The thing is though, is that the movie does everything in its power for the viewer to agree and relate to only Kaguya’s want. (and it friggen succeeds) The movie is an emotional ride through Kaguya's life and her desire to go back to the way things were before. It’s simple enough, but the movie drills it into the viewer so we can cry our eyes out by the conclusion.

Art: The animation if you notice is starkly different from most ghibli films and for good reason. Since this is such an old tale it is only fitting that we have a drawing like art style to tell the tale. Most characters are designed like people on ancient Japanese scrolls which makes the telling all the more memorable. The animation is of course very flowing and incorporates realistic movements and facial expressions beautifully. The watercolor and colored pencil colors only add to the feeling of every scene. Jagged lines and blurred animation for when things get dark and bright and colorful when things are happy. It all works so well beyond anything I have ever seen.

Sound: Joe Hirashi's name should say enough since he has composed almost all of ghiblis beautiful music. The koto music played is also extremely beautiful and fitting. Most of the tracks are happy, but there are also a few sadder intense tracks as well. All are never overused or underused. The english dub did well in casting the lead to Cloe something or other (the girl who plays in the new Carrie and Hit Girl from Kick Ass). Her voice is very soothing to listen to on its own although the laughing scenes can get a little awkward. (but that’s the English dub writers fault not hers) The rest of the cast fits so no other nitpicks.

Final Score: 5 stars

Recommendations:

Grave of Fireflies/Inuyasha Movie 2/Hotarubi no Mori e

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