Reviews of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Beauty and Emotional Impact: All three reviewers highlight the striking visuals and profound emotional impact of the film. Cassidy describes it as "one of the most beautiful film experiences I’ve ever had," while Watson calls it "visually striking" and "hugely charged with emotion". Brookson emphasizes its "ethereal and magnetic" quality, achieved through its watercolour aesthetic.

Coming-of-Age Story: The film is universally praised for its poignant portrayal of a young girl navigating life's complexities. Brookson calls it "a profound joy of early fatherhood [turning] into the fearful inflexibility of raising another person". Cassidy focuses on the protagonist's struggle between "a life of nobility and the normal and innocent life she truly wants," ultimately highlighting the universal search for "joy and happiness in the simplest things."
Critique of Societal Norms: Brookson provides a feminist reading, arguing that the film critiques restrictive societal norms imposed on women, particularly in feudal Japan. He interprets Kaguya's father's actions as symbolic of "countless fathers oppressing their intelligent daughters," and views the film as a plea to treat women with "respect and equality."
Unique Animation Style: The reviewers appreciate the film's distinctive animation style, which sets it apart from other Studio Ghibli productions. Watson describes it as "almost gestural," evolving with each scene's emotional tone. Brookson likens it to "the light touch of a charcoal pencil and watercolor paints," further emphasizing its delicate and evocative nature.

Key Ideas/Facts:

The film is an adaptation of the Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
It was directed by Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, known for his distinct directorial style compared to Hayao Miyazaki.
The film employs a watercolour animation style, contributing to its unique visual language.
It is considered a more mature and contemplative film, not primarily aimed at children.
The film features a beautiful orchestral score by Joe Hisaishi, a frequent collaborator with Studio Ghibli.
While a commercial failure, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is critically acclaimed as a masterpiece of animation and storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

"This is a visually striking film...almost gestural in style... It shifts as well, becoming more or less colourful or detailed based on the emotion and momentum of each scene." - Grant Watson
"Beautifully animated, a fully realized story, and a stunning score make this one hard to top, and I’ll be watching this masterpiece for the rest of my life." - Brendan Cassidy
"As in many Studio Ghibli films before it, the male director is speaking directly to his male audience, pleading with them to treat the women in their lives with the respect and equality they deserve." - Jordan Brookson

Overall: The reviewed sources unanimously praise The Tale of the Princess Kaguya for its beautiful animation, emotional depth, and thought-provoking narrative. While acknowledging its slow pace and mature themes, the reviewers consider it a powerful and enduring cinematic achievement.

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Reviews of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya