MOVIE MONDAYS: THE TALE OF PRINCESS KAGUYA
Studio Ghibli's animated feature, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, is yet another film that has made it to my list of favourite films I have watched this year. Some of you may know that I am a bit of an anime fan and a MAJOR admirer of animation projects in general. And if there is one skill I wish I had it would be to be able to bring drawings to life. I cannot even begin to comprehend the amount of time, precision, drive and talent required to be a good animator but I am so glad there are folks out there pursuing the profession.
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Source: Studio Ghibli
I have my parents to thank for introducing me to a whole bunch of the wonderful animated films that Studio Ghibli have made; they truly are some of my favourite films I've watched. A few weeks ago, Emily invited me to join her in seeing a special screening of The Tale of Princess Kaguya at the Cornerhouse where we had to the chance to also watch the documentary on how the film was made - Isao Takahata and His Tale of Princess Kaguya. It was brilliant! You could really feel the passion, heart and the highly entertaining characters daring to leap out from the screen. And learning that it took them 8 years to make the film, that the film's backgrounds were watercolour paintings and finding out a load of other really interesting facts about how the film was produced really made me appreciate it a whole lot more.
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Source: Studio Ghibli
Isao Takahata (My Neighbours the Yamadas; Only Yesterday; Grave of the Fireflies), co-founder of Studio Ghibli, directed The Tale of Princess Kaguya which, he says, is his last film for the studio. This beautiful movie, based on a classic old Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, follows the story of a young girl born in a not-so-traditional way to a couple who do their level best to give her a life worthy of a princess. Filled with humour, love, a tinge of sadness and a bit more than a glimmer of hope, this film is one suitable for all. It has to said that there was something very different about The Tale of Princess Kaguya. Maybe it was the fact that it seemed as though characters could not wait for their entire forms to be drawn completely before coming to life giving us a sense of urgency, childlike energy or zestfulness that leaves you no choice but to try and keep up with what's happening. I don't know...but whatever the reason, I like it. That and the music! Boy oh boy did they nail the soundtrack or what? It was is simple yet elegant...just like the film.
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If you are in the mood for a beautiful heartfelt movie that will make you laugh and give you several reasons to try try and make the most of the time you have then The Tale of Princess Kaguya may be one for you to check out. And if you have not seen a Studio Ghibli film then...well...I think you need to change that...only if you want to... Also try and watch it with your first language in subtitles as well. But if that does not float your boat then as long as you give the film a go that is good enough for me.
Mo x