The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Kaguyahime no monogatari), 2013.
Directed by Isao Takahata.
Starring Aki Asakura, Kengo Kora, Takeo Chii, and Nobuko Miyamoto.
SYNOPSIS:
Based on a tenth-century folk tale, an old man finds a princess in a bamboo who is only the size of a finger.
A bamboo cutter is out in the forest where he encounters a mysterious bamboo shoot which contains a miniature princess; when his wife takes hold of the magical discovery it transforms into a normal size human baby. The couple soon realize that the original form of their adopted daughter is what she is meant to become; they are added in their mission by bamboo stalks appearing which when chopped unveil a vast of amount of gold nuggets and a variety of fabrics that are meant to be turned into luxurious robes. Within a blink of an eye the baby has a series of growth spurts which take her into adulthood. The family heads to the capital city where royal training takes place and numerous suitors pursue mysterious beauty who is a free spirit.
When one thinks of Studio Ghibli most often the works of Hayao Miyazaki come to mind; however, co-founder of the legendary Japanese animation company Isao Takahata is equally talented being best know for the acclaimed Grave of the Fireflies (1988). Takahata has been able to take the folk tale Tale of the Bamboo Cutter make a cinematic experience which is whimsical, dramatic, inventive, and full of nuances. The baby has all of the awkwardness of a real one when walking and playing while the scene where the Bamboo Cutter wipes his hands on his pants before picking up the princess is both touching and funny because it feels authentic.
Not all is fun and games as dramatic action moments occur as Princess Kaguya runs away back to her rural home or soars high above in the sky in what may or may not be dream sequences. Unlike Hayao Miyazaki who utilizes bold solid colours, Isao Takahata makes use of an animation style that resembles pastel sketches which honour the folklore tradition of the original story. As with a bamboo basket, the music and sound design are skilfully interwoven with the dialogue and images. Like the title character, The Tale of Princess Kaguya is full of wonder and heartfelt emotion which will enrapture audience members of all ages.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★★★★★/ Movie: ★★★★★
Originally published September 5, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
