“Once upon a time, long, long ago” – this is the beginning of a Japanese folktale that is brought to life in an absolutely beautiful manner by director Isao Takahata and Studio Ghibli. Each frame looks like a charcoal and watercolor drawing. If you aren’t interested in Japanese folktales The Tale Of Princess Kaguya is worth watching simply as a work of art.
The Tale Of The Bamboo Cutter, upon which this film is based, dates back many centuries, and while The Tale Of Princess Kaguya does not match the original story directly it is still an excellent version of the story. A bamboo cutter finds a tiny princess inside a stalk of bamboo, he takes her home and begins, along with his wife, to raise her. She befriends the local youth, but she is odd – she keeps growing at a rapid pace for instance.
I don’t want to convey much of the story. This is a film where it must be allowed to unfold for the viewer the way it was intended, with each development coming and wonderously and magical as the storyteller intended. Even if you are familiar with the folktale there is enough difference here to warrant allowing this version of the story to be told at its own pace without any spoilers.
If you aren’t familiar with the folktale The Tale Of Princess Kaguya will be even more full of surprises and wonder the first time you watch it. Yes, you will see a bare bottom, and a breast, but it is all natural, even appropriate for the time and place. The film is rated PG because there is some nudity, but nothing is graphic or gratuitous. The voice cast included James Caan and Mary Steenburgen as parents to the princess, portrayed by Chloë Grace Moretz. Other names on the roster include Lucy Liu, Oliver Platt, Beau Bridges, George Segal and more.
Special features start off with a 40 minute press conference regarding the completion of the film’s production in Japan. It is sort of interesting, but slow-paced. Then there are the trailers and promotional spots. That’s it. I was a bit disappointed there wasn’t more exploring Studio Ghibli, the folktale this is based on or the animation process.
Animation fans absolutely need to see this film, if not own it outright. Honestly it is one of the most beautiful films I have seen in a long time. The story is very good, which doesn’t hurt. Despite the slim offerings of special features I still recommend purchasing this.