Studio Ghibli - The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Review

Hello everyone!

*DVD poster - Image from Google*

Today I will be reviewing a Studio Ghibli Film called 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya' or originally known as 'Kaguyahime no monogatari'. Now I am a huge fan of Studio Ghibli and their works, not surprising considering the companies' consistent success with their wonderful films.

I must admit that I was slightly surprised at the thought of Studio Ghibli creating another film with a juxtaposing art style compared to their earlier films that focuses on a fluidity of the characters and movement whereas 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya' focuses on a more jaunty and more artistic focus for this film. But once I found out that the film was not directed or written by Hayao Miyazaki but rather Isao Takahata, who took a big risk for creating such a film, I can see why it is such a success and has not tarnished the Ghibli reputation by receiving critical acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

The overall art style of the film is more of a watercolour painting rather than harsh block colours covering the landscape. I find the use of this to be very effective as it only furthers the element of a fairy tale world, with the occasional splash of vibrant colour specifically the colour red from Kaguya's robes.
We actually see a contrasting art style in a scene that consists of Kaguya leaving her robes behind and running towards the moon, and we follow her running away from this rather conflicting lifestyle of royalty. We later see that the drawings of the landscape and Kaguya herself are quickly becoming more rustic or jaunted in shaped even the trees that Kaguya is running past are nothing more that jagged black lines.

*Sakuya landscape - Image from Google*

From watching the film there are elements of an almost surreal nature, which I believe to convey the themes of loss or loneliness well, it seems that studio Ghibli have used the fantasy theme to portray quite sad issues.

However I do believe that the ending could have ended differently, the ending as a whole seemed too short, with elements missing unless this was done intentionally for a cathartic effect.

Thanks fellow fans for reading this review I hope you liked it! And I hope you'll definitely give this anime/manga a try it is definitely worth it! and comment down below what your favourite Studio Ghibli film is!

*I do not own the images or the referenced series, but the written content is my own.*ALL RIGHTS GO TO THE RESPECTED CREATORS.