Isao Takahata has directed five animated features while his time at studio Ghibli. He has partnered up with Hayao Miyazaki to continue in producing feature films that contains that special magic Miyazaki has given to all of his other productions, projects such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind or Spirited Away.
Kaguya is unlike any other production that has been produced, in such a way that there is no traditionally over sized eyes, no fighting mecha or glossy textures. It is traditional art at is core, showcasing water colored backgrounds, beautiful Japanese style art and characters. Its character design is quite simple, like that of a children's storybook, chalky outlines help create a distinct look for each of its diverse cast.
Kaguya is a rendition from a fable called “The Tale
of the Bamboo Cutter,” the story revolves around the tale of the titular princess that was found by a woodcutter inside a bamboo tree. In the begining the princess is small like a doll, but grows quickly into a normal sized infant. From there the princess grows just as rapidly from a toddler to a child until she becomes a beautiful teenager. When the woodcutter finds a treasure trove within the second stock of bamboo, containing gold, he uses it to increase his own wealth. The woodcutter used his new found wealth to move into the city, by no modest means in trying to become elite members of the upper-class. He even tries to teach his adopted daughter the ways of the upper-class socialites. Before long, Kaguya's past catches up to her.
The other fascinating aspects of this film is the attention to detail. This involved mimicking the smallest details such as the way people dressed, customs regarding social aspects, and the environmental connection to what the world was like around ten centuries ago.
The woodcutters explicit attitude toward others was to prove to the upper class that they were no hillbillies, again trying to distance himself from his past. You can see this in the way he had garnered himself with attire that he was not used to, desperately trying to fit into a way of life that he was not meant for.
Even though this film is based in fable, Isao Takahata weaves that fantasy like magic, sweeping you off your feet and transporting you into a world of wonderment.
A definite must see for all Studio Ghibli fans, including myself.
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