Kaguya is a Studio Ghibli masterpiece. 2014 was a good year for animated movies, that I didn't mind which animated film won. However, all of the Oscar nominated animation films should've won the Oscar.
***** Whether you personally find worth in it or not is irrelevant. The Oscars are a prestigious award that gets mass coverage around the world. Miyazaki's work was honoured in such a way, and I was upset to see, what is likely Takahata's last film, ignored for a by-the-numbers Disney effort. I don't disagree that a film does not hinge on its accolades, but it's a nice thing to have attached to your film.
AjayLikesGaming There's an article out there than surveyed Academy voters at random, and the animation category is one of the categories that the voters are most ignorant about, along with the best foreign film category. Some people admitted to not having seen all films, some voted for the ones their kids liked, and another called Kaguya chinese......animation is still seen as a medium for kids only and isn't taken seriously by most film lovers who are not already that into animation. It sucks that the voters have no real appreciation for the art of animation, it would be fair if only professional animators voted in the category, or just people who have actually seen all the films.
Coming from the future I can also say that really nobody remembers Big Hero 6 anymore, but Kaguya is consistently remembered as one of the best animated films of all time. The Oscars are such a bad measure for quality and impact to be honest.
mine is that ending scene, where she was talking and was suddenly silenced by the cloak. but by the last moment, she turned around and started to tear up, hinting us that she still remember the feelings she had on earth, and its just....ugh, chilling.
Tim Tran I don't think she remembers. I think she became just like that celestial maiden she talked about after singing with her mom. They remember nothing, but still they cry. The sudden realization of that is what brought me to tears.
Geofanny Yohanes exactly. They don't remember what happened, but both of them still remember the feelings they had while on earth. Not necessarily the details, but just feelings they had while being happy and dad and all those things. It's heartbreaking.
This film is breathtakingly beautiful, an instant masterpiece that was criminally robbed at the Oscar ths year by the popular choice. It does things that 3d animation can only dream to achieve.
+Molten_ i know. Spirited Away is a good adventurous movie that fill with thrilled ride. But the emotion and feeling in this movie, it just haunts you. It s another depth of sadness.
It so is. I love almost all of Ghibli's films and it was between Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Nausicaa, and Princess Mononoke but Kaguya is far and away the most gripping and emotionally rich - and REAL. In a way Miyazaki's films have _attempted_ to be but never quite reach.
Kaguya is the crowning jewel of Studio Ghibli. I think Takahata is actually a better director than Miyazaki. Miyazaki is an idealistic dreamer. Takahata is a true humanist and master of sentiment and depiction of both joy and suffering.
He who is bored of Studio Ghibli is bored of life. And magic. And memory. And human emotion. And pretty much everything, in fact, as they can do it all.
He tells you about joy, which the movie definitely has, but he skipped the part that leaves you devastated and heartbroken to the point you can’t stop crying. Both of those types of moments are absolutely beautiful
What I love the most about The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is that it's challenging. Everything from its art style to Kaguya's internal conflict to its ending are all indications that this is a true masterpiece of animation. Although it's not as highly entertaining as other animated films from 2014, it's a spectacle to behold and one of the distinct examples of how animation truly is an art form/medium unto itself.
Completely agreed. I'm not usually against dubs, but this dub in particular was terrible.i thought Moretz was beyond dull as the princess. I thought Caan was just reading lines instead of actually emoting. The dub is just completely distracting, especially in contrast with the art style. Hated the dub, hated it. Stick with the original language for this one all the way
The 2nd best film of last year (Whiplash was the best). An absolute masterpiece, seriously don't miss it. It looks different to what you are used to but the film is incredibly deep and the hand drawn art style is second to none
Film4 has a Studio Ghibli season coming up starting on the 28th March, you should check it out. www.film4.com/whats-on/studio-ghibli-season-2015-on-film4
If the Princess is called ' the little bamboo' Does that mean her dad is called 'the old bamboo' ? < see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for comedy reference. 😏
Do you think it's amazing when you think that the Dad is the one who unintentionally brought her misery. She's the little bamboo, and her dad is the bamboo cutter...
Absolute masterpiece of a film. Was totally gutted to see it lose against Big Hero 6 which, while good, is not a touch on Kaguya.
Kaguya is a Studio Ghibli masterpiece. 2014 was a good year for animated movies, that I didn't mind which animated film won. However, all of the Oscar nominated animation films should've won the Oscar.
***** Whether you personally find worth in it or not is irrelevant. The Oscars are a prestigious award that gets mass coverage around the world. Miyazaki's work was honoured in such a way, and I was upset to see, what is likely Takahata's last film, ignored for a by-the-numbers Disney effort. I don't disagree that a film does not hinge on its accolades, but it's a nice thing to have attached to your film.
AjayLikesGaming There's an article out there than surveyed Academy voters at random, and the animation category is one of the categories that the voters are most ignorant about, along with the best foreign film category. Some people admitted to not having seen all films, some voted for the ones their kids liked, and another called Kaguya chinese......animation is still seen as a medium for kids only and isn't taken seriously by most film lovers who are not already that into animation. It sucks that the voters have no real appreciation for the art of animation, it would be fair if only professional animators voted in the category, or just people who have actually seen all the films.
Oscars is a sham
Coming from the future I can also say that really nobody remembers Big Hero 6 anymore, but Kaguya is consistently remembered as one of the best animated films of all time. The Oscars are such a bad measure for quality and impact to be honest.
That scene where she escapes after overhearing some guests, is engraved in my heart.
For me it is the Freefall scene after she stops flying with Sutemaru :)
mine is that ending scene, where she was talking and was suddenly silenced by the cloak. but by the last moment, she turned around and started to tear up, hinting us that she still remember the feelings she had on earth, and its just....ugh, chilling.
Tim Tran I don't think she remembers. I think she became just like that celestial maiden she talked about after singing with her mom. They remember nothing, but still they cry. The sudden realization of that is what brought me to tears.
Geofanny Yohanes exactly. They don't remember what happened, but both of them still remember the feelings they had while on earth. Not necessarily the details, but just feelings they had while being happy and dad and all those things. It's heartbreaking.
+SomeSunshineOutside Amen
RIP Takahata. Your last movie was one of the most gorgeous movies I have ever seen
This film is breathtakingly beautiful, an instant masterpiece that was criminally robbed at the Oscar ths year by the popular choice.
It does things that 3d animation can only dream to achieve.
This film is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. Will stay with me forever
I'm tempted to say this might be the best studio ghibli film
+Molten_ i know. Spirited Away is a good adventurous movie that fill with thrilled ride. But the emotion and feeling in this movie, it just haunts you. It s another depth of sadness.
It so is. I love almost all of Ghibli's films and it was between Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Nausicaa, and Princess Mononoke but Kaguya is far and away the most gripping and emotionally rich - and REAL. In a way Miyazaki's films have _attempted_ to be but never quite reach.
I'm tempted to agree with you!
For me its ONLY YESTERDAY.
For me it is between the red turtle, princess kaguya and princess mononoke.
Most likely in that order.
Kaguya is the crowning jewel of Studio Ghibli. I think Takahata is actually a better director than Miyazaki. Miyazaki is an idealistic dreamer. Takahata is a true humanist and master of sentiment and depiction of both joy and suffering.
@Peter Kelner XD they most definitely are not just for children. Don’t be so ignorant.
I love the review! The way he speaks about the movie - i think this is one of his best reviews. His language is passionate and reflective and genuine.
This is the kind of film Ebert would have put in his list of "Great Films".
He who is bored of Studio Ghibli is bored of life. And magic. And memory. And human emotion. And pretty much everything, in fact, as they can do it all.
Everything from the art style to Joe Hisaishi's magical score, it's a true masterpiece!
The fact that Hisaishi hasn't won an Oscar is a crime.
carljthatsme94 truuee
He tells you about joy, which the movie definitely has, but he skipped the part that leaves you devastated and heartbroken to the point you can’t stop crying. Both of those types of moments are absolutely beautiful
Watched it earlier on Netflix, it’s a powerful film.
Most beautiful yet gut wrenching film I’ve ever seen.
I wish more animated movies use hand-drawing. This movie is just beautiful to look at.
I actually loved the dub. The description of her being angelic voice really fit Moretz in my opinion.
+Johnny Moretz is okay, but the english voice of the dad doesn't bring out the same depth the original japanese does.
Geofanny Yohanes Agreed. the dad's acting was good but his voice felt very out of place.
What I love the most about The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is that it's challenging. Everything from its art style to Kaguya's internal conflict to its ending are all indications that this is a true masterpiece of animation. Although it's not as highly entertaining as other animated films from 2014, it's a spectacle to behold and one of the distinct examples of how animation truly is an art form/medium unto itself.
2:46 yes! young baby's motion of the scene is super natural!
One of the best Studio Ghibli
I dont know or I don't understand how Big Hero 6 won the Oscars over this gem...
4:32 Articulate and wonderful statement.
Gibli always make magical films
Glade to see Kermodes review of this great film. I hope he Reviews Song of The Sea when it hits UK cinemas.
We are not alone
This man is my favourite reviewer.
sounds like a must see
It's fantastic
Kermode reviews in 720p. Wow.
The dubbed version ruined the film. Why would a rustic countryside couple sound like urban brooklyn jews? ridiculous casting!
Completely agreed. I'm not usually against dubs, but this dub in particular was terrible.i thought Moretz was beyond dull as the princess. I thought Caan was just reading lines instead of actually emoting. The dub is just completely distracting, especially in contrast with the art style. Hated the dub, hated it. Stick with the original language for this one all the way
dubbed needs to be done more in England
Survive the Jive oi oi yoi schmucks
HeatRayz Video oh vey
The dub was passable if you can't stand subtitles. If you can stand subtitles it's much better to see it in Japanese, either way just see it!
SPOILERS WTF he spoiled everything lel
The 2nd best film of last year (Whiplash was the best). An absolute masterpiece, seriously don't miss it. It looks different to what you are used to but the film is incredibly deep and the hand drawn art style is second to none
this master piece lost to big hero 6!!!!! this stupid stupid world! Only money talks I guess.
If this was what Japanese animation usually looked like, I might understand what the cool kids see in it.
Film4 has a Studio Ghibli season coming up starting on the 28th March, you should check it out.
www.film4.com/whats-on/studio-ghibli-season-2015-on-film4
Thank you. I will.
If the Princess is called ' the little bamboo'
Does that mean her dad is called 'the old bamboo' ? < see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for comedy reference. 😏
Do you think it's amazing when you think that the Dad is the one who unintentionally brought her misery. She's the little bamboo, and her dad is the bamboo cutter...