The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

A poignant gem, very different in tone to the director's most celebrated works, Grave of the Fireflies and Only Yesterday, but no less worthy of praise and admiration.

The impression is of a continuous series of watercolours, similar to the narrative scroll revealed to Kaguya in a key scene.

While the characters feel very simplified at times, there are scenes that put great weight on performance and subtle expressions, in a way that's nearer to the classical Disney tradition than most Japanese animation.

As you'd expect from the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Takahata has created a ravishing, technically perfect product and the hand-drawn, watercolour images explode with tender, humorous details.

Be prepared for a melancholy denouement that's not suitable for younger children, but which grown-ups and older kids may find heartbreaking.

The latest film from the esteemed Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is an animated film that is as beautiful as the titular princess herself.

Leave it to the great Isao Takahata to return with not only the best animated film I’ve seen this year, not only the best overall film I’ve seen this year, but one of the most beautiful film experiences I’ve ever had...

This is anime-as-arthouse cinema, thoughtfully and gracefully composed.

As in many Studio Ghibli films before it, the male director is speaking directly to his male audience, pleading with them to treat the women in their lives with the respect and equality they deserve.