⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇

DOWNLOAD!WATCH

⇑⇑⇑⇑⇑⇑⇑⇑⇑⇑

directed by: Isao Takahata
Cast: James Caan
genres: Animation
countries: Japan
User ratings: 8,6 / 10 stars
writers: Isao Takahata, Riko Sakaguchi
Based on a traditional Japanese folktale, this Studio Ghibli presentation revolves around a child found inside a bamboo stalk whose adoptive parents raise her as a princess, contrary to what her heart desires. There are some gaps in the narrative, but this remains a film that works on several levels. It is partially about a childless couple having the chance to realise their dream, but then it is also a tale of them coming to realise that they cannot dictate their daughter's happiness; i.e. it is about parents realising the importance of letting their children go. It is also a story of female empowerment with the title character giving her five suitors impossible quests to win her heart, since she does not wish to be owned by anyone. Furthermore, her empowerment tale is tinged with regret as she learns the unfortunate fates of her suitors, each one disadvantaged by attempting to complete her quests. Promising as this may sound, the film ends on a low note as things turn sentimental towards the end. Several narrative elements do add up either (the parents having the wealth to move to the city; the suitors all returning within a week of each other after a three-year hiatus) however, the quality of the animation constantly pushes the film through. The hand-drawn frames are incredibly effective, with a particular well done sequence in which she goes for a nighttime run and all the lines around her blur surreally together. The music is expectedly good too. If a far cry from director Isao Takahata's 'Grave of the Fireflies' this effort still offers an interesting, often touching story.