Studio Ghibli does more than just make movies, they make incredible awesome classics of brilliantness. Although we’ve only just had the release of 2011’s FROM UP ON POPPY HILL, 2013 is the year that Japan will be treated to two Ghibli features. The first was Hayao Miyazaki’s THE WIND RISES, and the second is the upcoming release of co-founder Isau Takahata’s THE TALE OF PRINCESS KAGUYA. Takahata co-founded Ghibli with Miyazaki at the the age of 50, and now at the age of 78 he shows no sign of losing his touch. Takahata directed one of the greatest achievements in animation, GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES, as well as my least favourite Ghibli movie, POM POKO.
The trailer for his latest effort looks stunning. Almost as though storyboards have simply come to life. There’s an unpolished elegance to the visual style, which simply shows a woman (probably the titular hero) running. This wouldn’t be the first time Takahata has experimented with animation, as he was also responsible for the wonderful MY NEIGHBOUR’S THE YAMADAS, which was Ghibli’s first 100% digitally animated film.
The trailer, along with the music, is simply stunning. Based on a Japanese folktale, the animation suits the classical story. THE TALE OF PRINCESS KAGUYA is released in Japan on 23rd November. Expect an international version in a couple of years.
Source: Catsuka
