Customer Ratings & Reviews

This is one of the few times that Studio Ghibli's partnership with Disney, via Pixar, caused it to be beggared at the 2015 Academy Awards. As much as I enjoyed BIG HERO 6, THE TALE OF PRINCESS KAGUYA really deserved to win Best Animated Feature Film. This is a lyrical and beautiful retelling of Japanese folktale, The Bamboo Cutter's Story, mainly from the perspective of the magical Lunar being who is eventually named Princess Kaguya. While there is obvioously a lot of computer power behind the final film, the style of animation is hand-drawn/rotoscope and every bit as impressionistic as the most beautiful of watercolor paintings as found in any culture, not just Asian. The story depicted is full of heart and love, best (if misguided) fatherly intentions, unconditionally nurturing motherhood, and a tragically misunderstood would-be human princess of celestial origins. Kaguya is always observant of Nature as she grows to become both wise and shrewd, but she is ultimately rendered powerless over her own destiny as a woman by the customs and culture of feudal Japan. Alomg her journey from "discovered" forest sprite to womanhood, she encounters many friends among the common folk, a would-be soulmate, and the adventure of the beauty of the seasons/nature. Not enough people got to see this film in theaters. Correct that misfortune by treating yourself to a viewing on disc.

Studio Ghibli does it again. You would think that after so many great movies Studio Ghibli would run out of ideas, but they seem to continue to impress. I had the opportunity to see this in the theatres with my teenage children and they both loved it as much as I did. The Tale of Princess Kaguya is the story of a poor bamboo cutter who stumbles across a tiny princess while cutting bamboo. The gods smile on him and gift he and his wife with Kaguya, who grows at an alarming rate until she reaches adulthood. The bamboo cutter is also given riches and silk to help provide for her. The cutter decides to move to the city and become a lord so that he can marry Kaguya off and have her live in a far wealthier fashion. Then you begin to see a wonderful story of happiness in simplicity versus trying to attain worldly happiness defined by wealth and status. The visuals of Kaguya are incredible. It's like watching an animated Japanese painting come to life. The music is extremely fitting and haunting to listen to. This is a fine "first" movie post Miyazaki and makes me excited for what studio Ghibli will produce going forward. If you're thinking to yourself, "Who would like this?" My opinion would be Those who enjoy beautiful art, those who enjoy Japanese folklore, those who like Fairy Tales, and those who enjoy excellent storytelling. I always recommend Ghibli films for the family at any age level, though for Princess Kaguya the very youngest may not enjoy it as much. I have a 2 year old who this may be a little young for, but for them try "My Neighbor Totoro" or "Ponyo", or even "Kiki's Delivery Service". Now as to the quality of the Blu Ray. They are top notch. It kept the high definition of the theater and the beautiful surround sound that made it magical to watch. I personally have only watched it in the Japanese DTS with subtitles and have not heard the English voice actors yet, but you will not be disappointed in the film in either case.

I have watched The Tale of Princess Kaguya for the very first time today, and I must say, I am stunned at such a beautiful animated film. It is director Isao Takahata's last work of animation, after decades of working with Studio Ghibli. He has directed such a beautiful, touching masterpiece that will remain in the hearts of those who, like myself, have taken the time to behold such a depiction, based on the Japanese folktale called The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. I can assure you that you will share laughs and perhaps shed a few tears as the movie goes forth, fall in love with the wonderfully hand-drawn characters who are brought to life and believe me, they have all the characteristics of real people. This is an animated film for the entire family to see and enjoy together.

Another masterpiece from Studio Ghibli. The art style is very different to what you may normally see with animated movies. It is all completely hand drawn and colored in a somewhat loose style at times, which lends itself well, especially when showcasing certain scenes with a lot of motion in them (when Kaguya races out of her mansion into the night, it's simply breathtaking). While you marvel at the animation, it also fits perfectly with the 10th Century folktale the story is based on. Both narrative and visuals come together perfectly. The movie demands your attention, however, and has a slow burn in regards to building the characters and story (and at almost 2.5 hours in length, it certainly is longer than most animated movies - but if you're familiar with Studio Ghibli films you already know this), and will hopefully have a lasting impression on you when you've finished watching.

Great quality great product. It hasn't let me down.

I was hesitant to watch this movie, due to the water color based animation, as the artwork seemed busy from the previews. That was not the case as the scenes are artfully arranged to minimize the lack of cohesion, while in certain scenes it was emphasized to maximize the emotion of that moment in the movie. The movie sticks close to the original Japanese legend, while being more viewer friendly. This is another Studio Ghibli masterpiece that will certainly gain the title of a classic despite not winning the award for best animation, even though the animation was of a higher artistic quality than Big Hero 6.

A truly amazing animated film. Using a style that looks like ancient scroll paintings, this film comes alive through the beauty of the illustrations and haunting music by Joe Hisaishi. It tells the tale of a mystical encounter with a moon princess and teaches us the importance of family. I saw this film originally in Japanese at a theater and there were a bunch of kids in the audience. I was worried. But throughout the entire run time of over two hours, not one of the kids made a peep ... They were enthralled. Buy this. Add it to your collection and enjoy it over and over. In fact buy all the Ghilbi films. You will not regret it.

First of all, this is not your fancy graphic anime; its approach is like old fashion artwork. I wasn't sure what I was getting into at first, since the trailer is useless in my opinion, but bit by bit I was drawn in by the story. Basically in short, the plot emphasize on the love people can have for each other. The movie demonstrates traditional Japanese culture in a very interesting matter and may "bore" some viewers if they're not into that. This was more like a folklore tale being told which I didn't mind. There are a few things that don't add up for me but that's for debate. Overall I did enjoy it and would consider this on my "relaxing" anime category.

A famous and classic japanese folktale reexperienced in a movie by Miyazaki. He really did capture the entire story in this movie and each scene tells a lesson about children and raising them as a parent. The movie is just plain wonderful from the art style to the music by Joe Hisaishi. This shows more mature life lessons that children won't understand and is more for parents to enjoy and experience.

Out of all of Studio Ghibli's amazing works, I feel that The Tale of Princess Kaguya is sadly underrated and underappreciated. This film has gorgeous and unique art style when comparable to other Studio Ghibli works, and the overall feeling you get well watching it is distinctly different as well. 10/10 would recommend this film, and I'm glad to finally own a physical copy of it

From the director of Grave of the Fireflies comes this retelling of a classic Japanese folk story. A bamboo cutter finds a tiny child inside of a stalk of bamboo and he takes her to his wife and raises her as his daughter. The stunning water color like animation takes a simple tale and turns it into a devastatingly beautiful tale. This is a must see for animation fans and features excellent english voice-work for those who elect not to watch it in Japanese. This blu ray also comes packed with special features.

An obscure work from Ghibli, it tells the tale of princess kaguya. A child from the heavens that fell to earth to be raised by people. After watching this movie I rewatched Kubo and the Two Strings and believe they relate. I believe this movie is the story of Kubo mother and how she learned to be human. It is an amazing film in its own right but even more so to me since I believe it is connected to one of my new animated loves Kubo.

This film is both sweet and sad. Of the nominees for Best Animated Feature this year, this was my favorite. The use of watercolors makes this film unique. For those people that are tired of the typical CGI-animated film, this film is a must-see, and a must own.

An animated film that is about growing up and being accepted for who you are. It also about how all relationships in this world are temporary no matter how attached we are to our loved ones. Despite the heavy subject matter the film is beautifully animated in the old style of hand drawn art films and took over 5 years to complete!

Many probably did not find this story appealing, although nyself being Japanese, I was familiar with the original tale. Unlike other Ghibli anime, this was different from those prior, more on the lines of "mukashi banashi" (old traditional Japanese stories). Nonetheless, it was well done. Ending could have been better, although old stories are often hard to interpret from a modern context.

It's good story, and old Japanese fairytale. But because it is a Japanese ancient fairytale, unless you have a fair idea of the Japanese culture and history, you'll probably either shaking your head all the time, or simply be uninterested and turn the movie off. However, if you know basic plot of this story, and know the Japanese cultural history, you'll find this movie quite interesting. I took one star off for being too long, where some parts of the story just seems to drag a bit too much, and kind of stops the flow of the story, I thought.

This is one of my favorite films from Studio Ghibli and is my sister's top film period. The art-style is excellently hand-drawn and unique. The characters, story, environments, and music combine together to create a wonderful ensemble. This film is a must-watch for any moviegoer.

This movie was different. I did enjoy watching it. It is a great story about a young girl that came from a bamboo shoot. As the story goes she faces many new trials in her life resulting in her having a heavy burden on her heart. In which case causes her to call the heavens so she can return to them but to have her memories taken by the heavenly robe

This movie is a masterpiece of art. The colors and animation of the film is breathtaking, and the plot of the story is wonderfully told. Isao Takahata and Studio Ghibli do an amazing job of telling stories that take you somewhere else while allowing you to relate to the characters and feel human. Whether that's a good or bad thing, it is up to you.

This Japanese folktale was beautifully presented in a style resembling watercolor painting. It is not only a wonderful story, but should also be considered a work of art. Viewers young and old will equally enjoy viewing this movie.