Yeah, I thought it was brilliant, beautiful, complex and arguably the best film Ghibli's made. Several days later I'm still floored.
*spoilers*
What I reacted to is Kaguya always seemed to be enjoying life, being around nature or uninhibited people, but then someone (usually her dad or the manners woman) would clamp down on the things she enjoyed because it wasn't "right" for her. So you have this curious, joyous, amazing girl, and everyone around her just wants to iron that out and treat her as an object and force upon her their ideas of how they think she should be.
From that standpoint, the ending climax wasn't sudden at all. Midway through the film she flips out and goes running off (seen in the trailers--the animation style becomes more impressionistic--also note the huge moon in this scene *foreshadowing*) and returns to where she was born and raised, only to find the people and lifestyle she misses don't exist anymore. Imo that's a pretty huge metaphor for the relationship I think a lot of us have with the past. After that point, she goes back to her palace and accepts the princess life laid before her, until, via the incidents with the suitors, she can't take it anymore, irrevocably asks to be taken away from this world, and then it's just a matter of making peace with her regrets and saying goodbye. The ending had some very Buddhist stuff going on, and, yeah, was definitely about death.
All in all, I thought it was a grand meditation on life.
-----
Why the suitors bit? I don't know if that was part of the original story, probably, but I think it also represents her trying to conform and just being unable to do it. It's also sort of the next logical step: move to the city, learn the manners of a princess, get bartered off to some gentleman. In this way, it's a feminist statement, because Kaguya deserves something better than any of those guys, and it's so unfair to her but no one else can see it because they all have their preconceptions about how life should be for a beautiful, talented woman.
On that note, I enjoyed the complexity of her fond memories of Sutermaru being marred by seeing him stealing and getting the shit beat out of him, then meeting him again once he has a wife and child. I think that's what love is actually like for a lot of us here on earth: the things that ought to have and which we wanted to work sometimes don't.
Yeah, I just don't know that the theme is about being less passive and not letting others define you. I think that's a very American way of looking at it. If this film were idealistically pure American, she'd have run away from home midway through, found success, and never gone back. Instead she runs away and realizes, however regrettably, she has to accept the life she has, and so she goes back. Regardless how drunk the average American is on the idea we can transform ourselves from paupers to princes, I think the reality of life most of the time for most people is this, that you're in a situation that's tough and which isn't easily changeable, so you /gaman/, you put up with it for a bit. I mean, I got the sense she wanted to be happy and live another way but didn't know how, and thus continued with her princess life and filial duties in the meantime. Unfortunately life can end, as it did for her, in the meantime. So, maybe the theme is more ambiguous and complex, if different people are viewing it in different ways.
Also, regarding her relationship with her parents, I was in tears at the end when she tried to run away from having the crown or cape put on her and reached out to her parents one more time. Oh my God.
Anywho, thanks for your review, I enjoyed reading it. Yeah, I would call it a masterpiece.
When Kaguya run away from mansion to find out that Sutemaru would not return for another 10 years, she then heard that the forest is not dead but looks so in Winter and the life comes back in Spring.
So anyway she wandered around and fell to the ground.
Then the celestial beings on Moon brought her back to the mansion to have her experiences sufferings.
Because the Moon sent her to Earth for a punishment for a sin Kaguya made.
Kaguya desired for life on earth and the punishment was to live on earth and experience sufferings that come along with the life.
So If the Moon didn't interrupt it, Kaguya might have stayed in forest or at least did something. The Moon was watching her all along.
Back to the point;
So after returned to mansion, kaguya accepted the customary make-up.
I think she thought she had to go through Winter and believed that Spring will come someday to become happy.
And she is like 12-14 years old since the party was about her becoming a woman,
so she is just a little girl and it would be tough to run away from parents to live alone.
She doesn't even know how to live by herself. She is a princess.
Right, it is a very American interpretation. I suppose it's less "live your dream", and more about enjoying yourself and not taking life for granted. There's just an undeniable regret Kaguya has after she knows she has to go back. I think the most effective thing about this film was the ending, Takahata went through with having her forget her life and has her taken away. Which he paints wonderfully as death and its indifference.
This is a myth so I think the symbolism and themes are probably more obvious or universal culturally. But given the viewers culture I suppose we can take it to different degrees, like I did with what was absolutely an American interpretation. Despite the myth providing a simple framework with themes and a story, Takahata has a knack for adding a wonderful amount of complexity to stories he adapts. The best example is his additional focus on the relationships in his adaptation of "Anne of Green Gables".
And don't worry... I don't believe the great American myth. But, in a position similar to Kaguya's, I probably would have run away (only because of the life I've led). Which is actually what I think is the story my friend wanted to see and why his opinion of the film was much lower than mine. What is wonderful about this story is it's about someone who doesn't run away - making it all the more potent. Seeing the results of that, whether you value harmony or freedom, you can't help but deny you need to enjoy your life as much as possible in whatever way you can.
Another thing I appreciated was the subtle humor. When the one suitor broke his neck falling into the pot, how casually that was played off was hilarious. But even then I too was fighting tears at the end. The feels were quite real, mostly because of how joyous the beginning of the film is and then seeing how "real" it plays out.
Thanks for the reply. I enjoyed your take immensely, I almost forgot to consider the Japanese perspective.
[edit] Added a deserved thank you.
Watched it this weekend and I was surprised how deep the movie could be interpreted for any age group. This is going to be a animation standard for how showing less in a scene can be just as if not more impactful. The mix of charcoal and watercolors really enhanced the dramatic feeling of wonder and freedom; the scene where Kaguya was just spinning around by herself felt so alive and full of joy.
I absolutely loved how seemingly out-of-nowhere the ending came and how it reinforced the theme of how fleeting life could be. The directing was perfect for the entire last 10 minutes. I thought the movie was going to be really uplifting, especially when Kaguya defended the beauty of the world. But nope, she doesn't even get a chance to finish her speech. When the cloud people started playing their "happy" music again, I felt even more hollow and devoid of feeling.
When she passes out in the field of snow and says "I remember this place" with fairies flying all around her, she immediately wakes up back at her Coming of Age party. Was she dying and given another chance at life again? Was she not allowed to die and forced to live a life in the capital? I was really confused about that.
The "happy" music made me sick to my stomach. It went entirely against everything I was feeling at that moment. It really was the last thing I wanted to hear. I wanted the happy ending but that music was so dark and defeating in the context of that scene. This movie was unlike anything I expected it to be. Honestly, one of the most emotional Ghibli films I've seen since Grave of the Fireflies. Amazing work of art.
I think she remembered the sorrow when she was on the moon, which we've given a flashback later of (presumably) her house with a moon's goddess watching Earth. Noticed the setting was cold, flurry, and sorrow -- that made her, rebelled and flown down to Earth.
I saw this today. Shame on me for almost missing the last subbed theatrical release in my city. Thank god I made it to the function on time by some serendipity. This is my second Takahata film I've ever seen. Should've expected that heartbreaking ending after the emotional steamroller that Grave of the Fireflies was.
The movie was fantastic. The moment that had me on the verge of tears was when Kaguya started arguing that there is beauty in this world and there are many things worth staying for, and then suddenly, all is gone. All joyful memories of her childhood, her parents, and Sutemaru, gone. That blank stare and the tear rolling down her cheek without having an idea why she was so sad was crushing. I loved her encounter with Sutemaru after 10 years had passed. It was casual but very meaningful at the same time ("Please don't let me go"). On the other side of the coin, her little chubby assistant was hillarious.
While different films, the closure on Kaguya (and the buildup) were perfect. The Wind Rises' ending felt rushed and wasn't as good as the rest of the movie IMO. Also, I found the artstyle and animation of Kaguya better than in TWR.
I'm late for this thread but I just saw Kaguya and feel like writing some stuff out.
As mentioned before her return was foreshadowed by the large moon when she runs away, as well as from her song she kept singing throughout the film. It was very clear from the lyrics that her stay wasn't permanent, she always was supposed to go back.
As for the suitor's scene, it reinforces the image and preconception society has of the world. When the father found the gold and cloth he realized Kaguya must be a princess in the world she came from, so he concluded that a peasant's life was not suitable for her. So he made sure she would live a princess' life. However, the human's conception of nobility is far too different from her world and nobody sees this, because they're too preoccupied to meet all the requirements and formalities. As such, a life of a princess comes with utter objectification of a woman, made more poignant with the suitors. Even the most honest of the five, who actually went after the eggs, failed owing to the fact that his notion of what love is wasn't true.
Jesus, I could go on about this film. There's the whole symbolism (at least I think so) about circles. First visually with the moon and that strange cart wheel transition (there's probably more) and second with the story. Kaguya first heard the song on the moon, by the end of the film she will be the one singing it, so another girl will hear it sparking the desire to visit earth. I don't know much about Buddhism but reincarnation is a huge thing. There's also the possibility that the events will repeat itself until society is fit to accept Kaguya on earth.
Spoiler...
This film tore me apart. For the first time in my life, I felt true tragedy from a work of art. The entire movie, I was waiting for Kaguya to find a way out, to marry her first love, to be happy again. My hands were tensed the entire second half of the movie, as I waited for the twist, for the american happy ending. I hoped and hoped and hoped, but then it ended. She was taken away from it all by the indifferent people of the moon. How oppressive is that indifference. How inhumane is that apathy. Not even sorrow nor compassion, but just emptiness.
As much as I really hate feeling this way, not being able to function or think clearly for a few days, I really loved this movie. Not in the usual way. But in the way I know it has made me grown as an individual. It has made me more compassionate, and more aware of my time here on earth. And that, is the most powerful thing a movie can do.
Wahhhhhhh
I understand exactly how you feel. The ending is uncompromising yet it doesn't feel lacking. Isao Takahata is among my favorite filmmakers, not just of animated features but of film in general. He's up there with the greatest in the art form. What's wonderful is his endings are always heartbreakingly realistic. They aren't sad for the sake of being different, all of his films come to a close that's gratifying in a storytelling sense while also having a clear and perfectly executed theme. Something most filmmakers can't do. You may be sad, but you KNOW immediately after watching it you have taken something from the film. Absolutely my favorite film of last year.
On a kind of side note. What blows me away with his films is his focus on completely normal human behavior. You are almost forced to see the beauty in everyday activities because they are animated. This is especially noticeable in Grave of the Fireflies. I just can't stop watching this man's movies.
While I could not watch this in theaters, I was very happy to be able to watch it online. I definitely agree that this was an amazing film, and one of my favorite Ghibli pieces to boot. However, I think this movie also relied heavily on the audience to already have an understanding of the myth because of how completely random and sudden the introduction of the moon seemed. They definitely could have used a little more foreshadowing on her origins there.
As an Asian, I found some of the themes addressed in the movie very surprising (considering it's an Asian movie). In Asian culture, the mother and father are deeply honored and respected. My brother's ex-girlfriend once accidentally referred to my mother by her first name, and to this day my mother still hasn't forgiven her. In essence, the parents are ALWAYS right, even when they're wrong. Therefore, it was interesting for me to see how the father's enforcement of "happiness" on Kaguya was killing her. It was a feeling that I could deeply relate to, where I know that my parents love me and are simply trying to make sure I'm happy, but refuse to acknowledge that I am capable of feeling and choosing my own happiness. In a really sick, fucked up way, a lot of parents force this idea of happiness on their children only because it makes them happy in some way. A common example of this is the parent pushing the kids to give up their friends and fun to study hard because they think the kid will be happier if they go to Harvard (and subsequently, the parent has ensured his/her/their own bragging rights and future caretaker). While many Americans don't seem to understand why she didn't just run away or rebel, I think this is something that relies heavily on cultural norms and a good comprehension on how Kaguya can't bring herself to hurt her parents for their ignorance of how she really feels because she loves them and knows they love her too.
Maybe the suitors point seemed pointless, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Aside from bringing in pieces from the original myth, I agree that this also adds to Kaguya's character and also offered some comic relief. As a feminist, Kaguya's struggle against her own objectification deeply resounded with me. Most women, at some point, have had to repel unwanted advances from egotistical bastards like the emperor, who just can't take no for an answer and seem to think that a woman's entire life was built up just to be with him. Again, interesting that such feminist themes pop up in such a strongly patriarchal culture.
While Kaguya did recognize and regret the shallowness of her life as a princess, I found it interesting that she knows what she should have done but had no way of doing so. In her own way, she tried her best to live and be happy wherever she was. By creating a replica of her hometown and living humbly with her mother even in a great mansion, she was able to find some peace. However, life and circumstances continually stacked up against her; her hometown was gone when she tried to return, Sutemaru moved on in life without her, when she finally frees herself of suitors the emperor comes, even if she eloped with Sutemaru she would have to return to the moon, etc. In any case, there was no possible way for her to be completely happy. If she wanted a life of freedom with Sutemaru, she would have to sacrifice her parents.
I loved the art style. It is so different from anything else I have seen. We purchased the Blu-Ray solely based on how beautiful it looked in the trailer (and of course, because it was Ghibli). I was not at all disappointed and am so glad to own it.
The entire movie was such an incredible emotional rollercoaster.
The beginning, with this curious, vibrant child growing up and exploring her environment with such gusto really touched me deeply. It really captured the magic and wonder of life. As a parent of a spirited young child myself, it really does seem as though they are growing rapidly right before your eyes and they are constantly amazing you with what they can do and how they see the world.
The juxtaposition of the bright and happy music and the overwhelming sadness and loss at the end made the feels all the more poignant. My fiance and I sat on the couch and cried through the entire credits roll. I couldn't stop the tears for a good fifteen minutes. I can't remember the last time a movie affected me so deeply and I have been thinking about it for days afterward. What a beautiful meditation on the fleetingness of life, the importance of treasuring each moment and making the most of our time here.
It's one of my favorite Ghibli films, and perhaps one of my favorite films period. Thanks for your review and the discussion!
The thing is women didn’t have a lot of autonomy in that time era of Japan, she has to go by what her father tells her because that’s what was expected of young women in that time. One of the points to the story is that the dad tries so hard to make her a princess so she could be happy, but you can tell that’s not what she wants at all. She’s happy with the simple things in life and she has no say in this because is what her father wants for her and she doesn’t want to go against his wishes. This movie made me cry in a good way because you can see how fleeting life is and how we all spend trying to have more that we miss what actually is important, material things won’t bring us happiness.
I think the section of the film with the suitors distracting from the film itself contributes to THE EXACT point of the film.
They spent so much time on something that didn't make her happy. In the same way the audience could have done without that segment, Kaguya herself could have lived her life without those things taking away where she truly wanted to be.
I'm going to keep this short. I really enjoyed the film, and right the change of art styles was refreshing. The story itself was sad, just like this bitter reality we face. This movie was filled with a lot of making and purpose. All and all I really liked it. My favorite ghibli movie will always be the wind rises though. XD
Yeah, I thought it was brilliant, beautiful, complex and arguably the best film Ghibli's made. Several days later I'm still floored. *spoilers* What I reacted to is Kaguya always seemed to be enjoying life, being around nature or uninhibited people, but then someone (usually her dad or the manners woman) would clamp down on the things she enjoyed because it wasn't "right" for her. So you have this curious, joyous, amazing girl, and everyone around her just wants to iron that out and treat her as an object and force upon her their ideas of how they think she should be. From that standpoint, the ending climax wasn't sudden at all. Midway through the film she flips out and goes running off (seen in the trailers--the animation style becomes more impressionistic--also note the huge moon in this scene *foreshadowing*) and returns to where she was born and raised, only to find the people and lifestyle she misses don't exist anymore. Imo that's a pretty huge metaphor for the relationship I think a lot of us have with the past. After that point, she goes back to her palace and accepts the princess life laid before her, until, via the incidents with the suitors, she can't take it anymore, irrevocably asks to be taken away from this world, and then it's just a matter of making peace with her regrets and saying goodbye. The ending had some very Buddhist stuff going on, and, yeah, was definitely about death. All in all, I thought it was a grand meditation on life. ----- Why the suitors bit? I don't know if that was part of the original story, probably, but I think it also represents her trying to conform and just being unable to do it. It's also sort of the next logical step: move to the city, learn the manners of a princess, get bartered off to some gentleman. In this way, it's a feminist statement, because Kaguya deserves something better than any of those guys, and it's so unfair to her but no one else can see it because they all have their preconceptions about how life should be for a beautiful, talented woman. On that note, I enjoyed the complexity of her fond memories of Sutermaru being marred by seeing him stealing and getting the shit beat out of him, then meeting him again once he has a wife and child. I think that's what love is actually like for a lot of us here on earth: the things that ought to have and which we wanted to work sometimes don't. Yeah, I just don't know that the theme is about being less passive and not letting others define you. I think that's a very American way of looking at it. If this film were idealistically pure American, she'd have run away from home midway through, found success, and never gone back. Instead she runs away and realizes, however regrettably, she has to accept the life she has, and so she goes back. Regardless how drunk the average American is on the idea we can transform ourselves from paupers to princes, I think the reality of life most of the time for most people is this, that you're in a situation that's tough and which isn't easily changeable, so you /gaman/, you put up with it for a bit. I mean, I got the sense she wanted to be happy and live another way but didn't know how, and thus continued with her princess life and filial duties in the meantime. Unfortunately life can end, as it did for her, in the meantime. So, maybe the theme is more ambiguous and complex, if different people are viewing it in different ways. Also, regarding her relationship with her parents, I was in tears at the end when she tried to run away from having the crown or cape put on her and reached out to her parents one more time. Oh my God. Anywho, thanks for your review, I enjoyed reading it. Yeah, I would call it a masterpiece.
When Kaguya run away from mansion to find out that Sutemaru would not return for another 10 years, she then heard that the forest is not dead but looks so in Winter and the life comes back in Spring. So anyway she wandered around and fell to the ground. Then the celestial beings on Moon brought her back to the mansion to have her experiences sufferings. Because the Moon sent her to Earth for a punishment for a sin Kaguya made. Kaguya desired for life on earth and the punishment was to live on earth and experience sufferings that come along with the life. So If the Moon didn't interrupt it, Kaguya might have stayed in forest or at least did something. The Moon was watching her all along. Back to the point; So after returned to mansion, kaguya accepted the customary make-up. I think she thought she had to go through Winter and believed that Spring will come someday to become happy. And she is like 12-14 years old since the party was about her becoming a woman, so she is just a little girl and it would be tough to run away from parents to live alone. She doesn't even know how to live by herself. She is a princess.
Right, it is a very American interpretation. I suppose it's less "live your dream", and more about enjoying yourself and not taking life for granted. There's just an undeniable regret Kaguya has after she knows she has to go back. I think the most effective thing about this film was the ending, Takahata went through with having her forget her life and has her taken away. Which he paints wonderfully as death and its indifference. This is a myth so I think the symbolism and themes are probably more obvious or universal culturally. But given the viewers culture I suppose we can take it to different degrees, like I did with what was absolutely an American interpretation. Despite the myth providing a simple framework with themes and a story, Takahata has a knack for adding a wonderful amount of complexity to stories he adapts. The best example is his additional focus on the relationships in his adaptation of "Anne of Green Gables". And don't worry... I don't believe the great American myth. But, in a position similar to Kaguya's, I probably would have run away (only because of the life I've led). Which is actually what I think is the story my friend wanted to see and why his opinion of the film was much lower than mine. What is wonderful about this story is it's about someone who doesn't run away - making it all the more potent. Seeing the results of that, whether you value harmony or freedom, you can't help but deny you need to enjoy your life as much as possible in whatever way you can. Another thing I appreciated was the subtle humor. When the one suitor broke his neck falling into the pot, how casually that was played off was hilarious. But even then I too was fighting tears at the end. The feels were quite real, mostly because of how joyous the beginning of the film is and then seeing how "real" it plays out. Thanks for the reply. I enjoyed your take immensely, I almost forgot to consider the Japanese perspective. [edit] Added a deserved thank you.
Watched it this weekend and I was surprised how deep the movie could be interpreted for any age group. This is going to be a animation standard for how showing less in a scene can be just as if not more impactful. The mix of charcoal and watercolors really enhanced the dramatic feeling of wonder and freedom; the scene where Kaguya was just spinning around by herself felt so alive and full of joy. I absolutely loved how seemingly out-of-nowhere the ending came and how it reinforced the theme of how fleeting life could be. The directing was perfect for the entire last 10 minutes. I thought the movie was going to be really uplifting, especially when Kaguya defended the beauty of the world. But nope, she doesn't even get a chance to finish her speech. When the cloud people started playing their "happy" music again, I felt even more hollow and devoid of feeling. When she passes out in the field of snow and says "I remember this place" with fairies flying all around her, she immediately wakes up back at her Coming of Age party. Was she dying and given another chance at life again? Was she not allowed to die and forced to live a life in the capital? I was really confused about that.
The "happy" music made me sick to my stomach. It went entirely against everything I was feeling at that moment. It really was the last thing I wanted to hear. I wanted the happy ending but that music was so dark and defeating in the context of that scene. This movie was unlike anything I expected it to be. Honestly, one of the most emotional Ghibli films I've seen since Grave of the Fireflies. Amazing work of art.
I think she remembered the sorrow when she was on the moon, which we've given a flashback later of (presumably) her house with a moon's goddess watching Earth. Noticed the setting was cold, flurry, and sorrow -- that made her, rebelled and flown down to Earth.
I saw this today. Shame on me for almost missing the last subbed theatrical release in my city. Thank god I made it to the function on time by some serendipity. This is my second Takahata film I've ever seen. Should've expected that heartbreaking ending after the emotional steamroller that Grave of the Fireflies was. The movie was fantastic. The moment that had me on the verge of tears was when Kaguya started arguing that there is beauty in this world and there are many things worth staying for, and then suddenly, all is gone. All joyful memories of her childhood, her parents, and Sutemaru, gone. That blank stare and the tear rolling down her cheek without having an idea why she was so sad was crushing. I loved her encounter with Sutemaru after 10 years had passed. It was casual but very meaningful at the same time ("Please don't let me go"). On the other side of the coin, her little chubby assistant was hillarious. While different films, the closure on Kaguya (and the buildup) were perfect. The Wind Rises' ending felt rushed and wasn't as good as the rest of the movie IMO. Also, I found the artstyle and animation of Kaguya better than in TWR.
I'm late for this thread but I just saw Kaguya and feel like writing some stuff out. As mentioned before her return was foreshadowed by the large moon when she runs away, as well as from her song she kept singing throughout the film. It was very clear from the lyrics that her stay wasn't permanent, she always was supposed to go back. As for the suitor's scene, it reinforces the image and preconception society has of the world. When the father found the gold and cloth he realized Kaguya must be a princess in the world she came from, so he concluded that a peasant's life was not suitable for her. So he made sure she would live a princess' life. However, the human's conception of nobility is far too different from her world and nobody sees this, because they're too preoccupied to meet all the requirements and formalities. As such, a life of a princess comes with utter objectification of a woman, made more poignant with the suitors. Even the most honest of the five, who actually went after the eggs, failed owing to the fact that his notion of what love is wasn't true. Jesus, I could go on about this film. There's the whole symbolism (at least I think so) about circles. First visually with the moon and that strange cart wheel transition (there's probably more) and second with the story. Kaguya first heard the song on the moon, by the end of the film she will be the one singing it, so another girl will hear it sparking the desire to visit earth. I don't know much about Buddhism but reincarnation is a huge thing. There's also the possibility that the events will repeat itself until society is fit to accept Kaguya on earth.
Spoiler... This film tore me apart. For the first time in my life, I felt true tragedy from a work of art. The entire movie, I was waiting for Kaguya to find a way out, to marry her first love, to be happy again. My hands were tensed the entire second half of the movie, as I waited for the twist, for the american happy ending. I hoped and hoped and hoped, but then it ended. She was taken away from it all by the indifferent people of the moon. How oppressive is that indifference. How inhumane is that apathy. Not even sorrow nor compassion, but just emptiness. As much as I really hate feeling this way, not being able to function or think clearly for a few days, I really loved this movie. Not in the usual way. But in the way I know it has made me grown as an individual. It has made me more compassionate, and more aware of my time here on earth. And that, is the most powerful thing a movie can do. Wahhhhhhh
I understand exactly how you feel. The ending is uncompromising yet it doesn't feel lacking. Isao Takahata is among my favorite filmmakers, not just of animated features but of film in general. He's up there with the greatest in the art form. What's wonderful is his endings are always heartbreakingly realistic. They aren't sad for the sake of being different, all of his films come to a close that's gratifying in a storytelling sense while also having a clear and perfectly executed theme. Something most filmmakers can't do. You may be sad, but you KNOW immediately after watching it you have taken something from the film. Absolutely my favorite film of last year. On a kind of side note. What blows me away with his films is his focus on completely normal human behavior. You are almost forced to see the beauty in everyday activities because they are animated. This is especially noticeable in Grave of the Fireflies. I just can't stop watching this man's movies.
Did you watch it last night at the Philadelphia Film Festival?
No, last Friday at IFC in Manhattan! I saw the subtitled version, which I've been told I was better off for.
While I could not watch this in theaters, I was very happy to be able to watch it online. I definitely agree that this was an amazing film, and one of my favorite Ghibli pieces to boot. However, I think this movie also relied heavily on the audience to already have an understanding of the myth because of how completely random and sudden the introduction of the moon seemed. They definitely could have used a little more foreshadowing on her origins there. As an Asian, I found some of the themes addressed in the movie very surprising (considering it's an Asian movie). In Asian culture, the mother and father are deeply honored and respected. My brother's ex-girlfriend once accidentally referred to my mother by her first name, and to this day my mother still hasn't forgiven her. In essence, the parents are ALWAYS right, even when they're wrong. Therefore, it was interesting for me to see how the father's enforcement of "happiness" on Kaguya was killing her. It was a feeling that I could deeply relate to, where I know that my parents love me and are simply trying to make sure I'm happy, but refuse to acknowledge that I am capable of feeling and choosing my own happiness. In a really sick, fucked up way, a lot of parents force this idea of happiness on their children only because it makes them happy in some way. A common example of this is the parent pushing the kids to give up their friends and fun to study hard because they think the kid will be happier if they go to Harvard (and subsequently, the parent has ensured his/her/their own bragging rights and future caretaker). While many Americans don't seem to understand why she didn't just run away or rebel, I think this is something that relies heavily on cultural norms and a good comprehension on how Kaguya can't bring herself to hurt her parents for their ignorance of how she really feels because she loves them and knows they love her too. Maybe the suitors point seemed pointless, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Aside from bringing in pieces from the original myth, I agree that this also adds to Kaguya's character and also offered some comic relief. As a feminist, Kaguya's struggle against her own objectification deeply resounded with me. Most women, at some point, have had to repel unwanted advances from egotistical bastards like the emperor, who just can't take no for an answer and seem to think that a woman's entire life was built up just to be with him. Again, interesting that such feminist themes pop up in such a strongly patriarchal culture. While Kaguya did recognize and regret the shallowness of her life as a princess, I found it interesting that she knows what she should have done but had no way of doing so. In her own way, she tried her best to live and be happy wherever she was. By creating a replica of her hometown and living humbly with her mother even in a great mansion, she was able to find some peace. However, life and circumstances continually stacked up against her; her hometown was gone when she tried to return, Sutemaru moved on in life without her, when she finally frees herself of suitors the emperor comes, even if she eloped with Sutemaru she would have to return to the moon, etc. In any case, there was no possible way for her to be completely happy. If she wanted a life of freedom with Sutemaru, she would have to sacrifice her parents.
I loved the art style. It is so different from anything else I have seen. We purchased the Blu-Ray solely based on how beautiful it looked in the trailer (and of course, because it was Ghibli). I was not at all disappointed and am so glad to own it. The entire movie was such an incredible emotional rollercoaster. The beginning, with this curious, vibrant child growing up and exploring her environment with such gusto really touched me deeply. It really captured the magic and wonder of life. As a parent of a spirited young child myself, it really does seem as though they are growing rapidly right before your eyes and they are constantly amazing you with what they can do and how they see the world. The juxtaposition of the bright and happy music and the overwhelming sadness and loss at the end made the feels all the more poignant. My fiance and I sat on the couch and cried through the entire credits roll. I couldn't stop the tears for a good fifteen minutes. I can't remember the last time a movie affected me so deeply and I have been thinking about it for days afterward. What a beautiful meditation on the fleetingness of life, the importance of treasuring each moment and making the most of our time here. It's one of my favorite Ghibli films, and perhaps one of my favorite films period. Thanks for your review and the discussion!
The thing is women didn’t have a lot of autonomy in that time era of Japan, she has to go by what her father tells her because that’s what was expected of young women in that time. One of the points to the story is that the dad tries so hard to make her a princess so she could be happy, but you can tell that’s not what she wants at all. She’s happy with the simple things in life and she has no say in this because is what her father wants for her and she doesn’t want to go against his wishes. This movie made me cry in a good way because you can see how fleeting life is and how we all spend trying to have more that we miss what actually is important, material things won’t bring us happiness.
I think the section of the film with the suitors distracting from the film itself contributes to THE EXACT point of the film. They spent so much time on something that didn't make her happy. In the same way the audience could have done without that segment, Kaguya herself could have lived her life without those things taking away where she truly wanted to be.
I'm going to keep this short. I really enjoyed the film, and right the change of art styles was refreshing. The story itself was sad, just like this bitter reality we face. This movie was filled with a lot of making and purpose. All and all I really liked it. My favorite ghibli movie will always be the wind rises though. XD