Movie of the Month: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio known for their beautifully animated films. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is no exception.

Loosely based on the 10th Century Japanese story The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Princess Kaguya tells the story of a princess born from a bamboo shoot. A very whimsical premise, but director Isao Takahata is able to provide great commentary on how difficult growing up can be.

When is it right to sacrifice your parents wishes to follow your own path? Is a woman’s self worth really dependent on the man she marries? How can life be so beautiful yet so painful all at once?

Princess Kaguya has been on my “plan to watch” list for ages and I’m SO HAPPY I finally finished it. Such a breathtaking film.