The final feature film by Isao Takahata, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is an adaptation of a 10th century folktale about what happens when a baby girl is found inside a bamboo stalk. Takahata follows the unusual life of this strange child as her magical powers are revealed and she bristles against the fascination showered on her. Illustrated with soft outlines and a muted palette, Takahata’s Oscar-nominated feature is a poignant tribute to the wonders of life. 

Director: Isao Takahata. Cast: Aki Asakura, Kengo Kora, Takeo Chii, Nobuko Miyamoto. 2013. 137 min. Japan. Color. Japanese. DCP. 

All film screenings of Everyday Life: The Films of Isao Takahata are available here.