The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a 2013 Japanese animated film produced by Studio Ghibli. With Hayao Miyazaki no longer making films, Isao Takahata co wrote and directed the folktale based off of, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. Isao Takahata has been critically acclaimed with his past works that have included, Grave of the Fireflies, Only yesterday, Pom Poko and My Neighbors the Yamadas. This will be Takhata’s fifth film for Studio Ghibli but it will also be his first film in 14 years.

With many movies of different genres in his portfolio I feel that Isao Takahata will get more than just a few nods at the Annie Awards and Academy Awards for this year. Especially with the reception at the Japanese box office for the release in 2013 the film has been nominated for a Japan Academy Prize for best animation of the year. It also has won the Animation Film Award at the Mainichi Film Awards, placed 4^th in both Kinema Junpos Top Ten and their readers choice awards. It currently holds 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and has grossed over $22 million at the Japanese box office. The United State premiere will be launched October 17 of this year and is expected to gross more than it’s $49 million budget.

Without giving any plot lines away the 10^th century folktale is considered to be of the oldest extant Japanese narratives. The story tells of the mysterious life of a girl named Kaguya and her interactions with the people she meets. The story not only discusses ones journey but it also discusses elements of romance, sadness, forgiveness, and acceptance. Much like traditional folktales the story has many meanings and interpretations. Their have also been numerous literary connections and adaptions in Japan from anime, art, opera and video games. I really look forward to the release of this movie in the United States and believe this movie will be a strong contender as a nominee for best animated feature at the Academy Awards.