Studio Ghibli’s co-founder Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies) has transformed an ancient Japanese folk tale into a ravishingly beautiful animated fantasy in his first film in 14 years. Based on a 10th century story, is tells the story of a magical child who is found and adopted by a bamboo cutter and who grows up to be an independent-minded princess, a feminist before her time. The film's devotion to the cycle of the seasons, the birth and death of us all, guides the story to its transporting conclusion. Eight years in the making, it’s a visionary tour de force – beautifully animated in a hand drawn story book style, you can see the pencil lines and the watercolour blots. At over two hours long it is certainly an epic, one that redefines the limits of animated storytelling and marks a rich swansong for Takahata.

Please note all screenings of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya before 16:00 will be dubbed, screenings after 16:00 will be subtitled.

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