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Tales From Earthsea (2006)

Director: Goro Miyazaki

Time Out rating

Average user rating

2 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

The latest from Studio Ghibli is a mini epic by Goro (son of Hayao) Miyazaki adapted from the work of Ursula K Le Guin. An admirable if uneven affair, it rejects humour and whimsy to tell its story of rival sorcerers locked in battle over the secret of eternal life and a young prince facing up to the responsibilities of adulthood. As usual, the hand-drawn animation is quietly lavish and a reliance on old-fashioned narrative progression makes a refreshing change from the many US animal-based digital knock-offs that too often feel like strings of unrelated gags. But as with 2005’s ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’, a desire to over-egg the source novel’s contemporary relevance – in this case, environmental devastation – leaves things quickly overwhelmed by mawkish sentiment. Hardly a groundbreaking work, then, but still a worthy addition to the singular Ghibli canon.

Author: David Jenkins

Time Out London Issue 1928: August 1-7 2007

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User reviews of this film

Nic Niewart said...

Posted on Sep 25 2007 13:34 A Studio Ghibli piece is never bad. This is just like The Littrle Norse Prince- a step along the way to greater things. If it wasn't for the dragons, there would be no wow things about this movie- they could easily have been gerbils or some such with little or no relevance to the narrative. Gone are several notable Ghiblisms- the piano music by Joe Hisaishi- the clouds, the sky, the wind across the grass and the pauses which made you think aboutt the action so far, and to take in the majesty of the piece. This leans more to the constant drive of action common to western films. I'm sure although I don't read books about this genre, that the story must have been cut, truncated and shortened. There is never any resolve of going back to the court, although it was set up and introduced with some attention.This is by the son of the master and it shows. Most annoying are the cuts. Jarring just plain irritating- too sudden and what follows is not linked in too many instances. Yet given time and experience and age, these things are rectified- they're called technique.
Yet, because it is Studio Ghibli, I am prepared to forgive anything.

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Nic nic said...

Posted on Aug 09 2007 15:37 The latest offering from studio ghibli while exciting does lack some of the charm of its predecessors. A litle heavy at times it still holds your interest and despite the obvious morals being rammed down your throat makes for quite a plesent view. Not the best from studio ghilbli but none the less not to be missed.

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