Studio Ghibli cofounder Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies) explores one of Japan’s most famous folktales, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, in this enchanting animation from the legendary studio.
When an old bamboo cutter happens upon a mysterious shining stalk of bamboo, he cuts it open to find a tiny girl inside the size of his thumb.
Taking her home to his wife, the couple raise the girl as their own, watching her magically grow into an enchanting young woman. The mystery of where she has come from, coupled with her great beauty, enthrals all who encounter her, leading the Emperor himself to try and win her heart.
But the princess has no interest, as day by day her desire to return to the world from which she came grows stronger.
This beautiful, hand-drawn masterwork was decades in the making, and is another wonderful addition to the Ghibli canon.