The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Inspired by a folk tale about a magical princess found in a bamboo shoot, this Japanese film controversially made the shortlist for best animated feature at the 2015 Oscars when The Lego Movie didn't. It's actually no surprise that the tradition-revering Academy would favour this delicate, handcrafted work, which showcases the exemplary draughtsmanship of its director Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies), a co-founder of Studio Ghibli alongside the more renowned Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, The Wind Rises). Nevertheless, although some sequences are exquisitely rendered, it has to be admitted that this is also overlong and a little on the dull side, while the narrative may be somewhat alienating for Western viewers expecting neat dramatic arcs and comforting conclusions. Be prepared for a melancholy dénouement that's not suitable for younger children, but which grown-ups and older kids may find heartbreaking.