Isao Takahata's Overlooked Studio Ghibli Masterpieces

Alongside director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata was one of the three co-founders of Studio Ghibli. While he's most famous for his 1988 classic Grave of the Fireflies, his other Ghibli films, including Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, and My Neighbors the Yamadas are all deserving of equal praise. This video essay is my love letter to Takahata--his life and artistry--and to his final (and greatest) masterpiece, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
Writing, editing, and music by me! Please subscribe if you enjoyed the video. More cool stuff coming soon.

[@audrey4125]

The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya is my favorite film ever. Takahata deserves the recognition.

[@ameliap9670]

I saw the Tale of the Princess Kaguya yesterday night, after I saw in the morning the new movie of Miyazaki at the cinema. This movie gave me the “courage” to watch the Tale, that I’ve never watched before, erroneously thinking it was maybe to heavy for me. From the first scene I got enchanted by the magical beauty of the movie and I remained till the end taken by its lunar beauty and the sadneds I felt for the princess.. it deserved the Oscar, absolutely. Of Takahata I watched very often Only yesterday that make me feel like to go back in a relaxed beautiful place where the time moves slowlier, like it would be a part of my memories of my own childhood, and I saw the Yamadas once and I found it incredibly funny and incredibly deep. I probably rewatch it tonight, Netflix shows all Ghibli movies, what a dream. The words of Miyazaki about Takahata made me cry.. the feeling of sadness the documentary about Miyazaki gave me when I watched it.. his world is disappearing, expecially now Takahata is gone.. thanks for the video, very beautiful.

[@whykevinwhyyy]

Thank you for sharing! I haven't seen the new Miyazaki yet but I'm planning to next week. I'm so happy that Princess Kaguya moved you in that way! It's so underappreciated in my opinion.

[@annabellehka]

Dude that section where you gush on the pure raw emotions reflected from yourself and your memories in Princess Kaguya almost made me cry. Such an amazing video packed full of heart

[@hotandspicyweiss]

My favorite movie for the longest time was Castle In The Sky. It was the only Studio Ghibli movie I was allowed to watch as a kid and I used to be able to quote the whole thing word for word.

[@felipeoa9474]

You just gained a subscriber. A beautiful essay, just like the subject deserves.

[@findmeinthefuture.]

Nicely edited and conveyed video essay! The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is truly one of the most beautifully animated films of all time, and I've always appreciated Takahata for his stepping outside the box and forging his own artistic path. No two of his films are alike, and he really championed innovation both before and during his time at Ghibli.

[@ZeASK]

This was a beautiful video that moved me to tears. I'm definitely checking The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

[@liebesel]

this is just the right vibe

[@Arcanist_The]

Here to boost the algorithm.

[@tranquilclaws8470]

Just looking at pieces of the film and listening to its music, the emotions are still there, still drawing deep from the wellspring of memory.

[@sarahlynrogers4154]

I love Miyazaki, and through you, now I love Takahata, too 🦝🎍🌔

[@deveshi7]

Thank you for making this elaborate essay💯

[@Baldanders99]

Lupun III. Nice.

[@megkatjo]

Smashing that subscribe button!

[@wahlex]

what a wonderful video!

[@tbl2001]

Totally great KZbin!!!!! Thank you.

[@eduuu1992]

Great analysis on a great author, many thanks. Please can we tell where the footage of 18:25 comes from? thanks in advance.

[@AnimeGames16]

That scene in Yamadas you’re talking about. Is it the bikers scene? Or maybe the scene where the dad’s a superhero?

[@endingit12]

Does anyone know the music at 17:21, it's so enchanting and I nearly started crying hearing about Takahata's vision for Princess Kaguya.

[@endingit12]

I'm balling at the end

[@whykevinwhyyy]

I wrote all the music myself! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, I love this movie and really put my heart into it.

[@masudaharris6435]

There is a live-action Grave of the Fireflies but I do prefer the anime version.

[@designhomo]

Awesome video!! Loved your analysis!