Isao Takahata: The Master of Authenticity (A Video Essay Retrospective)

Isao Takahata, the late co-founder of Studio Ghibli, was an underrated force in the animation industry. In this video essay retrospective of his Ghibli portfolio, we parse out the themes of young adulthood, liminality, and specificity that distinguish his work from the rest. Through neorealist narratives and a commitment to constructing emotional authenticity, Takahata forever redefined the possibilities of animation by exposing the psychologically rich potentials of the animated form. For the full list of sources, please see the attached script below: docs.google.com/document/d/1h...

[@jumokumokumoku]

I wish we had a word “authenticity” in Japanese. Authenticity is the best word for Isao Takahata. And he’ll be so happy if he sees this video essay 🎉

[@anurag4813]

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is truly one of the best films ever made. A masterpiece that sings to all of humanity and the human race.

[@milo_thatch_incarnate]

Like many here, Only Yesterday will always be the most special Takahata film for me, because it personally healed a part of my soul. Really. The message is so relatable to me, and touches all the things I yearn the most for. When I first saw it, I actually loved that in adult Taeko's side of the story, everything looks so realistic. The humans are more realistic in proportion and movement than any other animated film I've seen, I think. And it FITS that story, and makes the childish style of her memories so much more poignant and meaningful. There's just so much to say. And you said it beautifully.

[@steingar7820]

Takahata is one of my favourite directors (and my fave anime director period) but he barely gets any attention on a critical level. Your video is an excellent review of his work and approach to directing, well done!

[@marcofilosa1086]

When first i saw "Yesterday", i've come across emotional burnout. I started to cry out all my pains and anxiety about my life and my expectation about it. It was like to pick up my memories and dreams and change it as rapidly as i could. Desire to have easily living life, the pain to leave this place, my place, everything started flying away. It was able to catch my soul, if i have one, and craft a sense for it, for me. There's no complexity, it is like to have a good ice-cream in a sunny summer's day. Still now, i'M NOT able to stop crying for my heavy life.

[@drea4864]

This is such a thoughtful and intelligent essay. An inspiring journey I truly enjoyed throughout the whole video. Thank you very much! I really hope that more people get to see this essay

[@azadhussain4308]

You work here is amazing speak with such kindness on somebody's work who you never met is truly outstanding may success be your guiding light

[@RoxanneM-]

Beautifully written, Zoe.

[@sky44david]

You have made such an "in depth" consideration of animation via this exploration of Isao Takahata's expansive visions made by hand into film narratives. I was an animation student at Cal Arts 1972-74 during its very early formative years. We were in a constant exploration of expanding the limits of what animation as cinema "is" by a diversity of film expressions. I hark back to the era of hand drawing via live figure drawing classrooms, thousands and thousands of sheets of paper, the light table with animation registration pegs and shooting on an Oxberry with film. When I view "Grave Of Fireflies" the greatness of the mastery of animation to touch the human heart is alive!

[@mitya908]

I teared up during the ending of this video. Great writing, Zoe.

[@notationmusical]

I recommend checking out Akage no Anne and Heidi Girl of the Alps as well, as they also were directed by Takahata. They are available on KZbin, both subbed and dubbed.

[@bl_kiki7483]

This is the best video i've seen about Takahata's work. thank you for taking the time to make this! His work is truly beautiful, with each film having so much going for it. Only Yesterday is my personal fave, but I think Kaguya is a modern animation masterpiece. Hope you get more eyes on the video soon because you deserve!

[@ShaukatAli-hd5yv]

Why isn't this video famous 😭

[@beijoflor]

This well made video essay and tribute to Takahata and his work derserves to be seen by so many more people!

[@suchendnachwahrheit9143]

Wonderfully done

[@Amayram21]

Really loved this video! I wish there were more on how Isao Takahata is such an incredible director but not that many know of him. He really inspires me to create animated films that isn’t so stuck in genre it’s forced to be in the west

[@mateom1813]

Thanks for making this video ~

[@AndreaTornese]

You should just keep making these videos. Time would be on your side and get you the credits you deserve.

[@xcassyx2516]

Excellent work on this video essay. This felt like a love letter towards Isao Takahata's vision and ingenuity, which the man absolutely deserved. :)

[@animatedjam8873]

Thank you so much for this. Amazingly put

[@nitinpriyadarshi269]

Really well made video :D

[@vijaydizzle]

Great video essay!

[@WadeeAlsout]

شكرا للمترجم العربية وشكرا لكل من قام بهذا الفيديو

[@TheNeelansh9]

Thanks for this video ❤️

[@kamehamehuyle9108]

He got the vibes right

[@unboxedboxes]

Oh wow I really liked this video

[@gian.4388]

I truly don't think people realize just how important Takahata was to both Ghibli and japanese animation as a whole Like, Miyazaki became the face of the studio only because Suzuki basically marketed it as "Miyazaki's studio" for years (and this is not meant to critize Miya-san, he was still just as important and an extremely skilled artist) Suzuki on the other hand is uhh... an interesting character to say the least... I personally very much don't like him, he looks like the usual corporate guy always trying to make the most profit

[@m.omoirokingyo]

9:24

[@steingar7820]

Takahata is one of my favourite directors (and my fave anime director period) but he barely gets any attention on a critical level. Your video is an excellent review of his work and approach to directing, well done!

[@steingar7820]

Takahata is one of my favourite directors (and my fave anime director period) but he barely gets any attention on a critical level. Your video is an excellent review of his work and approach to directing, well done!

[@steingar7820]

Takahata is one of my favourite directors (and my fave anime director period) but he barely gets any attention on a critical level. Your video is an excellent review of his work and approach to directing, well done!