The Meaning of Princess Kaguya (Video Essay)

[@Chubbasaurus]

The sad thing is, not even Sutemaru is above the avarice and selfishness of the other men in the movie. He's willing to abandon a wife and child if it means he can claim the prize that Kaguya represents.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

It's not that he wants to claim the prize. He wants that childhood connection, that bond they once shared that was robbed from them. And yeah, that kinda shows that all of us, even people we perceive as good, are capable of selfishness

[@dakotamartinez8310]

Do not forget that Kaguya herself may have wanted to leave her parents for her own happiness.

[@miamorg2352]

Aside what op wrote about how all of us are humans and sometimes selfish, the story is set in heian period, where marriage was seen as a contract from where both sides gain, in heian period it was normal, to search for an affair with someone you love, while being married to a person for more economical reason. Polygamy on both ends was normal in this time and localisation.

[@garypotter5569]

If you've ever been truly in love you might identify more with the love-at-first-sight thing. NEITHER of them were thinking rationally at all! Look up the song "In Another Life" by The Veronicas some time.

[@garypotter5569]

@@miamorg2352 Leet observation🤙

[@audrey4125]

My favorite film of all time. Kaguya doesn't look back on the Earth because of how wonderful it was, or even how beautiful. She looks back because of its depth. The mystique and suffering and wonder brought by the Earth is able to somehow penetrate the moon's purity. Because with perfection comes shallowness. With every flaw and every emotion, the Earth has a depth no one who had never experienced it could ever know. And a world without any grief or pain or sorrow wouldn't be much of a world at all.

[@user-ol1ib1ss2b]

Bullseye! I would give you more likes if I could.

[@king-wenskiii2511]

kaguya doesnt choose to come down to earth because she saw joy. she chose to come down to earth because she saw sadness.

[@emmad.176]

Wow that's a good analysis :) I saw her looking back as similar to you - not remembering details so much but a feeling of sadness, hurt and joy combined. She also couldn't remember her parents anymore but had a feeling of having been loved by people and having to leave that behind 😢

[@te5116]

Around the middle of film, Kaguya says that if her father’s happiness is reliant on the marriage with the emperor, she will marry first and kill herself after. The moment when the emperor attempts to make his advance on Kaguya the screen suddenly becomes dark and she run away. I think that was a metaphor for her suicide and therefore she had to leave the earth.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

That's actually a really neat thought; I'd never thought of that. Thanks for sharing!

[@mcough135]

I thought the same thing, that Kaguya’s returning to the moon was a metaphor for her suicide. She could not get past the loss of her childhood and the life she desired, she could not betray her own heart…

[@omnibaroi7323]

Yes I agree! She ran away to what made her happy for one last time before killing herself.

[@s1yahpapatya]

Because Kaguya had an inner scream to leave the earth, I automatically associated it with a representation of suicide thoughts. Although she lastly decided to be happy in a moment with Sutemaru, she was hurt enough to choose death over him and go to heaven (=moon) to finally rest in peace, after having so many destructive feelings and heartbreaks. My absolute favorite movie. Kaguya has such a pure heart.

[@te5116]

True. Around the middle of film, Kaguya says that if her father’s happiness is reliant on the marriage with the emperor, she will marry first and kill herself after. The moment when the emperor attempts to make his advance on Kaguya the screen suddenly becomes dark and she run away. I think that’s when she committed suicide in a metaphorical sense and therefore has to leave the earth.

[@martinvicentefabregas7240]

I also so it as sulclde thoughts, especially cause they can after the assault of the emperador

[@noorlight-sz7im]

What hurt most is the father never truly understood how much hurt he caused. He does love Kaguya, and wants the best for Kaguya, but not as much as a daughter or another person, just as a prize, a trophy. I was so mad at him and yelled for a long time. But meh. When she had to leave the bamboo grove, I felt like someone wrung my heart and punched me in the gut with such force.

[@Lucy-zv4xc]

I think its more nuanced than that. The father has likely lived in poverty his whole life, so he thought that by giving his daughter fancy things he was making her happy, which he wanted because he truly did love her as his daughter. As the old couple is also shown alone in their hut, they're likely childless, and she was the first and only child he ever had. The scene where he cries over the possibility of her being taken from him is absolutely heart-wrenching. He loves her, but he doesn't ever ask HER what would make her happy, instead he just assumes.

[@DennisM-wp7jt]

I think the Moon people would have forced wealth upon Kaguya one way or another. Could also be possible they brainwashed the father, consderig their abilities

[@justanothermortal1373]

​@@DennisM-wp7jt but why?

[@riccardomazzaro1901]

The way the Emperor is portrayed is truly astonishing. The Emperor isn't a monster, he doesn't act out of malice or cruelty, but that makes it only the more powerful when you realise that it really doesn't matter. The Emperor not only thinks that he is entitled to whatever he wants, even to the body of whoever, but also that that's what's best for the people he uses for his own gain. Just like Kaguya's father, the Emperor is convinced that he knows what's best for Kaguya because who wouldn't want to be the Emperor's concubine? It's not a coincidence that he's genuinely surprised and also apologises when he grabs Kaguya from behind: he has good intentions in the sense that he's genuinely convinced that he's doing something good for both him and Kaguya herself. Instead of showing us that giving that kind of power to one man is bad because that man can use it for evil aims, this movie shows us that giving that kind of power to one man is bad regardless. The Emperor himself isn't the problem, it's the structure of the society which allows him to do what he does and that finds those things acceptable which is the issue. Not often does a movie manage to send such a clear message in such a nuanced and intelligent way; the Emperor doesn't rape Kaguya, he just hugs her, and yet the movie lets you feel the oppressing and abusive nature of that act, you feel the disgusting entitlement of the Emperor and the heartbreaking situation Kaguya's in. It never feels apologetic, it feels *real* and uncomfortable, and it's just one of the ways the movie constantly reminds us how at that time women were considered nothing more than object to be held and admired, maybe even revered but never to be taken seriously or to be considered people with aspirations, dreams and opinions of their own.

[@neonmajora8454]

Riccardo Mazzaro The english version messed up his character 'cause he says he wont stop persuing her whereas in the japanese one he respects her wishes but says he still thinks she'd be happy with him. His reaction may suggest he didn't believe it was Kaguya's idea to send the letter of rejection but rather her father's, which is interesting. It's also a bit odd how he doesn't seem to think much of the fact she vanishes right in front of him haha

[@prakashgharti2261]

Beautifully explained ❤️❤️❤️

[@marissashantez6051]

Kaguya is as selfish as anyone else there too. Kaguya doesnt know what the fuck she wants, and she seems to make everyone around her miserable. Emperor is lucky he didnt end up with the irritating crybaby. However, this is a fair representation of the film.

[@fisherman3]

@@marissashantez6051 you are thinking in such a modern way but you forget the context of the film as well as the culture of the time, feel the message and the beauty of this masterpiece.

[@marissashantez6051]

@@fisherman3 OK. Maybe you are right. But the whole thing is odd. Why does she hate puberty? And why is she so committed to wanting to be a child forever? Why is she so inflexible? What is wrong with people wanting things from you? Thats sort of human interaction. I didnt know it was such a drag. Perhaps I'm viewing it too much from what a real current person might think.

[@toyaroku1236]

Beautiful review, amazing work. One point that's lacking here is the Buddhist aspect, though. The moon people are enlightened and have released their earthly attachments. Lil' bamboo even says that she was punished by wanting to attach and that's why she was sent to Earth. In my opinion, this explains why her father finds gold and fancy robes. The moon people sent those to Earth because they know that Earth people are attached and corruptible. Indeed it doesn't take long for desire to rear its ugly head. The journey on Earth is a lesson that attachment yields suffering. Also, note that Kaguya ages more rapidly when she's living life and more slowly when she's experiencing the intended punishment.

[@GodiGodesa]

omg yes!! I watched the movie yesterday for the first time and felt it's a story about reincarnation ... about soul's earthly attachments and it's longing for spiritual home! ❤

[@cathleenmoyle1476]

@@GodiGodesa No... it isn't. Because Kaguya did have earthly attachments that made her happy, being nature, alongside human emotions. She wanted to experience both pleasure and pain, comfort and suffering. The reason royal life made her so miserable was because it wasn't that much different from her old life; she was expected to feel nothing, to be beyond normal and human things like emotions, and to be happy or at peace about it. But she was miserable. Also note that life on the moon was just as ornate and luxurious as the royal life on earth (that parade of celestial beings, the ornate clothes they had and they had mansions/fancy buildings too). And don't forget about that other celestial maiden who also went to earth and was taken back to the moon, but even though she was back in the "spiritual home", she was miserable, wanting to experience pain and pleasure again. And that nursery rhyme: Go round come round distant time Come round and call back the heart Birds, bugs beasts, grass, flowers, trees Teach them how to feel If I hear you pining for me I will want to return to you It's about remembering the comfort and suffering of life, and that it's okay to be attached to such things. And that song in the end credits sings about the happy feelings once had, and that she'll remember and see them again, when she remembers this life. And even Isao Takahata, the creator of this film, didn't support the state of nirvana that Buddhists have achieved. From all that, I don't think this film is about longing for the spiritual home, but rather that it's okay that earthly life is full of desire, comfort, and suffering, because happiness can't exist without sadness, fear, disgust, or anger. That's how I see it, at least.

[@cathleenmoyle1476]

Kaguya did have earthly attachments that made her happy, being nature, alongside human emotions. She wanted to experience both pleasure and pain, comfort and suffering. The reason royal life made her so miserable was because it wasn't that much different from her old life; she was expected to feel nothing, to be beyond normal and human things like emotions, and to be happy or at peace about it. But she was miserable. Also note that life on the moon was just as ornate and luxurious as the royal life on earth (that parade of celestial beings, the ornate clothes they had and they had mansions/fancy buildings too). Both the moon people and the earth people are acting in selfish desires as they want what's best for her. And don't forget about that other celestial maiden who also went to earth and was taken back to the moon, but even though she was back in the "spiritual home", she was miserable, wanting to experience pain and pleasure again. And that nursery rhyme: Go round come round distant time Come round and call back the heart Birds, bugs beasts, grass, flowers, trees Teach them how to feel If I hear you pining for me I will want to return to you It's about remembering the comfort and suffering of life, and that it's okay to be attached to such things. And that song in the end credits sings about the happy feelings once had, and that she'll remember and see them again, when she remembers this life. And even Isao Takahata, the creator of this film, didn't support the state of nirvana that Buddhists have achieved. From all that, I don't think this film is about longing for the spiritual home, or that the journey on earth is about desire leading to suffering, but rather that it's okay that earthly life is full of desire, comfort, and suffering, because happiness can't exist without sadness, fear, disgust, or anger. At least, that's what I see it's trying to say.

[@toyaroku1236]

@@cathleenmoyle1476 Very interesting point of view, I'll have to rewatch taking this into account. The one point I don't agree with is that the creator of the film decides the meaning behind it. I've always felt that we are allowed to see meaning and symbolism in art even when it was not put there on purpose. Thanks for the insights though!

[@Luncea28]

@@toyaroku1236 I agree with @cathleenmoyle1476. Take a look at Kaguya's last lines. A Moon Person tells her to "leave behind this world's sorrow and uncleanness" and she responds, "It's not unclean! There's joy, there's grief... All who live here feel them in their different shades! There's birds, bugs, beasts... grass, trees, flowers... and feelings." I believe these lines (which recall the song) represent the viewpoint of the film. That Earth is not merely a place of suffering one needs to escape from through detachment. That is it a complex mix of good and bad, and that the freedom to live through a full spectrum of experiences and emotions is a beautiful thing worth cherishing.

[@bomapdich]

Kaguya is the most human character I've seen on screen.

[@Kiki-nz3cv]

I saw The Tale of Princess Kaguya for the first time many years ago. Probably when I was like 13 or something (im 17 now). I grew up in a home that wasn't quite what I saw was normal of the familys around me. How my mother wasn't really a good hearted person. In other words she was abusive. I saw this movie and instantly felt like I was seen and validated by it.... Everytime I see this movie im reminded of how beautifull life really is and to never give up. I also feel like there's been a lack of attention to this masterpiece(or idk) soo im really happy that this video was made. :)

[@samuraibarvidessays]

I'm really sorry you had to endure that, Kiki. But I am glad this movie gave you inspiration to keep fighting for yourself. It's a daily struggle to find happiness, to remind ourselves that there is an inherent beauty to life, but we mustn't give up :)

[@juice6199]

"Many years ago" *Only 4 years*

[@agnivabanerjee3983]

@@juice6199 LOL. 4 years feels like a lot of time for a 17-year-old.

[@madsceptictrooper6803]

What a beautiful video essay on The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a true miracle and the ending makes me cry every single time I witness it. I always thought The Lego Movie was the best animated movie of 2014 but no, it's The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya deserved to win the Oscar award for the best animated feature in 2014, just like how The Wind Rises deserved to win it instead of Frozen in 2013.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Yeah, the Oscars have definitely proven to be biased towards American films historically, create a wider audience for the award show I guess. Thankfully that's beginning to change. Thanks for commenting! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@aidyn5916]

It hurt me so much when the emperor tried to take advantage of her and everybody, including her family, just stayed in the next room.

[@annekirstin8205]

Me too. To think I thought the emperor was nice and simply intrigued by Kaguya, but nope. He’s a creep with a smile that disgusts me.

[@hohohihi4834]

This movie holds a dear place in my heart I watched it for the first time when I was 10, I watched without any sub (there wasn't an Arabic sub at the time, I couldn't speak English that well enough to read it) Yet even tho I didn't understand a word. I felt every single emotion when I watched it, I didn't need any words to understand what was happening I just felt it. When I finished it I was crying a lot, I went to my sister and asked "why are people so mean?" And she just said "I don't know". I refused to watch the movie because it broke my heart and didn't have the usual "happy ever after" ending, until I was 14, I found it again by accident and said it's time to see it again and understand what they were saying,. Being 14 year old girl and going through puberty while being pressured by my parents to be a great student and Excel at my studies, I connected too much with little bamboo I understood even more now that I'm older, why things are the that they are, and I cried again but this time my tears weren't of heartbreak they of acceptance, realization and understanding... Till this day I can't watch it without having a swollen heart, yet I still do when I'm my lowest because of the end it will remind me how beautiful life really is it's a reminder for how our existence can be so so meaningful.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

That was very well said. Thank you for sharing. I love hearing stories like this. It's truly incredible the impact film can have on us :)

[@nitinsungroha6151]

At core this movie revolves around the 4 noble truths given by Lord Buddha and his philosophy. *Princess represents a soul who has some desires left to fulfil, so she takes birth on earth. *In her pursuit of desire, to find happiness, she only receives suffering(1st noble truth:- This world is full of suffering). *Princess's father criteria of happiness was different, so he tries to force his desires on his daughter(this type of nature of fathers is mostly found in Asian countries and in Japan). *When she was going through bad time and couldn't take anymore, she prayed to the moon(lord Buddha) to take her back. *All high official and prince who wanted to have her(princesses)were overpowered by their lust and greed. *When Sutemaru and princesses were flying, it represented the feeling of love which two love birds experiences. *When flying, princesses saw the moon and she realised that this love and feeling is impermanent like changing seasons so she left. *Sutemaru was so overpowered by blind love for princesses that he got ready to leave his wife and children. *Her not wanting to leave her parents represents attachment. *In the end, the robe which was put on the princesses represents samadhi(a state of self enlightenment). Than she was taken by lord Buddha to heaven( a destination of all self realised being)

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Very insightful comment! Thanks for sharing!

[@mstinarocks123]

Thank you for writing. It teared me up a bit!

[@QueenMoontime]

I'm a woman who was born into a relatively well off family, and I've felt railroaded by others my whole life, especially when it comes to my job and education. Thank you for articulating the themes of this film, I had trouble explaining why it made me cry when I watched it, but yeah, I suppose I get it now. Awesome vid! 😄

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Thank you! Glad you liked it :)

[@bobthestinky7369]

This film is so devastating. This poor magical girl is messed around and harassed her whole short life and her only solace is that she is forced to forget everything including the only good parts like her home and Sutemaru. Then she gets taken back to the moon by Moon Buddha? That was a sad ride.

[@ATruckCampbell]

You can perceive her return to the moon as suicide.

[@bobthestinky7369]

@@ATruckCampbell Definitely.

[@myxtrsq]

the saddest part to me is when she’s going back to the moon and despite ‘forgetting everything’, she turns around to look back at the earth.

[@MusiicRoolz]

the beauty of suffering is something that japan highlights well because of its roots in buddhism. I love the acceptance of the extremes of pain and joy and finding your own meaning in them/in life, it's something I've been journeying through recently. freedom from suffering is what many of us wish for, but suffering is key to life. without it we are not human, it's true. if you want to live your life like that, go and try and attain nirvana, but me? I was born to live and be a confusing little human. much love for this movie and it's a shame it's not as popular as it should be.

[@ananyanyan]

This is the only movie I have ever cried to. People enforcing certain ideals on you and seeing you as a prize or trophy to show off, and just wanting to disappear more and more as it gets worse. I love the way they potrayed Kaguya mentally snapping, being numb to crying more often and losing control of her 'ladylike' facade at moments as she grows up and desperately wanting to run away or disappear, like at her ceremony or when the Emperor forced himself on her. You can see her childlike joy and innocence wither and shrivel away and it hurts. I feel like her thoughts are similar to a lot of suicidal people, they wish for it often but don't actually want to die or disappear, they just want an escape from their suffering

[@joyh8382]

Your comment about how a lot of suicidal people think is accurate. I've had that most my life, as have many of my dear friends, thats one reason we connect. We support each other and I always try to be the reminder that we don't really want to die and stop experiencing life completely, we just want to escape from the devastatingly hard part of our existence, and we are lucky to live in a world that is so vast... if there is so much bad, most of us have the opportunity for good closer within reach then we can see. Anxiety and fear and depression tend to cloud our ability to see it. Recently I've said this a lot: "The world is much bigger then your anxieties/depression, in both a negative way and a positive way. If you keep focusing on whats in your head, you wont be able to see and take the opportunitiea to experience the good things you want and that are actually in reach. You have to fight for it, but it's soo worth it. Trust me. I know." Have an amazing day/night, my friend. Thank you for your comment. ❤

[@Crabernacker]

I watched this for the first time the other day. Ive never felt so empty. I love it.

[@marianatorres1035]

literally exactly how i feel

[@KaiaKooking]

I‘m a woman with one of my parents having nearly no money and my other’s parent‘s family having a lot of it I feel this Film in my bones. My childhood was partly working in a garden and producing food which was hard but also full of wonders and love, to getting told not to bend my back too much when eating and holding a fork right and having to sit through classical music concerts which I hated. One family would show me affection for contributing and the other one would show me affection for being quiet and demure and do as I told. Because I knew another life it was so much harder to comply. I was encouraged to take after my rich family. Study, get a good husband et c. But the older I get, the more all I wish for is a nice little place on the country side where I can work all day and make food for many people in a system where everyone contributes. I think people have no idea about the intense freedom and joy of that life, if you’re surrounded by people who are practically thinking and being good to each other. It’s not all roses and people can be trapped but it’s the community of people who makes or breaks this life.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Very well said. Thank you for sharing :)

[@basilunderworld]

I hated the part where kaguya was ..touched.. by the emperor >:( I absolutely love this movie and all the meanings it brings

[@AngelicZelda444]

Oh God same here. I was like dude dude not cool at all! (Im sadly a SA victim so I know how she felt there) I watched this movie for the first time last night since I'm on a Ghibli marathon. To be honest, this movie hits close to home for me since for starters I'm a woman and two I know what it's like to be treated as an object more than a human. My narcissistic mother made me do these pageants in my teenage life and a little bit in my early 20s. She never cared about what I wanted and many things about myself truly were never "ladylike" to her. I felt like I wasn't being myself and I was only doing shit to please my mom. Once I turned 22, I told enough was enough and stopped the whole pageant competing BS she had me do. She hates this decision to this day but over the past 3 years I'm still finding myself and more comfortable to express myself how I want to. Needless to say, seeing Kaguya is like seeing myself and this movie sure did make me cry.

[@curesaul5749]

I recently found a love for Studio Ghibli. I love Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, & Kiki’s Delivery Service. I will forever regret not growing up with these movies, but at least I have them now. They thankfully made me found a love for anime movies. Kaguya is a film I am not familiar with but I wanna see ASAP. I am obsessed with the unique art style. Also if the story is THAT good. I have to see it blind so i’ll come back sometime to give my thoughts.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

looking forward to reading your thoughts :)

[@nickbob2003]

I just started watching studio ghibli films and I can now see why people hold them in such reverence. The only one I had ever seen before was ponyo with my family and we really did not understand of appreciate it because we didn’t know what kind of movie we were getting into. I’ve not watched spirited away, the tale of princess kaguya, and ponyo again and I couldn’t be more happy that I did. Truly great films and I did not expect to like kaguya as much as I did

[@RealGodofSpeed]

This was an amazing analysis of a truly perfect film. I watched this movie 3 days ago for the first time, and am now going on my 4th watch. The way this movie makes me feel is something no piece of media has ever done before. The film kinda fucked with my head for a while, but now I have my true emotions figured out. This is the greatest movie ever created, and nothing will ever change that.

[@polarbeaar-qc3pq]

You will get an A on your essays man!! Proud of you

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy them :)

[@noahcarter3538]

Wow this entire video, it's amazing. The ending of this video as well as the movie made me cry. You deserve a million subs at least and I hope your career takes off. The tale of the Princess Kaguya is so relatable and the message of just staying alive so you can one day even if for a moment experience true happiness gives me hope. 💕

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Thank you for the kind words; really means a lot to me that you enjoyed this video. And yeah, this movie gives me hope too. This semester really sucks lol, it's nice to remember the fact that all I (and all of us for that matter) have to do is keep moving forward. Because as long as we keep trying, we'll eventually find what we're looking for :)

[@sophiaisabelle027]

This is a bit late, but I actually adore this film. This may be one of Ghibli’s best of the best underrated films out there. It’s a bit under-appreciated, which I personally find a little unfortunate. The animation style isn’t something we’re all used to, but that’s what makes it truly stand out. The themes discussed really hit close to home. Kaguya, despite her flaws and vulnerabilities, has something genuinely special embedded within her. In some way I can kinda relate to her. Seems like society can be particularly demanding of women. Anyway, this is wonderfully articulated. This gives me a deeper understanding of the film in its entirety. Keep up the good work.

[@natural9107]

one of the few movies to actually make me cry, wow

[@mamadoom9724]

As someone with autism I relate to princess kaguya because it seems like my desires never line up with the desires of normal people. It feels like I’m from another planet. I saw this movie for the first time today and really love it. I at first thought it was about an autistic girl and it turned out it’s not but it’s a movie that really makes you think about a lot of philosophical things and I like that.

[@dannylo5875]

I get you. I feel alien. And a situation like a princess...kaguya. It already happened where people tried to turn me into an actual prince when I did not want and I almost paid dearly for it.

[@jojoirl]

Ughh I sobbed like a baby when I watched this movie. I watched this a while back, but I rewatched, this time a little older (four years later). As a teenage girl, I really relate to kaguya’s needs and desires, being misinterpreted by men around her. I loved the father of kaguya and how he showed his lack of understanding of kaguya. far too common, men(people in general, actually, but usually men) will misinterpret or not understand how some women express their feelings. So, just like kaguya, they will not say anything at all and hide. This movie nailed that feeling down perfectly.

[@mjcb7953]

While I think that you did a good job, I would say you missed some points, two of them being that when she is running away it is just her daydreaming or dreaming; the first time, it symbolizes that she doesn't believe anyone is waiting for her anymore, they moved on, and there is no going back for her, she doesn't belong there. The second time, she's giving herself one last chance to imagine the life she wishes to have. I think the whole movie is about suicide, you start feeling like no one is there for you, you ruin everything, everyone has expectations about you, you give up on your dreams, you develop anhedonia, and you believe that running away would help in some way but you realize there is nothing left for you in this world, how you mean nothing and then you cry for help, you ask death to take you away from consciousness, and even after exteriorizing what is going to happen, there is no human power than can defeat it. And then she goes back to the state of ambiguity only being death provides you with. Right at the moment you commit suicide you desperately try to survive and convince yourself there is beauty even in pain, but it is too late.

[@toyaroku1236]

Ver insightful comment. The first running off is such a big scene, it's breathtaking. Makes me think it might be even more than that. Perhaps it's not that no one is waiting, maybe she is fighting a battle within and want's to believe that no one is waiting. It would be the only way to please her father and devote herself completely to the cause. Her running off the first time might be her giving up. Later when she runs off again, she is fully aware that they'll come for her and that her purpose on Earth was not to be a princess but to live. This time she does find Sutemaru. She is correcting what she did before and acknowledges she should not have given up. Only, it's too late at this point. Thanks for the insights!

[@te5116]

Around the middle of film, Kaguya says that if her father’s happiness is reliant on the marriage with the emperor, she will marry first and kill herself after. The moment when the emperor attempts to make his advance on Kaguya the screen suddenly becomes dark and she run away. I think that’s when she committed suicide in a metaphorical sense and therefore has to leave the earth.

[@mjcb7953]

@@te5116 hey very very good point!

[@morriscolenbrander1395]

Why didn't you go into the fact that two of her moments running away from the palace (the first one in winter where she ended up in the snow, and the second one where she met Sutemaru) ended up just being dreams? What did this mean exactly? And also, I was hoping you would go more into the symbolic meaning of the ending, with the happy and calm moon people "defeating" an army and taking the princess away from her parents. Such a weird but interesting ending, filled with sadness in combination with the super happy music

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Concerning the dreams, I thought that whether or not they actually happened was irrelevant, given that either way the scene served the same purpose. And concerning what I dubbed "the moon people," I don't know enough about Japanese folk-lore/religion/etc to adequately explain them. And even if I did, the meaning of the story can be derived without that knowledge. Btw, thanks for commenting!

[@honggiangvogia]

The moon people was led by the Gautama Buddha himself, which implying Kaguya’s moon world is actually Nirvana (not the band haha), where there’s no suffering, no sadness, no greed, desire or anger, just peaceful calmness. Kaguya however wanted to experience what I would call here the “painful life” of mortals, that’s why she sent herself to Earth.

[@JoaoVitor-go2ph]

@@honggiangvogia Since Kaguya had already reached for Nirvana, shouldn't she have had to go through the painful life of mortals beforehand, though?

[@honggiangvogia]

@@JoaoVitor-go2ph She was the princess of that world so I assume she was born there, which is ridiculous because we know in Buddhism people cannot be born in Nirvana. But I think the director did not really want to accurately portray Nirvana here, instead just used it as a metaphor of how Kagura was born into a world without mortal’s flaws and immorality. In the original folklore “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”, the Moon people were not depicted as Buddhistic.

[@JoaoVitor-go2ph]

@@honggiangvogia Can you tell me where I can read the original tale?

[@nintengy64]

This review is masterful. I think I will go rewatch this movie now. The fact that this movie is not one of Ghibli’s most well known films is really sad. This may just be the greatest piece of art I’ve ever seen, so the fact that people don’t think of it is depressing. Most great art isn’t appreciated. I hope more people see this movie.

[@ImmeasurablePow]

I love this movie so much. I have consistently watched it since I was a kid and I always cry at the end.

[@jjasmineluv]

Your video essay is amazing, it's a very detailed explanation of the movie. This is a high quality video analysis, good job. This movie was so beautifully done, the ending took me awhile to absorb, and once I let it sink in I was taken away. Kaguya was never truly happy as a princess, I know her father meant well, but if only he couild have seen his daughter was never happy as a princess. This movie is the best movie I've ever seen, by far studio ghibi's best film, they out did them self's.

[@gretapoggi3078]

Wow! this was a really wonderful explaination of the movie . I heard many but this was the most complete and satisfying

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting, always love to hear feedback :)

[@Abbey_Senna]

Thank you for this. The Sumi-e style, the story arc, and just how it ends. Is one of my favorite films to experience. Honestly, I'm going through what she is going through Leaving the comfort of my job, getting a higher paid position, leaving freinds who I love. Sometimes, I just wanna run away.... Such is life, thanks love, great analysis.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

I know from experience that leaving friends is pretty tough, but hang in there. Doubt this means much but I'm rooting for you! :) And thanks for the comment!

[@Abbey_Senna]

@@samuraibarvidessays hey, thanks kiddo, you have a lot of interesting stuff! Will check later on it, today was a drag, will be working this Saturday.... I drink too much sometimes, so don't mind if I get off topic, see ya'

[@Peanuts76]

Thank you, i'vee been depressed and suicidal for the past 2 years, but you video tells me that there's still hope and happines in this cruel egotistical societies..... Arigato Sir....

[@tkienjoyer]

"Will we back back home in time for the stew tomorrow?" But for the Princess and Sutemaru, tomorrow never came. This breaks me every time I remember it.

[@littleravendesigns5587]

One of the most beautiful but saddest movies! I love the art style and everything about it. Not going to lie I cried.

[@mannatrattan]

A thing of beauty, lasts forever. And what doesn't, isn't true. Happiness is found within and directed outwards. It's not claimed from outside and directed inwards.

[@joyh8382]

I have a lot to say, but I think a good way to sum it up is one of my favorite quotes this movie reminds me of: *"I hold it true, whatever befall, I feel it when I sorrow most; Tis better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all." -Alfred Lord Tennison* (For those who don't know, the author wrote that about his dear friend who died very early from cancer. It's not about romance, as many online tend to think. The poem he wrote is VERY long and heartfelt. A masterpiece.) The Lot to say: As I recently told my friend who also deals with suicidal thoughts and depression: "Life is full of nasty and terrible things. It always has been, and always will be. But so has all the little (and big) good things. And without them, we wouldn't be able to make it through our trials and have the moments of joy and happiness that make life truely livable. We wouldn't have each other to share these moments." I can relate to Kaguya. I've been hurt, abused, and scarred. I've been empty, faked joy, and then chosen to find strength and true joy through the sorrow and pain. I still struggle, as we all do, but I'm proud to be who I am. Who won't shrivel at tackling the hardships that once pulled me to the ground just thinking about. Who helps others who go through what she has and does. Who messes up and is scared, but never gives up. Don't get me wrong, I still look forward to the day I can say goodbye to all this struggle, but I look forward to the day I can do so proudly- because I know I fought to keep going till I had no choice but to say goodbye, when all I wanted many days was to do otherwise. Because I choose to find joy in the little things and add personal value to my existence. Because I helped others do the same. I lived hard, and loved hard. We got this, guys ..Thank you for this video and essay. Encouraged me in many ways, like others in the comments. I look forward to seeing more.

[@alariaaurora8456]

Wow thanks! A great video. It’s interesting for me though, a tale from 10th century japan managed to be this deep. And another interesting point is that how they could recreate real human emotions in kaguya’s face. When she was laughing or when she was crying, it felt real unlike most anime series or movies that I’ve seen.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Ikr? The scene where she thinks she'll get to see her friends at the party especially; her face literally lights up. The talent of the people who made this movie is freaking off the charts. Thanks for commenting!

[@sonicluffypucca96]

One of the trademarks of Isao Takahata's works is he animates reality as something beautiful with a little bit of fantasy mixed in (not as fantasy filled like Miyazaki) If you enjoyed Kaguya I recommend watching the Heidi anime which was one of his and Miyazaki's first animated masterpieces.

[@honeypeaches7736]

This is wonderful analysis, I was looking for a video on this film for ages. It's such a heart wrenching film

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Thanks! Your comment honestly made my day :)

[@Vo1ds.art.]

I saw the movie in the cinema today for the first time. I cried 3 times because of how related I felt to the film and it was the first time I had cried watching a movie. I can truly say that it can touch anyones heart and that its a one of a kind masterpiece.

[@dmancluster2631]

Lovely analysis of the movie, this film deserves way more love. What you said will definitely factor into how I see it. Also, nice to see Community footage in this video, interesting comparison

[@siktaraj2901]

One word to describe this video essay: BEAUTIFUL

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@charlie-obrien]

This movie comes from such a beautiful ancient Japanese folklore tale. Iaso Takahata created a magnificent film that is so touching and real, not to mention it is the most artistically beautiful animation ever rendered for the screen. Ghiblifest 2024 is showing this film in theaters and I will be going to the Japanese audio version and immersing myself in its wonder.

[@apostatepaul]

A warm and beautiful review of a marvellous story

[@Antsaboy94]

My question is: what would've been the right thing to do? All Kaguya ever wanted was a simple life. Unless faith materializes gold and fabric, it wasn't mere religious views that got in the way. The celestials pushed a life of luxury unto Kaguya. I don't blame her father for providing that, but for embracing the culture and formalities of earthly nobles. Whether she could've been rich and free was never explored: it's either or. We know which Kaguya would've chosen. Did the celestials doom her into an unfulfilling life? That's how it came across to me.

[@MusiicRoolz]

there is obviously technically a way she could attain control of her life (herself and her choices, rather than the actions of people around her), but I don't think this film was about that and it would have confused the narrative. it's about the acceptance of suffering as part of a whole human and a whole human life. the love for joy and pain, life and death. so with that I think they did great

[@Antsaboy94]

@@MusiicRoolz And that love is wholly alien (pun intended) concept to the Lunarians, making them unrelatable at best. _We_ have that love and wanted her to stay. It appears that a single event was the straw that broke the camel's back. Momentarily, yes, but she got over it. I feel the tragedy would've hit harder if the reason for her departure was meaningful to _us._

[@chilairearts4238]

@@MusiicRoolz If I was her I would have asked her father right before they moved if he could hire all of her friends to work at that new property, that way they would not have to steal, and they could earn a wage to live off of or even send back home to their relatives, and they would all be close with Kaguya as she would have people around that actually know her.

[@deepsaha9085]

Wow!! Simply wow!! The way you explained the folklore with all its depth and meanings is just brilliant 💛💛

[@RunD.Ones1s]

This movie is as haunting as it is heartbreaking, something told me from the start that it would not be a happy one and I could not have been more correct about that

[@jossecoupe446]

I watched this vid at the perfect time, even though I haven't even seen the film yet lol. The ending of this really set some stuff into perspective for me and hit me like a ton of bricks, good stuff man, thanks.

[@jedgamesguy]

So well made, your production quality is, appropriately, out of this world. You’ve earned a subscriber, and many more I hope! Keep it up!

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@GucciVal]

Thank you for this video, it is stunning and I cried

[@tristanmorin1914]

This guy deserve the #1 stop on anyone recommandations list!! You deserve so much more attraction... Guys like you come true, don't let go!!

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Thanks for the comment! Made my day :)

[@bandzbandzbandz42]

this was so beautifully told :,)

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Thank you!

[@tonybarde2572]

Kaguya was an extraterrestrial who came to Earth and lived with humans not unlike a certain alien from a certain Steven Spielberg movie.

[@Spukhau5]

Moving sucks, I moved from the woods where I had friends to a city where I got cussed out by my new vice principal, i was in 5th grade It was from Oregon to Oahu (hawaii)

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Moved away from my friends in the middle of 11th grade. It sucks

[@windyryady6367]

Kaguya when on the moon : TATSUKETE EIRIN

[@yurkdawg]

Thanks for putting a voice to why this is one both one of the best and one of my favorite movies ever! I would phrase my final conclusion slightly different: life's joy and happiness is wonderful and special *because* it is fleeting; *because* there is also pain and suffering. Ironically a "pure" and perfect existence on the moon [heaven] is devoid of its joy and feeling in the absence of the "impure" problems that plague mortal life on earth.

[@TitanChromeE]

Yo it’s Kaguya from the hit game Touhou!

[@knutandersson1552]

My insides hurts when I watch this movie.

[@mr.lantern1111]

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is the one movie that I would consider absolutely 100% PERFECT.

[@marissashantez6051]

Kaguya isnt really happy ever. The only time she is happy is when she is essentially about to die. It seems like she is really overthinking it. But I think whoever pout this together did an excellent job of putting together a crib notes for this film. Please do other films that we might be assigned to watch but would rather not.

[@lainfurby]

thank you so much there was so many hidden meanings I didn’t understand🤎🤎🤎🤎

[@nmj7671]

I watched the movie. One of the greatest movies i ve ever watched. The story and animation.

[@kevmem2000]

love that you use the Witcher music in the background :)

[@agnivabanerjee3983]

Hello! This video is wonderful! Love your interpretations! The thing is, I have just finished writing one of my end-term papers on the role of existential philosophy in the narrative of this film. I hope someday I can share it with you guys. Thanks for the video, btw. Shall wait for your next videos.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

You should make that into a video! I'm sure it would be a great watch! I use filmora wondershare for my videos if you're curious

[@agnivabanerjee3983]

@@samuraibarvidessays Thanks!

[@infernowolf1850]

this film is a masterpiece, it perfectly shows humanity

[@AmmaSoelberg]

I've never been so disgusted as to when the king hugged her. The reference to SA after the notion of possession, inferiority and male greed being repeated over and over coupled with the internal decision to leave the world was so touching. It was like a call to personhood. People forget how much the moon and women's menstrual cycle are connected, I think the call back to the moon was a call back to the safety of womanhood away from the ownership of men. The beauty of the earth is what she came to see and she did, she was even friends with all boys in her childhood and cared for like an agent of free will by her father but those relationships seem to wither once you become a woman just like what happened to her. Even more so once you reach markers of womanhood like boobs, hips or menstruation as the men in your life begin to treat you like a woman instead of a complete person. It's a painful transition. I think this film did the experience of the degradation of those friendships justice both in characters and in metaphor. Like a product to be sold and a flower to be plucked and fine silk to be worn and a diamond to look at. She was sad to leave the beauty of earth and all its complexities but her soul was calling to leave the fractured state of her ability to be a full-blown person in the eyes of men.

[@MarkGilbertArevalo-c5p]

That's why infinite tyukoyomi is a must.

[@erispyramos798]

I was going to watch this. I really was. But the tale of the princess kaguya was too important to me… me, who just finished it today. I wish not for my experience of this art to become constrained and cemented to another person’s lens. That isn’t to say anything of you as a creator or critic, but until I come to my own, fully realized understanding, I don’t want another’s analysis to control that conclusion. I guess in a way, that’s what I’ve gained from this film. It was a masterpiece, and I need to watch it at least 20 more times.

[@apostatepaul]

I would like to know more about the significance of the song she sings throughout the film. It’s a reminder of mortality and change, of pain and suffering but also love. To me, this film is about the issues of desire and samsara and nirvana. The true Bodhisattva is one who returns to the earth and loves the world despite its pain and chooses to keep returning, rather than staying on the moon in a detached and nirvana like state.

[@christopherbenham-d3m]

I love the Galaxy Quest quote at the end.......👍

[@samuraibarvidessays]

I'm glad you noticed that because I had no idea I quoted it lol

[@Indian07850]

your explanation more than amazing its just brilliant couldn't help but subscribe your channel

[@keyla9051]

This hit me like a truck

[@dracopticon7788]

I love this film and especially the end. But. I am not so sure that "escapism can't be true happiness" because me and my friends have played roleplaying games around our tables for close to forty years now, and that is truly happiness, I can assure you.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

I'd argue that your happiness is brought about by spending time with friends, not from the act of DnD itself. Thanks for commenting!

[@Cam-jam]

Its sad because out of all the characters only her mother wanted what Kaguya truly wanted.

[@Tyelton]

Didn’t expect to hear music from KOTOR Great job

[@samuraibarvidessays]

One of, if not, my favorite game ever made. Actually have a video on it if you're interested!

[@Tyelton]

@@samuraibarvidessays yeah KOTOR is fucking awesome. I’ll definitely checkout your video on it.

[@happymaskedguy1943]

Princess Kaguya is pure art. It’s why the masses will never adopt it. And for that I’m quite glad.

[@rawcredentials]

That ghost of Tsushima music good job 👍

[@samuraibarvidessays]

@@rawcredentials you happen to see this in theaters today? I went and saw it; so worth it

[@rawcredentials]

@@samuraibarvidessaysI did!!!!!

[@grandmanitou6563]

Saying the bamboo cutter only wants Kaguya to marry the Emperor to elevate his own status is not only wrong but also very unfair, he his happy for himself that's for sure but that is not the main motivation. The reason of all his actions, including why he keeps calling her princess, or "your highness", is because he thinks he has a heavenly mission to help her realize full happiness and highest social status, remember, he is a simple bamboo cutter, for him there could not be a better ending than Kaguya wedding the Emperor since it would litterally place her at the top of the world in terms of prestige, which has always been his only goal. Now of course if it also provides him with riches and status why would he be unhappy about that, is he supposed to be sad and refuse honors to preserve the purity of his mission ? that makes no sense.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

You're misunderstanding his motivation. Perhaps it started that way, but by the time you get to the part of the movie when he is telling her to marry the emperor, he's doing so because he's become so engrossed in that lifestyle himself. He even mentions his excitement about getting a new hat, if I remember correctly.

[@z2yn]

​@@samuraibarvidessaysOnly partly. He's of course elated of the rise in status, something he'd never dream of as a simple bamboo cutter - but also because he's brainwashed like most of society that those in power, who come by food and pleasantries so easily, will always be happy. We nowadays still struggle with this - that people who have a lot of power, wealth, rights or fame, might not be as happy as we think. We think that the lives of prominent people are easy going. Then you hear of some committing suicide, going through drug or alcohol abuse. We can't believe it because we believe that since they "have it all", they must be happy. Kaguyas adoptive father believes what the majority believes - the upper class is secure in life and comfort and happy. They are the closest to the heaven, the emperor is considered to be a Son of heaven. So in his view, he wins double - both with his own rise and with his daughter married to the highest person in the country. He doesn't think of court politics, about her possibly falling out of favor with the emperor or getting killed/sabotaged by others. We don't think about all the attention and nitpicking of the outside that come with rising fame. We don't think of stalkers, paparazzi or anything. We think that the rich and famous have hit a jackpot. Not to mention the paranoia of getting robbed, harassed or assaulted by people. Kaguya's father isn't a bad person - he is blinded by what he believes serves in Kaguyas best interests and that she doesn't see it. This is what a lot of people say and do. Sometimes they're honest about it, sometimes they use it as an excuse.

[@Ajwad99]

That’s a very westernized way of looking at the movie, it is not about women’s issues or the evil men, it’s a story about wealth and poverty and how Kaguya became less and less happy as she gets to a higher status, it’s also about connecting to nature and living a simple life. Japanese people till this day love and respect their old traditions and customs so you shouldn’t take a Japanese media and use to diss their customs and traditions

[@vertigognome6617]

19:27 I see what you did there you sly fox

[@weebbooblade9306]

Thanks for the Calc 2 PTSD

[@samuraibarvidessays]

No joke, I literally just took the final last night lol

[@monserratdelpilarflorescho8664]

Guys, I saw this video 2 months ago before starting my intensive course of Calc 2 and thought, maybe I should take the regular course (that last 5 months). Everybody told me that it was a relatively easy subject, but they were so wrong! Btw, I really loved the video!

[@samuraibarvidessays]

@@monserratdelpilarflorescho8664 just wait till they show you "the chart" lol. But you'll pull through; don't give up!

[@atheerlaso1750]

It's all fun and games until you see the box office

[@redefinedliving5974]

Stop making me cryyyyy

[@mngklui.5938]

so beautiful beautiful review 😭

[@MCorpReview]

Amazing 🤩 I watched the show and wasn’t sure what they were try’na get across. The moon ppl look like some kinda Buddhist deity so thought there were some deeper meaning

[@honggiangvogia]

The moon people was led by the Gautama Buddha himself, which implying Kaguya’s moon world is actually Nirvana (not the band haha), where there’s no suffering, no sadness, no greed, desire or anger, just peaceful calmness. Kaguya however wanted to experience what I would call here the “painful life” of mortals, that’s why she sent herself to Earth.

[@Beatrice626]

Buddhism is heavily associated with death in Japan. So Takahata's take on Kaguya's story is that she dies at the end, instead of simply being an alien returning home. As the original story is called "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter", one can imagine that what we watched was a heavily embellished story about the life of his beloved daughter.

[@iSABELLA98511]

Hayatı öğrenmek ve yetişmek için, köyümden şehre taşındığımuzda, aynı böyle ruhum yok oldu. 3 yıl değil, 30 yıl, eziyet çektim. Hiç bir msl mğlk para eşya, köyümdeki arkadaşlarımla nene dedem akrabalarımla dağlarda tarla bahçelerde hayvanlarla geçirdiğim o günlerin tadını vermedi. Aklım hep köyümde kaldı. Ve şehirde özellikle de koca adayları bölümünde, öyle derin üzüntüler yaşadımki, tıpkı filmde anlattığınız gibi, her gün Allaha yalvardım, Beni buradan al diye. Fakat ne yazıkki, henüz Beni almaya gelen yok. Hatta ömrümü daha dz uzattıklarını söylüyorlar. Tam temizlik yapana kadar. 😔😔😔😔😔

[@iSABELLA98511]

Dünyada Prenses olmak, çok azap verci. Ama yemyeşil ovalarda çocuk olmak çok güzeldi.

[@destroyerofyorks]

God bless your heart, praying for you. You're going to make it, keep holding on. Don't ever stop asking for God to get you out!

[@papabloblo03]

Can we talk of how my mans quotes Age of Ultron, lmao

[@jcong000]

Live your life like if it's your last day on earth, now this is make sense

[@broke_person9664]

Its actually kind of sad that kaguya incarnated on earth to live the peasant life because that was when she was most happy but i guesss she got back to the same old oppressive princess life on earth instead

[@김희연-x9p]

가구야공주는 emperor of Japan으로, 일본 전국 emperor 중에 possesion 으로서 할아버지의 강렬한 열망으로 혼인잔치에 혼인성사를 두고 혼인상대를 확실히 해야 되었었다.. .

[@lix.bbokiee]

My favorite movie ever.

[@tkienjoyer]

The bird was gifted by Sutemaru....

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Was it? It's been so long since I watched Kaguya and made this video that I can't really remember. If so, I think I missed that detail. Good catch!

[@tkienjoyer]

@@samuraibarvidessays I think. It's the same bird species they were gonna make the stew with so it felt right.

[@samuraibarvidessays]

@@tkienjoyer bro, why aren't you making youtube videos? you clearly have an eye for detail :)

[@tkienjoyer]

@@samuraibarvidessays I've considered it for the longest time but I'm not sure what to make it about, I am cooking an overall gaming movement montage called "too much" inspired by "phoon is too much for zblock" and "too much for nintendo" but instead of being about a specific person/game it's just all the best clips from all the best players from all the games I know, but I did consider making a megamind video about the morals of doing what you want over what society wants you to do (metro man character analysis basically) because a similar trope came up in a play I watched for school last year when a woman wanted to marry the man she loved but society (her family) wanted her to marry someone else for economic reasons, so I wanted to do some analysis and then give my take. But it never really materialized, I might get around to it someday but I doubt it. Thanks for the encouragement though!

[@samuraibarvidessays]

@@tkienjoyer here's my advice: if you can't get to a topic first, choose a topic or perspective unique to you. That's what I try to do :)

[@pryceking1779]

I enjoyed the Witcher 3 in the background

[@samuraibarvidessays]

Such a great soundtrack. Especially love the Blood & Wine music, not in this vid though :)

[@AvaGlarino]

Sutemaru was meant for princess kaguya all the other were so old it was so sad I cried 😢

[@skullseeker3013]

when reincarnation fails again...

[@keyla9051]

People: haha imagin kining Kaguya me: 😕