The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Directed by Isao Takahata, this animated film tells the story of a mysterious young girl found inside a bamboo stalk by a bamboo cutter and his wife. As she grows rapidly into a beautiful young woman, she attracts the attention of numerous suitors, including the Emperor himself, but her heart remains elusive. The film is renowned for its stunning hand-drawn animation and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It is a poignant exploration of the fleeting nature of life and beauty, deeply rooted in Japanese folklore. For those interested, it can be viewed for free on Soap2day.