TALES FROM EARTHSEA (Theatrical Release Japan 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.8|5.0 Stars ìììì

Tales from Earthsea—another terrific offering by Japan’s Studio Ghibli—showcases the talents of Hayao Mirazaki’s son, Director Gorô Miyazaki. While this animated feature is Gorô Miyazaki’s directorial debut, he does not let us down in any part of the film.  The story resolves questions of bad conscience and changing course of action through good deeds. A magical tale, the story keeps interest from the beginning to its end.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Arren (voice of Matt Levin) kills his Father the King of Enlad and steals his father’s magical sword. Later a wizard wards predator wolves away from Arren. In gratitude, the boy, Arren, begs to follow the wizard and asks his name. The wizard says he is Sparrowhawk (voice of Timothy Dalton) and, for awhile they travel together. Arren saves a girl named Therru (voice of Blaire Restaneo) from slave traders and then gets caught himself by the traders. Sparrowhawk once again saves the day and takes Arren to Tenar’s (voice of Mariska Hargitay) house to recoup.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Producers Steve Alpert, Toshio Suzuki, and Javier Ponton for making the film possible. Thank you to Music Composer Tamiya Terashima for the score. Additional characters/cast include: Cob (voice of Willem Dafoe), Ged (voice of Timothy Dalton), and Hare (voice of Cheech Marin).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Unusually entertaining tale that serves entertainment needs well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers