Tales from Earthsea news 2
First impressions positive for Goro Miyazaki's debut
First commentaries on Goro Miyazaki's animated debut Tales from Earthsea (Gedo Senki in Japan), plus an end to the father/son feud?
(Source: Nausicaa.net)
As you well know, I've been keeping an eye on Goro Miyazaki's debut film, Tales from Earthsea (Gedo Senki in Japan). It has the components for a kick-ass animation flick: great source material (award-winning author Ursula K. LeGuin's classic tales, which she has been very reluctant to allow near the silver screen), Studio Ghibli's proven track record for animation, and Goro Miyazaki, who convinced LeGuin that he was the guy to direct this movie, despite it being his first project. Tales from Earthsea is Japanese cinema's second most anticipated summer movie this year.
There's also been some serious behind-the-scenes drama. As I previously reported, Goro's father, anime legend Hayao Miyazaki, publicly stated that Goro lacked the necessary experience to direct a full-length film. This was despite producer Toshio Suzuki backing Goro's bid to direct the flick. Not surprisingly, this led to a public rift between father and son.
Now two animators have seen Tales from Earthsea, and their experience seems to be positive.
Animator Naoyuki Inoue, who did the backgrounds for Whisper of the Heart saw the film during one of the previews. Here are his somewhat cryptic impressions, translated from his July 4th online diary:
"Density of finish in the first half and the latter half. Relation between the color of the background paintings and the modern paintings. The breathtaking scenes. The moving scenes. I think my heart was filled only with these. However, the extreme in this film is the philosophy of life and the world view. I don't say any more."
Possible translation: it rocks?
The second impression of Tales from Earthsea is from none other than Hayao Miyazaki himself.
According to Studio Ghibli website designer Shinichi Takahashi, Hayao was an unexpected guest at the June 28 preview. He said that the famed director saw Tales from Earthsea, then gave a message to Michiyo Yasuda, the chief colour designer at Studio Ghibli, before leaving the theatre. The note read: "It was an honest way of making, and good."
When Yasuda publicly read the note, everyone in the hall was quiet. Then one of the staff started clapping. The applause spread throughout the hall. Goro said in his diary, "I was glad for father's words and near tears."
Tales from Earthsea is due in Japanese theatres July 29. Memo to Disney: get this movie to North American theatres, ASAP!!!!!
