29 October 2007
It's
actually hard to fathom the widespread negative critical
reaction to Tales From Earthsea,
but it appears to have much to do with expectations
not being met. The latest film from Japan's celebrated
Ghibli Studios, it was the first film directed by
Goro Miyazaki, the son of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki,
he of Tonari no Totoro, Spirited
Away and Howl's Moving Castle to name but three. It's clear that a film in his father's
uniquely playful and imaginative style was expected,
and Tales From Earthsea was a different
beast, a darker, more serious minded story that seemed
almost designed to trigger a negative critical response.
And yet when we screened the cinema print the cinema
was full and reaction was positive. No, it's nowhere
near as magical as Howl's Moving Castle (which also filled the cinema), but it's still a gripping,
occasionally thrilling tale of friendship and self-discovery
that demonstrates that even flawed Ghibli is still
absolutely worth seeking out.
Strange
things are afoot in the faraway land of Earthsea.
Crops are failing, and fishermen are seeing dragons,
creatures that should not be visible in this world.
Wandering wizard Sparrowhawk fears a disruption to
the world of cataclysmic proportions and sets out
to investigate. En route he rescues the troubled Prince
Arren, also wandering the wilderness but for a very
different reason - Arren has just murdered his own
father.
This
is just the kicking off point for a tale of magic
and battling wizards that boasts some awe-inspiring
set-pieces and animation, including a climactic magical
duel atop a castle tower. There's even some very recognisably
Ghibli comic relief in the shape of a self-important
Captain of the Guards, though even he has a cruel
side, part of the darker element that Goro Miyazaki
brings to this potentially lightweight story.
Tales
From Earthsea will be released on UK DVD on 28th January by Optimum
Home Entertainment as a 2 disc Special Edition at
the RRP of £19.99. Both the Japanese original
soundtrack and the English dub - which includes the
voice talents of Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe and
Matt Levin - are included, as are optional English
subtitles and the following extra features:
- Storyboards;
- Trailers
(11 mins);
- NTV
Special documentary (44 mins);
- Behind
the Microphone documentary (47 mins).
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