Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

film

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

2014

Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter and his wife, a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady. The mysterious young princess enthrals all who encounter her. But, ultimately, she must confront her fate.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Religious themes3/5
  • Romance3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Mortality and loss are important themes, especially Kaguya’s painful separation from Earth, but no major character dies on screen.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Incorporates elements of traditional Japanese folklore and Buddhist-inspired themes of reincarnation.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist faces unwanted suitors, which is a significant part of the plot.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric, sometimes intense sequences reflecting internal or external distress.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No sexual content is present.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minor instances of conflict or physical struggle, but nothing gratuitous or sustained.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The story values emotional honesty and resisting imposed roles, even when doing so brings pain or loss.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

An artistic masterpiece known for its unique watercolor aesthetic.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Culturally specific to Japanese setting; characters are homogenous within that context.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers exposure to classic Japanese literature and traditional art styles.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Care, friendship, tenderness, and compassion are important, while possessiveness and social pressure are criticized.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes affirm authentic living, freedom, love, humility, and resisting status-driven expectations and control.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters reflect complex human flaws and growth, providing nuance rather than simple archetypes.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. What beliefs or religious ideas appear in the story? How do they influence the characters?
  3. Which choice in The Tale of The Princess Kaguya would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, and what caused that change?
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