Regarding the art, I was genuinely surprised. I saw the illustrations, and the trailers, but I didn’t think they’d actually leave it in the raw-brush sort of way. I found it beautifully intense. I feel like the story is told in a portrait-like manner by an artist. I’m used to the modern style anime I wasn’t expecting that this style would actually be a gripping way to tell tales. I can feel myself agreeing to everything Okina claimed beautiful. Each scene took my breath away!
I like how the story does not focus on the marriage proposals or on her affections for Sutemaru. Despite Okina’s obvious change after receiving his fortune, and his ridiculous man-view on Kaguya-hime’s happiness, I found him a character I cannot hate. I like the way he sees the social hierarchy and how he stands by his belief. Despite formerly a bamboo cutter, he did not hide himself, nor does he fall under the pressure to present Kaguya-hime’s face to the rich nobles who came for a visit. He is a strict follower of rules, why explains his need to give the heaven-sent Kaguya-hime the best he could give even if that means forbidding her to associate with the lower class.
However, I am a little disappointed with Ouna’s role in the story. She is the ever-loving and understanding mother. During the first half of the story, I found her role to be very strong, influencing a lot on the story. Despite not liking her passiveness much in the latter half, it is logical for Ouna to have such personality. She is the good wife, her husband greatest supporter, and have multiple time become a person Kaguya-hime share her sorrows with. I am sad for Ouna more than I could for dear Kaguya-hime.
Conclusively, it is an amazing movie that gives a lot of room for thoughts. I definitely recommend it!
