I think the best is to watch the film first in order to understand in detail what this documentary is about. When I saw the film 5 years ago I realized it didn't look like the rest of Japanese animated films and that was something positive, it kept me intrigued and made me pay attention to many details. Once you watch the documentary you realize what was behind that look.

Takahata might have not known exactly what he wanted from his artists but one thing is sure, he did know he wanted to create a timeless masterpiece. His dedication and obstination to tell a story in a unique way led him to get the best of his team, allowing each of them to perform at the highest point of their craftsmanship.

Just to think that this movie didn't win the Oscar in 2015 and especially that it lost against Big Hero 6 makes me laugh and confirms how awards are completely misleading and sold. I could spend the whole day offering descriptions of several scenes and the details of why this movie is one of the greatest animations ever made but I think it's better that you get some popcorn and watch it!

This Japanese documentary, as the title would suggest, is a making-of companion piece to the Studio Ghibli movie THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA. It goes hand-on-hand with a similar documentary about Hayao Miyazaki made around the same time called THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS. Both documentaries provide invaluable insights into how Studio Ghibli works and the sheer amount of effort that goes into each of their productions.

Watching this film, it becomes immediately apparent just what a labour of love KAGUYA was for its director. Isao Takahata is a quirky character for sure, a man who takes an age to do the simplest task, and yet he has a magical imagination that makes him something of a genius. This documentary follows a simple structure, beginning with the background and following the making of the film in a chronological order, and there's something beauty about its simple structure. Ghibli fans will be in their element.