New US Trailer for Studio Ghibli’s Last (?) Film

Though none of us want to admit it, Isao Takahata’s The Tale of Princess Kaguya may be the one of the studio’s last films…in some shape or form. The company has taken to doing some in house cleanup as they prepare to figure out what the studio’s role will be in the future.

That being said, there had been an enormous amount of speculation in terms of what this actually means. Will the studio drop 2D animation and stick with 3D (this idea was brought about with Ronia The Robber’s Daughter)? Will they cease to produce and only function as a distribution hub for their past works? Or will it simply cease to exist?

The only thing we know for certain is that aside from When Marnie Was There,The Tale of Pricess Kaguya will be one of the last Studio Ghibli films that has any of the original founders attached to it, and this makes it that much more important and impactful.

The new trailer was released last weekend in anticipation of it’s October 17th American premiere, and it gives much more context then the Japanese trailers we were given last year.

What is most notable of the film in this trailer is the release of all inhibitions; the liberty taken with the style of animation is one I can only compare to the freedom most student films take, but with all of the experience and wisdom of a seasoned storyteller. The joy is most evident in the Princess’ animated stylized form.

This trailer also seems to give more clues to the plot of the film. With the Princess growing and having to take on a responsibility she is not ready to take, it appears to be that she may be betrothed to the emperor and will have to marry him. This is, of course, personal speculation as I have not looked for further plot details in order not to spoil myself before I see the film first hand.

What do you think of the new trailer? Does this make you more or less excited to see it? How do you feel about the potential of this being Studio Ghibli’s last film?