The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)

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In the ending of "The Tale of The Princess Kaguya," Kaguya, having lived a life filled with joy and sorrow, ultimately returns to the Moon, leaving behind her earthly family and the prince who loved her. Her departure is marked by deep sadness, as her parents, particularly her father, struggle with the loss. Kaguya's heart is heavy, but she understands that she must return to her true home, fulfilling her destiny.

As the moonlight envelops her, Kaguya bids farewell to her parents and the prince, who is heartbroken. The film concludes with her ascension to the Moon, leaving behind a world that she cherished but could never fully belong to.

As the final act of "The Tale of The Princess Kaguya" unfolds, the atmosphere is heavy with a sense of inevitability. Kaguya, now a young woman, stands in the garden of her family's estate, surrounded by the beauty of nature that she has come to love. The vibrant colors of the flowers and the gentle rustle of the leaves contrast sharply with the emotional turmoil within her. She has been living a life filled with both joy and sorrow, having experienced the warmth of love and the pain of separation.

Scene by scene, the narrative deepens. Kaguya's parents, particularly her father, the bamboo cutter, are in denial about her impending departure. They have grown to love her fiercely, and the thought of losing her is unbearable. The father, who once sought wealth and status through Kaguya's suitors, now realizes that his daughter's happiness is far more valuable than any material gain. He clings to her, desperately trying to convince her to stay, but Kaguya's heart is heavy with the knowledge of her true origins.

In a poignant moment, Kaguya reflects on her time on Earth, recalling the laughter and love she shared with her friends and the prince, who has been steadfast in his affection for her. The prince, having faced trials and tribulations to win her heart, is now filled with despair at the thought of losing her. He arrives at the estate, determined to express his love one last time. Kaguya, torn between her feelings for him and her duty to return to the Moon, feels a deep sense of conflict.

As the moon rises high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape, Kaguya's fate becomes clear. The celestial beings from the Moon arrive to escort her home. They are ethereal and otherworldly, a stark reminder of her true identity. Kaguya stands at the threshold of her earthly life, her heart aching as she prepares to leave behind everything she has come to cherish.

In her final moments on Earth, Kaguya bids farewell to her parents, who are heartbroken but ultimately understand that they cannot keep her from her destiny. The bamboo cutter, once so consumed by ambition, now realizes the depth of his love for his daughter. Tears stream down his face as he watches her ascend, a mixture of pride and sorrow filling his heart.

The prince, witnessing Kaguya's departure, is devastated. He calls out to her, expressing his love and longing, but Kaguya, with tears in her eyes, knows she must go. As she rises into the night sky, the moonlight envelops her, and she transforms into a radiant figure, leaving behind the earthly realm.

The film concludes with a haunting sense of loss, as Kaguya returns to the Moon, her true home. The bamboo cutter and his wife are left to mourn their daughter, while the prince is left with the memories of their time together. The final scene captures the beauty of the moon, a symbol of Kaguya's eternal presence, as the world below continues on, forever changed by her brief but impactful existence.

In the end, Kaguya's fate is one of bittersweet acceptance, as she fulfills her destiny while leaving behind a legacy of love and longing. The bamboo cutter and his wife are left to cherish the memories of their daughter, while the prince is left with a heart full of unfulfilled love. The story closes with the poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring power of love, even in the face of separation.

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes with a poignant and emotional ending that encapsulates the themes of transience and the bittersweet nature of life. After Kaguya's departure, the film leaves viewers with a sense of reflection on her journey and the impact she had on those around her, particularly her adoptive parents, the bamboo cutter and his wife. The absence of a post-credit scene reinforces the film's focus on the narrative's emotional weight rather than extending the story further.

The bamboo cutter discovers a tiny, radiant girl inside a bamboo stalk, which he takes as a divine sign. This moment marks the beginning of Kaguya's extraordinary life and sets the stage for her journey. The bamboo symbolizes both her origin and the connection to nature, while the cutter's decision to raise her as his own daughter reflects his deep desire for family and fulfillment.

Kaguya is initially amused by the suitors' extravagant claims and their attempts to impress her. However, as each suitor presents increasingly impossible tasks, her reactions shift from playful to frustrated. She feels trapped by societal expectations and the pressure to conform, revealing her inner turmoil and desire for freedom.

Kaguya's relationship with her adoptive parents, particularly her father, is complex. While they provide her with love and material wealth, they also impose societal expectations on her. Kaguya feels a deep sense of conflict as she longs for freedom and a connection to her true identity, which creates tension between her desires and her family's ambitions.

Kaguya's connection to the moon is revealed gradually, symbolizing her otherworldly origins and the inevitability of her return. The moon represents both beauty and isolation, reflecting Kaguya's internal struggle between her earthly experiences and her celestial heritage. This connection ultimately drives her actions and decisions, culminating in her poignant farewell.

As Kaguya's return to the moon approaches, she becomes increasingly melancholic and withdrawn. She expresses her feelings through tears and poignant conversations with her friends and family, revealing her deep sorrow for leaving behind the life she cherished. Her emotional turmoil highlights her longing for connection and the pain of separation, making her eventual departure heart-wrenching.

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is a beautifully animated film that tells a poignant story, but it does contain some elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are a few aspects to be aware of:

1. Themes of Loss and Longing: The film explores deep emotional themes, including the pain of separation and the longing for belonging, which may be heavy for younger audiences to fully grasp.

2. Parental Pressure: There are scenes depicting the pressure placed on Kaguya by her adoptive parents to conform to societal expectations, which may resonate with children who feel similar pressures in their own lives.

3. Depictions of Sorrow: Kaguya experiences moments of profound sadness and isolation, which are visually and emotionally impactful. These scenes may evoke strong feelings and could be distressing for some viewers.

4. Conflict and Disappointment: The film includes moments of conflict, particularly in Kaguya's interactions with suitors and her parents, leading to feelings of disappointment and frustration.

5. Existential Themes: The narrative touches on existential questions about life, purpose, and the nature of happiness, which may be complex for younger audiences to understand.

While the film is visually stunning and carries a rich narrative, these elements may require parental guidance for younger viewers to help them process the emotional weight of the story.