Legends and folk tales in Japan have often been preserved in theatrical representations. Doujouji is one of such cases. The protagonists are a priest and a woman. Although he wants to stay loyal to his vows, the woman keeps pursuing him. Things turn out for the worst when he hides under the temple bell thinking he will be safe there.

This version of Doujouji is special not only because it is so old (how come there has not been a remake yet?). The director Kihachiro Kawamoto combined stop motion with standard animation to create a unique experience, but this also gives rendition to the puppet theatre where this story is still presented to these days. Intense and surprising, Doujouji reminds us of how life was visualized in the days of Kaguya-Hime no Monogatari, as well as the eternal conflict between duty and temptation incarnated in impossible love.

There is a Japanese proverb that says the hair is the heart of a woman. Women used to take care of their hair so well that it could grow until it reached the floor, while being deeply black but silky to the touch. The hair was also cut only on auspicious occasions with the help of special ceremonies, and the cut braids were carefully kept. This film (which ends with a commercial) explores the theme of hair in a way only Japanese could have thought about: with all the elegance and the tragedy of a love story.

If you like the stylish animation of xxxHolic or Ghost in the Shell, Asience is at that same quality level. The mysterious atmosphere is also something worth mentioning. However, the most important similarity Asience has with Kaguya-hime no Monogatari is the theme of impossible love. If you like traditional Japanese culture, this little jewel is short and to the point.

Genji Monogatari is considered by some to be the first psychological novel in human history. Written by the talented lady-in-waiting, Murasaki Shikibu, the story tells us the life of Hikaru Genji, a prince born from one of the many concubines of the Emperor. We follow his first years, education, rise to power, disgrace, his come back and the many ladies who accompanied him throughout his life. The original novel follows up Genji’s descendants as well, so you can imagine the massive scope and richness of detail that this work entails. We actually know a lot about the Heian period thanks to Murasaki Shikibu.

That being said, all the adaptations of Genji Monogatari tend to fall short of the mark. What they usually do is focus on just a few chapters of the story, in order to give space to the characters to grow in front of the audience. This film adaptation focuses on one of Genji’s lovers, Lady Rokujo. In such regards, Kaguya-hime also makes an extra effort to focus on a female protagonist. The conflicts between what society expects and the feelings of the characters are also present. Besides that, we get the same time period, and a focus on the arts and lifestyle.

This is the tale of three friends who are pulled to a different world: Akane, Tenma and Shimon. Akane becomes the Priestess of the Dragon God, the only one who can stop the demons from dominating that world. Together with her Hachiyou, the eight great warriors with special powers, she will travel and live many adventures. The movie Maihitoyo follows Akane when she finds a man with no memories. The Priestess decides to help him, discovering a cursed dance which might kill anyone who attempts to perform it.

If you wanted an anime movie with the flavor of ancient Japan, here we have a similar option to Kaguya-hime no Monogatari. The protagonist is an unconventional girl and there is an unconventional guy involved too. There is room for spirituality and the supernatural as well. And oh, the art in both is beautiful! This movie is part of a TV anime series, but you can watch it as a stand alone without problems.

What can a young widow do in a world where everyone judges you? Hana had to overcome many doubts when she fell in love with Ookami, but things turn for the worse when he dies. Hana is the mother of two children (Ame and Yuki) who can turn into wolves, just like their late father. In hopes of raising them to be their best, Hana moves from the city to the countryside. Will she be able to handle the peculiar children by herself?

We have human parents raising supernatural children in both Kaguya-hime and Wolf Children. We testify their struggles, their far from perfect relationship with their children and also their joys when they encounter the simple things in life. Both films follow the children growing up and their appreciation towards nature. However, the most important part of them is how the children have to define their own personalities in the end.

This is an article talking about a Studio Ghibli movie, so we had to mention another of their creations. Director Hayao Miyazaki created this movie inspired by a real little girl who was displeased with life. In Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, we discover what happens if your parents are transformed into pigs due to eating food for spirits. Chihiro has to overcome her spoiled self to try to save her parents and herself from the power of the witch Yubaba. However, she will encounter friends and other enemies on the way.

Did anyone mention girl protagonists? Both Chihiro and Kaguya are totally natural in their reactions to the obstacles they find, and can be hilarious sometimes. A wonderful and magical Japanese style atmosphere? Also, did anyone notice how Haku and Sutemaru, Kaguya’s friend, have a similar role in the movies? And well, the rendezvous between both couples make us cry, accompanied by the masterful music by Joe Hisaishi.