Featured Audience Ratings

• Anthony L

  
  My least favourite Studio Ghibli film to date. Goro Miyazaki has a long way to go before he can fill his father's shoes, that and the fairly dull story make this film an overall disappointment. This is only because they have raised the bar so high themselves, this just isn't… More
  My least favourite Studio Ghibli film to date. Goro Miyazaki has a long way to go before he can fill his father's shoes, that and the fairly dull story make this film an overall disappointment. This is only because they have raised the bar so high themselves, this just isn't to their usual high standard, it sells itself as a great fantasy adventure and it really isn't. It feels like sacrilege saying it but it's true.

• Lewis C

  
  Eh, let's just call Tales from Earthsea a case of growing pains for Goro Miyazaki. It's not a bad movie. It's just unremarkable in every way. It doesn't have the creativity, emotional depth, or beauty of Spirited Away, the visual wonder of Howl's Moving… More
  Eh, let's just call Tales from Earthsea a case of growing pains for Goro Miyazaki. It's not a bad movie. It's just unremarkable in every way. It doesn't have the creativity, emotional depth, or beauty of Spirited Away, the visual wonder of Howl's Moving Castle, the scope of adventure of Castle in the Sky, the lovable characters of Kiki's Delivery Service, or the sheer delight and fun of Ponyo. If I had to choose a defining feature for Earthsea, I honestly don't know what it would be. The music is fine, but nothing extraordinary. The character designs and artwork are dangerously close to generic, the story lacks tension and feels almost inconsequential, and the writing is bland. Where's the heart? Where's the humor, the passion, or something that would draw me into the narrative? I found myself not caring much about what was happening, and more concerned with how much time was left until the movie was over, than anything else. My expectations for Studio Ghibli are far too high to embrace a movie like this that barely scrapes above mediocrity, and from what I've heard from fans of the Earthsea literature, this isn't the adaptation they were hoping for, either.

• Keiko A

  
  Studio Ghibli Project 3 Directed by Gorō Miyazaki and voices by Bunta Sugawara, Okada Junichi, Aoi Teshima and Jun Fubuki. Let me just say this was my number 1 film to see in 2006 after seeing the trailer and the pictures they were posting on websites and the movie… More
  Studio Ghibli Project 3 Directed by Gorō Miyazaki and voices by Bunta Sugawara, Okada Junichi, Aoi Teshima and Jun Fubuki. Let me just say this was my number 1 film to see in 2006 after seeing the trailer and the pictures they were posting on websites and the movie looked amazing! And after hearing Therru's song I knew I was going to love this so much and this time it was Goro Miyazaki directing, But no. The film in all accounts failed to the point I just wanted to cry I mean really? Same thing happened with 2010's Antichrist I just about walk out of this really boring and dull movie so or lots were calling a masterpiece. I must say it's too bad that the talent that his father has doesn't get past throw genres or we could be looking at one of the best movies ever made. It's just so sad. To just say something I had no idea what the story was about? It's just one thing to another and it just really screwed the movie all the way. Even the ending didn't make much...well I didn't even understand It, what the hell happened? [IMG]http://i55.tinypic.com/2enby8m.jpg[/IMG] 5/1% for story: it's really dull and boring and slow the only good part is listening to Therru's beautiful song and then that's it. I read all the books and to me this movie and the books shouldn't even be called related. 15% for voices and dubbing: They sometimes sound good but then it just hits downhill from there. Not the worst but in the bottom ten. 90% for visuals and animation: truly the amazing part about this dull movie has all the designs for a normal Ghibli film and some epic landscapes but that's just it. 20% for characters: I mean they look fantastic and there amazingly design but I hated them all but the two leads ones Aaron and Therru. 30% for everything else: Not sure what else I should say? [IMG]http://i54.tinypic.com/iyecz7.jpg[/IMG] But by the end I don't know why I was so looking forward to seeing this? Goro you don't have talent and please do not make an animated version on Joe D'Amato Endgame (He is considering it). Keiko's score 29-100

• vieras e

  
  If this had been made by any other studio, I would've given this full three stars because it is pleasing to look at. But since all Ghibli films are, I can only give it 2Â 1/2, because, frankly, it was rather boring.

• Dead A

  
  It was not that good to be honest. I found it a bit boring. There are some interesting moments though. But this is something that I'll watch it once and that's it.

• Corey W

  
  You'd expect a masterpeice from the son of Hayao Miyazaki but thats not nearly what we get with "Gendo Senki [Tales from Earthsea]". Instead, we get a slow-moving, very dull, story-lacked adventure that doesn't actually pick up any pinch of excitment until the last… More
  You'd expect a masterpeice from the son of Hayao Miyazaki but thats not nearly what we get with "Gendo Senki [Tales from Earthsea]". Instead, we get a slow-moving, very dull, story-lacked adventure that doesn't actually pick up any pinch of excitment until the last forty minutes of the film. The only thing great about "Tales from Earthsea" is that its pretty to look at. But, so aren't all anime films.

• Dean M

  
  Shape-changing wizards, feisty young females, troubled, quixotic heroes... this animated fantasy as all the hallmarks of a classic Studio Ghibi film. After watching this film I was pleased with the overall feel and look the production. Most notably I was impressed with the… More
  Shape-changing wizards, feisty young females, troubled, quixotic heroes... this animated fantasy as all the hallmarks of a classic Studio Ghibi film. After watching this film I was pleased with the overall feel and look the production. Most notably I was impressed with the studio's visual creation of <i>Earthsea</i>. While the artistry and animation quality does not entirely measure up to other recent Ghibli studio films, I felt it did create a rich and colorful setting in which the story unfolds. A solid score also helps to shape the vibrant world that the movie conveys.

• Luke B

  
  Goro Miyazaki attempts his first feature film. Tales of Earthsea is slightly odd, in that it contains wizards, dragons and witches. But doesn't have much excitement or magic to it. It's very much a slow story that waddles along. Never has a fantasy world been so lacking in… More
  Goro Miyazaki attempts his first feature film. Tales of Earthsea is slightly odd, in that it contains wizards, dragons and witches. But doesn't have much excitement or magic to it. It's very much a slow story that waddles along. Never has a fantasy world been so lacking in characters, especially memorable ones. It makes the film feel very empty. It's far too serious for a family film, but still lacks the humanity of Miyazaki seniors work. The animation wasn't as breathtaking either. Despite these complaints, it is a relaxing watch, kind of like a chill-out film. It only pails in comparison to Ghibli's classics. Check it out one afternoon, but be warned it's a slow 2 hours.

• Sanjaya &

  
  Well, first of all I must admit that I'm dying to see this movie because first it was a Studio Ghibli films, and second the director of this movie is Goro Miyazaki, the son of my favorite animated director of all time, Hayao Miyazaki... But in truth, after I watching this movie… More
  Well, first of all I must admit that I'm dying to see this movie because first it was a Studio Ghibli films, and second the director of this movie is Goro Miyazaki, the son of my favorite animated director of all time, Hayao Miyazaki... But in truth, after I watching this movie for 2 hours long I don't impressed by this movie... Maybe I just put a high hopes in this movie, without have a thought that Goro is still a beginner, not like his father... The animation was classic, I like that... But the story turns to nowhere, it doesn't have a strong meaning like his father's movie has... But to be watched as an entertaining movie, it pretty entertain me so I don't rate this movie as a bad movie...

• Kylie B

  
  It was okay. Studio Ghibli animation is always rather lovely especially with the details, but I didn't really get into it until partway through - mainly because I liked Cob when he was young, pretty and evil (my favourite combination). I might read the novels to see was lost… More
  It was okay. Studio Ghibli animation is always rather lovely especially with the details, but I didn't really get into it until partway through - mainly because I liked Cob when he was young, pretty and evil (my favourite combination). I might read the novels to see was lost from the overall story, it seemed a little simplistic and to be frank pretty trite. But then, I did watch the English version, maybe the Japanese lines were better.

• Saskia D

  
  It was a little bit disappointing, but nevertheless good enough to keep me interested.. <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v683/kohaku_san/Photos/?action=view&current=8b6d26bd.jpg" target="_blank"><img… More
  It was a little bit disappointing, but nevertheless good enough to keep me interested.. <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v683/kohaku_san/Photos/?action=view&current=8b6d26bd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v683/kohaku_san/Photos/8b6d26bd.jpg" border="0" alt="Tales from Earthsea"></a>

• Matthew R

  
  Goro Miyazaki, son of animation master Hayao Miyazaki, presents his first film “Tales from Earthsea”. The story follows the journey of Lord Sparrowhawk (Timothy Dalton), a master wizard, as he searches for the mysterious trouble that has caused an imbalance in the land of Earthsea.… More
  Goro Miyazaki, son of animation master Hayao Miyazaki, presents his first film “Tales from Earthsea”. The story follows the journey of Lord Sparrowhawk (Timothy Dalton), a master wizard, as he searches for the mysterious trouble that has caused an imbalance in the land of Earthsea. Along the way he rescues Arren (Matt Levin), a troubled young prince who has fled his home. Arren joins Sparrowhawk on the quest, they cross paths with Tenar (Mariska Hargitaya), a former priestess, and her disfigured adopted daughter, Therru (Blarie Restaneo). All of them must band together to defeat the evil Cob (Willem Dafoe) and his henchman Hare (Cheech Marin) before Cob's obsession to find immortality comes true… I've just come back from seeing this movie in the theaters with my bro and boy, am I glad he paid. I was a bit worried with the lofty amount of negative reviews being given by critics, but I saw fellow friends giving good ratings so I told myself I’m going no matter what. And anyways, this is a Studio Ghibli film, and I have recently become a big fan watching many of there fantastic films during the last few days. I still had good expecations, the result was a disappointing mess. Having never read any of the books this film is based on, a lot of it didn't make any sense at all. The pace is a bit slow and plodding for younger viewers. It lacks humor. For adults, the characterizations are very weak and plot thin ( needed to retierate this because it's paper thin). A good example is Wizard Sparrowhawk, who is supposed to be good and wise, but flawless characters are boring and for someone supposedly wise he has exceptionally poor judgment. He takes Arren to a strange city filled by charlatans and slave traders. After naive Arren nearly falls victim to a drug pusher, Sparrowhawk declares "Well see you back at the hotel" and leaves him. Arren then takes a nap in a public place, only to be captured by slave traders. Didn't see that coming? We're supposed to be rooting for the young prince Arren, but we're never given a coherent explanation as to why he murders his father at the start of the film. In fact we're not given any explanation (a rather lame one) until halfway through. There is a little more to the girl Theru thankfully, although she turns into a dragon and back at the end of the film without any explanation. The villain Cob is a one-dimensional cardboard cutout. We're also introduced to other characters like the Wizard Root who exist for a scene and are never seen again. The plot is poorly strung together. Stumbling on Arren for the first time without so much as a question Sparrowhawk suggests "If you've got nothing else to do you might as well come with me" A lame pitch, but Arren goes with him anyway. The plot ambles along in this manner as if the actions of the characters don't matter. Despite all of these missteps, I can give one compliment. The visuals are fantastic, but that's not really surprising at all as ever Ghilbli film I've seen always has top-notch visuals. I can't blame Goro for trying, but this was an utter fail. It's a fair bet someone else in Studio Ghilbi could have done a way better job directing (You know who I'm thinking of). Well, let's just hope Goro learns from this experience, the mastermind will not be around forever. In the end, Tales from Earthsea is by far Studio Ghilbi's weakest entry. I told myself this was a Studio Ghilbi film it will be good, yes it is a Studio Ghilbi film but it was led by the wrong Miyazaki. Story: C- Acting: B- Direction: D Visuals: A Overall: C ** out of 4 stars

• Matthew Y

  
  Wow...I mean...just wow. I had heard all the venomous buzz about the film long before it (finally) got an American release. I attributed that to the un-blessing Hayo gave to his son Goro Miyazaki when taking on the project and also unfair comparisons to the high-quality of recent… More
  Wow...I mean...just wow. I had heard all the venomous buzz about the film long before it (finally) got an American release. I attributed that to the un-blessing Hayo gave to his son Goro Miyazaki when taking on the project and also unfair comparisons to the high-quality of recent Ghibli works. I figured I'd enjoy Tales from Earthsea because I didn't have any big expectations about it, after all the only truely great film Studio Ghibli has made without Miyazaki under the helm was Grave of the Fireflies so it was extremely unfair to compare Earthsea to Spirited Away or Ponyo. Boy, oh boy was I wrong. Tales from Earthsea is just terrible. The middle parts are so uneventful and boring they may very well bring you to tears. Considering the fantasy adventure based book series and the kick-ass dragon on the poster you'd think we'd at least get some awesome visuals and action sequences even if the screenplay and direction was lacking. Not the case at all, the very opening moments are the only real quality animation job and the characters are as uninteresting as the story is hollow and boring. I don't know how close this is to the actual Earthsea books but this and the awful Sci-Fi Channel mini-series are not doing them any favors in expanding their audience. Big Big Time misfire from one of the most sure handed studios creating works today. Very unfortunate.

• Ryan M

  
  4.7/10 Hayao Miyazaki has collaborated with Studio Ghibli and made some of the best animated features out there. "Spirited Away" is one of my favorite films, as well as one of the very best in the animated category. Now, his son has begun to direct. His name… More
  4.7/10 Hayao Miyazaki has collaborated with Studio Ghibli and made some of the best animated features out there. "Spirited Away" is one of my favorite films, as well as one of the very best in the animated category. Now, his son has begun to direct. His name is Goro Miyazaki, and he continues his dad's legacy by working with the same Animation Studio, and of course, still working with Anime. But why wouldn't he? That's a question that does not need to be answered. If you want a question that NEEDS to be answer, then consider my questioning of just how much young Goro inherited from his father. His first film, "Tales from Earthsea", is an adaptation of a series of novels (something that the Miyazaki's are not exactly new to). It has some dazzling images, solid (if not inferior) animation, and breezy story-telling and characters. That's great and all, but Goro is not his dad; and it shows. But he doesn't want to be. This is merely an ambitious new animated mind using whatever technology he has at his disposal. He uses it well; his film looks good. But Hayao Miyazaki is a great story-teller; while Goro Miyazaki...just isn't. This film captures the lesser fascinating side of Western Animation; the side that I tend to avoid. What I expected was an interesting and entertaining animated debut from the son of Hayao Miyazaki, but what I got was ultimately nothing short of a boring, tedious, mostly uninvolving, and essentially generic Anime feature-film that should have been saved for a two-hour television block. It would have worked better there. This film advertises itself being about dragons; with a DVD cover and a surplus of posters featuring a dragon, as well as many synopsis' detailing the story (in a brief matter) to be about dragons and dragonology. While there are some dragons in this film, they don't show up enough for the flick to be all about them. What "Tales from Earthsea" is about: a journey lead by a sorcerer and a young boy. They find solace at a farm-house, whilst trying to avoid some authorities who are sent out by the villain of the story. The problem here is not the pacing; the film moves along breezily enough for most viewers to get some enjoyment out of it. But what this film lacks is the characters and complexity that you'd expect out of a film directing by Hayao Miyazaki's son. None of the characters here strike me as memorable, worth-my-time, or particularly clever. The story itself is just way too simplistic, and lacks the themes of loss, love, fantasy, and magic that inhabited past Studio Ghibli films. This one isn't bad, but there's not enough back-up from direction or vision to give it that extra kick that it ever-so needed. I won't deny that "Tales from Earthsea" looks fine. Studio Ghibli has some damn good animators, and while the animation here isn't as fascinating as the animation on display in Hayao Miyazaki's films, there are some good images to be found here. None of them are memorable, and of course, none of them are whimsical or artistic. But I do like what this film is at least trying to do; it just doesn't deliver that rich visual or emotional experience that Hayao Miyazaki's works tend to deliver. This film is not sad, beautiful, or tragic enough to be good or memorable. It's a decent movie, and can be entertaining, but for the most part it was uninvolving to the core. I have no problem with "Tales from Earthsea", and I see that there was effort put into it, but something about it just didn't feel right; and that was enough for me to lose a good amount of my animated appetite. *I should also mention that this film has some fine voice-work support from Timothy Dalton and Willem Dafoe. The voice-work doesn't save the film, per se, but it's a nice touch. And as always, the dubbing doesn't suck big-time, which is always good, right?

• Matt S

  
  You can't sugarcoat this one, this is the weakest Studio Ghibli picture I've seen. "But Matt, English dubs of Japanese films are always bad." Ok, two things: 1)Disney dubs of Studio Ghibli films have been pretty good, and 2)I saw this movie with the original… More
  You can't sugarcoat this one, this is the weakest Studio Ghibli picture I've seen. "But Matt, English dubs of Japanese films are always bad." Ok, two things: 1)Disney dubs of Studio Ghibli films have been pretty good, and 2)I saw this movie with the original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles and it was still not good. The story was not cohesive at all.

• Angela A

  
  They could have stretched this out over a few movies and actually stuck to the plot, but instead they made up a few things that were completely out of character and blurted out secrets that took whole books to expose. If you haven't read the books it'll make very little… More
  They could have stretched this out over a few movies and actually stuck to the plot, but instead they made up a few things that were completely out of character and blurted out secrets that took whole books to expose. If you haven't read the books it'll make very little sense and if you have read the books you'll be annoyed by it (and not just for the obvious "They're not dark-skinned" point either). If you try to forget any relation to the book and just enjoy the movie for what it is, you'll find it's quite bland (it does have a rather cute song, though). Goro Miyazaki is using Studio Ghibli resources, talent and reputation, yet not quite living up to it himself.

• Sarah B

  
  Not the quality you'd come to expect from Studio Ghibli. Visually stunning but also muted. Magical yet mundane. Emotional yet bland. Intriguing yet boring. You can tell there's a lot of material, backstory, character in the world of Earthsea, but by trying to show too much… More
  Not the quality you'd come to expect from Studio Ghibli. Visually stunning but also muted. Magical yet mundane. Emotional yet bland. Intriguing yet boring. You can tell there's a lot of material, backstory, character in the world of Earthsea, but by trying to show too much they spread themselves too thinly. Miyazaki junior is no Miyazaki, he needs to try harder to get his Dad's attention, good opinion and worthy reputation.

• Alex F

  
  Extremely boring. Takes the worst part of the Earthsea saga and adds some clichés and a pre-90s visual style.

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