One half of the legendary rock duo Sparks, Ron Mael, frequently offers perspectives on animation that extend beyond music. He spoke about his appreciation of a lesser-known Studio Ghibli movie, saying it's like finding a hidden treasure in a treasure trove. He is referring to a film that uses breathtaking visuals to bring an ancient Japanese fable to life.

The story of Princess Kaguya, which takes place in ancient Japan, is about a bamboo cutter who discovers a small girl inside a glowing bamboo stalk. As she matures, it becomes clear that she is a celestial being, which results in a story full of mythological details and moving scenes. Ron Mael commends its distinct aesthetic, pointing out that it differs from other Ghibli movies in the same way that a rare flower would from a bouquet of ordinary flowers.

Princess Kaguya's animation is smooth and elegant, like watercolors brought to life on screen. Every scene has the ethereal quality of entering a painting, with scenes transitioning fluidly and colors blending subtly. Mael's admiration for this movie demonstrates the elegance of telling a story through art that appeals to audiences outside of conventional narrative frameworks.

Studio Ghibli not only preserves cultural heritage but also captivatingly introduces it to new audiences by bringing classic stories into the modern era with such artistic integrity. Ron Mael's appreciation highlights how visual storytelling can enhance our comprehension of various cultures and their myths and be just as potent and poignant as any musical composition.

Discovering Princess Kaguya gives viewers the opportunity to experience the magic of Japanese folklore through contemporary animation, much like discovering a distinctive piece of music that embodies a time or location. It demonstrates how classic tales can be retold in ways that are both familiar and novel, fusing historical customs with modern imagination.