Today’s quick review: Tales from Earthsea. Arren (Matt Levin), a young prince, flees his home after killing his father in a fit of violence. While on the road, he meets Sparrowhawk (Timothy Dalton), a wandering archmage who takes Arren under his wing. As the two travel through the countryside, they are hounded by the minions of Lord Cob (Willem Dafoe), an evil wizard hunting for the secret of eternal life.
Tales from Earthsea is an animated fantasy movie from Studio Ghibli. Loosely based on the books by Ursula K. Le Guin, the movie takes place in a rich fantasy world where the balance of nature has been upset. The story follows a young man haunted by his darker side and a powerful wizard as they search for the source of the disturbances. Beautiful visuals and a detailed setting are held back by shaky storytelling and slow pacing.
Much of Tales from Earthsea’ appeal comes from its world. The visuals are reminiscent of other Ghibli films: traditional animation with a focus on gorgeous scenery, humble character designs, and the details of daily life. The movie only scratches the surface of its world, but its scenic vistas and comfortable tone make it a treat to spend time in. The fantasy elements are also a plus: a fleeting glimpse of larger mysteries.
The story is not handled as gracefully. Tales from Earthsea has promising plot hooks and characters with the potential for growth, but its sluggish pacing and unresolved plot threads sap a lot of the interest it builds up. Rather than crescendo to a climax that ties together the movie’s themes and character arcs, the story coasts into a mediocre ending that mistimes its emotional beats and leaves important questions unanswered.
The result is a step down from the quality Studio Ghibli fans may be used to. Tales from Earthsea does a skillful job with its visuals and its setting, but it lacks the tension and emotional resonance of other fantasy movies, especially those from Ghibli. It is still worth watching for its strengths, but any viewer hoping for a storytelling masterpiece should approach it with caution.
For a much more potent fantasy movie from Studio Ghibli that also has a mature tone and environmental themes, try Princess Mononoke. For one that uses a similar art style to better effect, try Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. For a more colorful Ghibli take on wizards and magic, try Howl’s Moving Castle.
[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0495596/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for pleasant artistry and a flawed story.