Princess from the Moon 1987
"Princess Kaguya came from outer space!"
In *Princess from the Moon (1987)*, legendary filmmaker Kon Ichikawa crafts a poignant sci-fi fable woven with themes of loss, wonder, and the unexpected bonds that form between earthly souls and celestial beings.
Director: Kon Ichikawa
Cast
Toshirō Mifune
Taketori-no-Miyatsuko
Ayako Wakao
Tayoshime
Yasuko Sawaguchi
Kaya, the Princess Kaguya
Koji Ishizaka
Mikado
Kiichi Nakai
Otomo-no-Dainagon or Minister of the Military
Koasa Shunpūtei
Kuramochi-no-Miko or Minister of Culture
Takatoshi Takeda
Abe-no-Udaijin or Minister of Finance
Megumi Odaka
Akeno
Kyôko Kishida
Kōgō or Empress
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Princess from the Moon (1987) about?
This enchanting film tells the story of a childless couple who discover a glowing cocoon in their field, which contains Princess Kaguya, a mysterious girl who descended from space. As they raise her, their lives transform under the weight of both joy and quiet unease, blending rural simplicity with otherworldly intrigue.
Who directed Princess from the Moon?
Princess from the Moon was directed by Kon Ichikawa, a visionary filmmaker renowned for his ability to merge poetic storytelling with striking visuals across genres.
Who stars in Princess from the Moon?
The film features a stellar cast led by Toshirō Mifune and Ayako Wakao, with Yasuko Sawaguchi, Koji Ishizaka, and Kiichi Nakai rounding out the principal roles.
Is Princess from the Moon (1987) worth watching?
While it doesn't boast a widely tracked IMDb rating, *Princess from the Moon* is a hidden treasure for fans of introspective sci-fi and dramatic storytelling. Its blend of emotional depth, unique premise, and Ichikawa's masterful direction makes it a rewarding watch for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
How long is Princess from the Moon?
Princess from the Moon runs for 121 minutes (2 hours and 1 minute).
Princess from the Moon (1987): A Heartfelt Sci-Fi Fable of Love and Cosmic Mystery
In *Princess from the Moon (1987)*, legendary filmmaker Kon Ichikawa crafts a poignant sci-fi fable woven with themes of loss, wonder, and the unexpected bonds that form between earthly souls and celestial beings. The story follows a grieving couple—simple farmers who have longed for a child—after discovering a luminous cocoon in their field that cradles their newfound daughter, Princess Kaguya, an enigmatic girl who fell from the stars. As they raise her under Japan's serene rural skies, the film unfolds like a dream, blending tender family drama with subtle science fiction, all bathed in Ichikawa's signature visual poetry. The atmosphere is one of quiet mysticism, where the ordinary meets the extraordinary in ways both heartwarming and haunting.
Directed with elegance by Ichikawa and starring the iconic Toshirō Mifune alongside Yasuko Sawaguchi and Koji Ishizaka, *Princess from the Moon* is a rare gem that transcends its genre to explore humanity's deepest desires through a lens of gentle fantasy. The film's lush cinematography and emotionally resonant narrative make it a standout entry in 1980s Japanese cinema, appealing to fans of introspective storytelling and those enchanted by the idea of love stretching across the cosmos.
