Tales from Earthsea (film)

Lore & Background

The film was co-written and directed by Gorō Miyazaki, making his directorial debut. It was animated by Studio Ghibli for multiple companies including Nippon Television Network, Dentsu, and Toho, which also distributed it. The plot combines elements from the first four Earthsea books and Hayao Miyazaki's graphic novel Shuna's Journey. The English title comes from Le Guin's 2001 short story collection.

Ursula K. Le Guin had previously turned down adaptation offers from Hayao Miyazaki, but after seeing My Neighbor Totoro, she changed her mind. Around 2003, she expressed interest through her translator. Hayao Miyazaki initially declined due to lack of enthusiasm, but producer Toshio Suzuki proposed that his son Gorō direct. Hayao Miyazaki opposed this, saying Gorō lacked experience, but was shown his son's storyboard. Le Guin was disappointed that Hayao Miyazaki would not direct but agreed, with the understanding that the senior Miyazaki would oversee the project.

Reader's Guide

Tales from Earthsea received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its animation, music, and visuals but criticized the narrative, pacing, and differences from the novels. Le Guin stated the plot was 'entirely different' from her books, telling Gorō Miyazaki, 'It is not my book. It is your movie. It is a good movie,' but later expressed disappointment with the final result. The film features a cast including Bunta Sugawara as Sparrowhawk, Junichi Okada as Prince Arren, and Aoi Teshima as Therru, with English dub actors such as Timothy Dalton and Willem Dafoe. A film comic adaptation has been published in Japan. The film's production history highlights the complex relationship between the author and the Miyazaki family, and it remains notable as the first anime adaptation of Le Guin's Earthsea series.

Did You Know?

• The film is based on a combination of plot and character elements from the first four books of Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series, as well as Hayao Miyazaki's graphic novel Shuna's Journey.
• Ursula K. Le Guin initially turned down Hayao Miyazaki's request to adapt Earthsea because she associated animation with Walt Disney Company output.
• Gorō Miyazaki made his directorial debut with this film, despite his father Hayao Miyazaki's initial strong opposition due to perceived lack of experience.
• Le Guin told director Gorō Miyazaki, 'It is not my book. It is your movie. It is a good movie,' but later expressed disappointment with the final result.