I like almost all of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s work, but I’m a bit hesitant about Tales from Earthsea. It didn’t seem to get great reviews.
Is it any good? Why did or didn’t you like it? Is it like any of his father’s work, if so what? I know they have a bad relationship/falling out, so I wonder if his son’s work would be any good in comparison.
I’m curious as well. I have it on my Netflix queue, but have been hesitant since I have not heard great things. Anyone see it?
I haven’t seen it but I can say that apparently, it bears no resemblance whatsoever from the Earthsea mythos despite the familiar names of characters and places. If you care about Earthsea, you might want to consider giving it a pass.
Wow, I guess this confirms that not many people have seen it.
No, it isn’t very good. I was very bored by it. A couple paragraphs from the review I wrote back when it was released:
Wow, it doesn’t even sound middling but straight up depressing. Leaving a free screening? That’s pretty horrible. Thanks for the review obfusciatrist, it was very informative.
I wouldn’t go as far as obfusciatrist does, but s/he got the part it not being a children’s movie right for sure. I think many Earthsea fans will hate the wide gulf between the books and the movie and non-Earthsea fans might expect more action and dragons. I had heard so many bad reviews before going to see it my expectations were low enough and so it wasn’t really a huge disappointment for me and I actually enjoyed some parts of it quite a bit.
Still, I don’t feel like I’d start recommending it to strangers - I just think it’s not a horrible movie. If you like placid, low-key fantasy and Ghibli animation, you might like it nevertheless.
That’s my 5 cent glowing review, anyway. 
It is probably better than the live action adaptation (can’t be much worse)
Brian
They made an animated version? Which also suffered from huge amounts of adaptation decay? The SkyFfy network bombed with two hopeless takes on Riverworld made by two completely independent productions several years apart, so I shouldn’t be surprised.
I heard it was bad, but not bad enough to merit the epic shun that Miyazaki did to his son.
Heck, I heard for a first attempt it actually was pretty good. That Goro has real potential to give his father a run for his money, in time.
I’m really hoping that in time Goro really comes into his own. I hope you’re right Autolycus, that he does give his dad a run for money.
I don’t like much other animated stuff, and Miyazaki really appeals to people on a broader basis without sacrificing (IMO) a certain level of intellect. He doesn’t bash you over the head with his themes of choice, so even if I don’t necessarily agree with him on everything I appreciate all of his work and the way he presents it. Ghibli also fills the otherwise huge void of thoughtful noncommercial kids films (Mars Needs Moms anyone?).
BUMP
I’m bumping this because it is now streaming on Netflix, one of only 3 Ghibli movies that does. Apparently, they have lost the streaming rights to all other Ghibli movies.
Anyway, I’m watching it now and I’m actually rather enjoying it. It is definitely not for kids, though and I’m only 13 minutes in. Lovely music so far.
I’m watching it as if adults are the intended audience, which is recommended.
Can you tell me how faithful it is to the books?
According to this thread, not at all. And according to what I’ve read elsewhere.
Dude, I’m 33 minutes into this movie and…I really like it.
I must be insane. Or it falls apart in the last 90 minutes.
I have seen it. Artistically, its fine. As a movie, it’s a failure. Mainly because the choice of subject matter is the 4th volume in a series, and the movie tries to treat it as a standalone without explaining what happened before (or even remaining true to what happened in Tehanu. Characters are shouting about what happened previously and you’re like what? when? who is this guy, who is that guy? Why are they doing that? WHAT!?
I agree that it has only two emotional modes: very dull and very scary. it’s a definite lose-lose for small children.
Seen as an anime it’s really quite good. As an adaptation of a book, not so much. 
Was the targeted audience young children, or did Ghibli advertise this as an older themed movie? It was PG-13 in the US, which is not only the first Ghibli PG-13 movie, but is also Disney’s first animated PG-13 film(I know they did not make it, but they did localize and distribute it).
I am finding it to be highly enjoyable, but I’m completely looking at it as an adult movie.
Then again, I do have 90 minutes to go, so who knows? 
And I’ve never read the book, either.
I just wish someone would make a faithful adaptation of the first book. It would work great as an animated movie and I would love to see some art work that is evocative of the artwork from the beginning of each chapter in the earlier editions.