Studio Ghibli's Tales of Earthsea

[direstraits]

Now after the flop that was Legends of Earthsea on TV recently, I've resigned myself to the prospect of never seeing my first true fantasy love translated on the big screen. Many a tear I have shed.

But suddenly, light shines in through the thick fog of gloom and darkness. A friend just told me that my favourite anime studio, Studio Ghibli, is apparently doing an adaptation of Le Guin's Earthsea. It's called Gedo Senki, or Tales of Earthsea, and is scheduled to be released July *next year*.

It's seems quite difficult for Ghibli to do anything bad, so I'm very hopeful. Sure, Kristin Kreuk isn't there, but at least the story's worth watching this time. I hope.

Check it out.

I'm as excited as a mouse on Dr Pepper.

ds

 

[direstraits]

The day has finally arrived. A true fan's fantasy has come true at last!

Ghibli Studios, the foremost (IMHO, anyway) anime production house, has released Gedo Senki (translated to Ged's Tales, although the English title of the movie is actually Tales of Earthsea), their adaptation of the third book of Earthsea called The Farthest Shore. It has just been released in Japan, and I for one can't freaking wait for it to show up where I can get my grubby hands on them.

If you want, check out their two trailers here.

Where the heck are all the Earthsea fans?

ds

 

[Gem]

Direstraits,

Where the heck are all the Earthsea fans?

No idea.
I haven't read any of the Earthsea stuff, but if Studio Ghibli have made the film then I can't wait to watch it.

 

[direstraits]

Goodie. If you do watch it do post your impressions here - I'd be most interested to know how it goes.

I will tell you that I'm a little disappointed with the way they drew Ged. I'm all standard issue wizard gear with a sprinkling of modern style (I'm complicated), but they drew him, well, so different from what I see with my mind's eye.

Oh and Gem, if you can, spend a couple of afternoons and pick up A Wizard of Earthsea. I guarantee you a good time you will have.

Have I ever been wrong with my recommendations?

ds

 

[Gem]

Direstraits,

If you do watch it do post your impressions here - I'd be most interested to know how it goes.

Will do. Any idea when it'll release in the UK?

Oh and Gem, if you can, spend a couple of afternoons and pick up A Wizard of Earthsea. I guarantee you a good time you will have.

In anticipation of the film, I ordered the Earthsea Quartet from Amazon this afternoon.

Have I ever been wrong with my recommendations?

I'll let you know when I'm done reading .

 

[tundra]

Hmm..Earthsea. I read the first book many years ago and thought it very slow. I saw the Legends of Earthsea tv movie too..and was disappointed in the casting. Coincidentally, the last time I flew home my parents had just rented it on DVD. I think I liked the DVD menu music more than the actual film. I wanted to dance. Perhaps I should give Earthsea another go.

 

[direstraits]

Will do. Any idea when it'll release in the UK?

Unfortunately no. I'll keep a look out though.

I'll let you know when I'm done reading .

Ah, ye of little faith. Thy tome of Earthsea goodness shall bring ye many hours of enjoyment, and thou art happy and gladsome will be.

But I'll say that Le Guin took Tehanu (book 4) in a literary direction so far off the scale of the original trilogy that I almost fell off my chair reading it for the first time. Of all the Earthsea books (of which there are 6, including the Tales of Earthsea and The Other Wind), I liked Tehanu the least.

But that really depends. Many who loved the first three books disliked Tehanu, and many who disliked the first 3 books *loved* Tehanu.

Hhmm.. maybe read it and let me know what you think.

ds

 

[Gem]

Direstraits,

Unfortunately no. I'll keep a look out though

Thanks DS.

Thy tome of Earthsea goodness shall bring ye many hours of enjoyment, and thou art happy and gladsome will be.

If this magical tome doth indeed bring happiness and gladsomeness, then thou shall be blessed indeed.

Hhmm.. maybe read it and let me know what you think.

It should be here tomorrow, and I shall put aside my current lot and read it first - your enthusiasm is rubbing off on me.

 

[direstraits]

It should be here tomorrow, and I shall put aside my current lot and read it first - your enthusiasm is rubbing off on me.

Hmm... thou hast suddenly given me the bejeebies by resting thy enthusiasm on mine own. I am suddenly art scared thou will fine it short of thy expectations, and thou art throw book at mine general direction.

But, fear not. Know ye that ye shall be reading one of the finest fantasy literature ever written.

And it only takes about 2 days of reading to finish the first book (1 if you're obsessed).

ds

 

[Gem]

Hmm... thou hast suddenly given me the bejeebies by resting thy enthusiasm on mine own. I am suddenly art scared thou will fine it short of thy expectations, and thou art throw book at mine general direction.

Don't worry, I throw like a girl....I'll miss by miles.

I've finished the first one (I'll look a bit later and see if theres a thread for the series and will post on that) and am now curious to see what Ged looks like in the movie.