I saw "Ged Senki: Tales from Earthsea" animation film yesterday, July 29th, 2006.

It might be strange that Goro Miyazaki, who is a son of Hayao Miyazaki, directed this patricide story. For the most audience, the story of this anime edition of "Earthsea" seems just ordinal film. However, for some, like me, who has to overcome family bondage and tradition, this is quite inspiring film.

">EARTHSEA Guild

The story and image of this film is far different from original ones of Ursula K. Le Guin. How can a Ged stand Roman style building? The costumes came form Hayao Miyazaki's "Journey of Shuna."  However I can say the core idea of the original author is expressed fully in this film.

One of the core idea is the generation transition. The director faced this serious problem directory and with good conscience. To tell you the truth of life, parents must be "spared" (retirement) in some time, when their children become mature, instead of "killed". This simple principle has not prevailing in modern Japan but is is another story on another wind.

I liked the idea that a girl can change into a dragon. I believe the essential idea why Le=Guin re-started Earthsea series is the dragon. If you love her and respect her, the life-long partner, she can be a dragon. I really feel it and, I believe, the same-aged director as myself, experienced similar story.

I love Miyazaki's "Ged Senki: Tales from Earthsea."

• Goro Miyazaki's Blog (in Japanese)
• Ged Senki: Tales from Earthsea @ wikupedia