Tales From Earthsea (Studio Ghibli Collection) (2 Discs)

No it's not perfect, and indeed isn't like what Miyazaki senior has produced over the last 27 years. But yes, I believe it's an ok movie - actually even a good movie. It does not deserve to be compared to the otehr Ghibli movies but needs to be considered on its own. And I find it entertaining, and beautifully drawn and animated. I agree that the story and directing is lacking a bit, but then again, am I a movie director? No. As a big fan of anime, I am open to any movie of the genre but have seen some that are truly rubbish - and this one is FAR from that. I'd recommend you watch it to make your own opinion :)

This happens to me all the time. I love a book, so when the film comes out I want to see it. The only problem is that the film usually butchers the story.

Well Tales from Earthsea is no different. The only similarity, this film, has with the book, is that the characters are the same (with all the same abilities and history).
The plot is completely and entirely different different.
Geography is totally altered to create one island, on which the whole story unfolds.

That being said:
I think that if I hadn't read the book I would of enjoyed it immensely. The art is as beautiful as any any Ghibli film. and the film's plot isn't that bad. There could of been better characterisation but that is always difficult in epic films.

Dont believe what critics say... i enjoyed every single second of this movie. Its a new Miyazaki chapter and its still beautiful. And please stop comparing every single Studio Ghibli production to Spirited Away or Mononoke or Howl. The animation is really good, the landscapes remind of Impressionist paintings, the dubbing is sublime, both Timothy Dalton and Willem Defoe are incredible. Another classic

Personally I thought this was a great movie if you watch it for what it is. It is merely "inspired by" the books, it doesn't necessarily portray them. I find it saddening that people have to compare this debut from Goro Miyazaki to his fathers work. Goro is not (and probably doesn't want to be) just like his father and therefor his work will probably always be different. We must also bear in mind that this is just a debut and Goro is nowhere near as experienced as his father. Like I said, try to watch the film for what it is and try not to compare it to anything else, and then make your judgements.

it's a shame they didn't start by adapting the first book of the series, as this is the fourth volume, if memory serves, but it's a very enjoyable movie all the same