Underground Stories (Film)

Tales from Earthsea (Gedo Senki) is a feature-length animated film produced by Studio Ghibli in Japan in 2006 and directed by Goro Miyazaki. The screenplay was written by Goro Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa. The film is adapted from Ursula K. Le Guin’s fantasy novel series of the same name. Its runtime is 115 minutes and it was produced in Japanese. It was released in Türkiye on 22 June 2007.

Plot Summary

The film is set in the magical world of Earthsea, where the physical and natural order begins to unravel. Crops wither, animals die, and dragons—believed to be extinct—reappear, signaling a disruption in the world’s balance. To investigate these extraordinary events, the Archmage Ged (also known as Sparrowhawk) embarks on a journey with Prince Arren. Ged soon discovers that this imbalance stems from the sorcerer Cob, who seeks immortality by opening the door between life and death. The film explores themes such as the balance of life and death, human fears, power, and the natural order.

Scene from the Film (IMDb)

Production and Direction

Tales from Earthsea is the first feature-length film directed by Goro Miyazaki, son of animation master Hayao Miyazaki. While continuing his father’s narrative legacy, Goro Miyazaki also established his own directorial style through this film. The production company is credited as Wild Bunch.

Scene from the Film (IMDb)

Cast and Voice Acting

The original Japanese voice cast includes Jun’ichi Okada as Arren, Aoi Teshima as Theru, Bunta Sugawara as Haitaka, Yûko Tanaka as Cob, Jun Fubuki as Tenar, Takashi Naitô as Hazia Dealer, Mitsuko Baishô as The Mistress, Yui Natsukawa as The Queen, and Kaoru Kobayashi as The King.

In the English dub, the cast features Timothy Dalton as Sparrowhawk, Willem Dafoe as Cob, Mariska Hargitay as Tenar, Matt Levin as Arren, Cheech Marin as Hare, Blaire Restaneo as Therru, Jeff Bennett, and Susanne Blakeslee.

Scene from the Film (IMDb)

Technical Specifications

The film has a runtime of 115 minutes (1 hour 55 minutes) and is presented in a 1.85:1 color aspect ratio. The audio mix was produced using Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES systems. Production companies involved include Buena Vista Home Entertainment, DENTSU Music and Entertainment, and GNDHDDT.

Release and Box Office Information

The film was released in Japan in 2006 and in Türkiye on 22 June 2007. In Türkiye, it was seen by a total of 5,503 viewers and generated a total box office revenue of 41,195 Turkish lira. During its opening weekend, it reached 289 spectators and earned 2,590 lira. The film remained in theaters for 15 weeks.

Globally, Tales from Earthsea earned $68,726,013. In the United States and Canada, its box office revenue was $48,658, with an opening weekend gross of $20,614.

Scene from the Film (IMDb)

Production Process and Adaptation Background

The adaptation process was based on correspondence between Ursula K. Le Guin and Hayao Miyazaki. When Hayao Miyazaki expressed his desire to adapt her novels, Le Guin initially rejected the proposal, as she viewed animation at the time as merely a form of Disney-style entertainment. However, after watching Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro (1988), she changed her mind and granted permission for the adaptation.

Elements and Quotations in the Film

The piece titled “Song of Time,” composed by Akino Arai and Hisaaki Hogari, with lyrics by Akino Arai and Goro Miyazaki, is performed by Aoi Teshima.

In a philosophical line reflecting the film’s themes, the character Haitaka says: “No human or living being lives forever. Yet only humans are given the knowledge of death; this is both a torment and a gift.” This encapsulates the existential dimension of the story.

Scene from the Film (IMDb)

Themes and Narrative Features

The film centers on human desires that threaten the balance of nature, the fear of death, and the transience of life. The disruption of equilibrium among dragons, wizards, and human kingdoms metaphorically reflects humanity’s relationship with nature and its inner world. Under Goro Miyazaki’s direction, a narrative language emerges that fuses classical Japanese animation aesthetics with Western fantasy literature.