KESADARAN DARI SEBATANG BAMBU Estetika Zen pada Film Animasi The Tale of Princess Kaguya

Abstract

The Tale of Princess Kaguya by Studio Ghibli has mesmerized the audience with its success in narrating a serious and tragic story in a feminine and beautiful way by adapting traditional Japanese watercolor painting art. The choice to employ such specific visual style must be based on certain reasons other than merely foregrounding cultural identity. This thesis aims at understanding the concept of humanity offered by this visual style by conducting a comprehensive analysis on the visual aspect, narrative, and characterisation of this piece of art observed through Zen aesthetics which is rooted on the principles of Buddhism. The conflict in this animation portrays various manifestations of both love and criticism towards social classes. Gentleness, modesty, and depth are Zen characteristics which are depicted through the color nuance. Some of the newly presented characters have succeeded in strengthening the idea of humanity, while the others do not serve well to build the humor and satire because of the overly strong melancholic atmosphere.  The main element in building the dimension of feeling appears to be the simplest element in visual arts, namely lines and colors which successfully communicate the main character’s emotional aspects. The basic idea of this piece of art is the life cycle of a bamboo tree, a human being who trying to find her truth of freedom and is rooted deeply on her nature, which is manifested in the character of Kaguya. This animation is a representation of a meditation process where a subject is continuously learning herself until she reaches the enlightenment.