320https://occ0840792.1.nflxso.net/dnm/api/v6/LmEnxtiAuzezXBjYXPuDgfZ4zZQ/AAAABbGUS0iypY7wwK2imG0T4IrBwdPg1FY5GV2zouV3enDxVcstOgvTTwRBekptRWcMkRgbgo8Ugciz8uOeSOZcN1zSNt820jeFvJ8Uz5e2.png?r=007 400https://theasiancinemacritic.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/talesfromearthsea2006.jpg?w=863h=1crop=1 Tales from Earthsea has a lot of interesting ideas but it tries to cram too much in without fully exploring them. The story ends up feeling kinda messy and unfocused and its tough to get fully invested in the plot. There are some pacing issues too. Some scenes drag on without adding much while others feel rushed leaving the movie with a weird rhythm. The characters have potential but they never get the depth they deserve. Arrens struggles for example could have been explored more thoroughly and the villains motivations feel pretty weak and underdeveloped. Its frustrating because the core ideas are strong but the film never fully takes advantage of them. That said the animation is solid and definitely one of the films highlights. The world is visually cool and pretty welldone imo with beautiful landscapes and distinctive character and creature designs. Its easy to get lost in this world of Earthsea because it feels so interesting. even if the story doesnt really match up to it. The soundtrack also adds a lot of emotion and atmosphere really enhancing the overall experience. Without it the film would probably feel a lot flatter but the music helps make it feel more alive and meaningful especially during some of the more emotional moments. 520https://i.redd.it/7z146hb0v3jc1.png One of the biggest themes in the movie is finding meaning in life and accepting mortality which I found to be a really interesting thread that could have been explored more deeply. There are some great quotes that touch on this theme. No man nor any living thing in this world preserves their life forever. But only to men is it given to know that we must die and that is a precious gift. You think your life belongs to you? Tenar gave me my life. Thats why I have to live so that I can give life to someone else. That quote really struck me but again the movie didnt dig into it as much as it could have. Listen to me Aaren: everything you see under the sun and stars owes its very existence to the balance: the wind and seas the powers of earth and light all these do is well and rightly done within the equilibrium. But now men hold the power to control the world. Men must learn to do what leaf and whale and wind do naturally. It is for us to keep the balance. Everything that exists has its true name. The power of magic is nothing more than the power to command based on the knowledge of a things true name. But use that power irresponsibly and the balance of the world is easily damaged. Spells should be made only when absolutely needed. The film had the potential to explore these ideas in a really impactful way and it feels like it was so close to doing that but it never quite gets there. It leaves you wishing there was more development especially when it comes to the story and characters. The themes are strong but the lack of exploration holds them back. I think Tales from Earthsea couldve been a lot more if it had spent more time fleshing out its characters and its central ideas. 420https://www.geekireland.com/wpcontent/uploads/2014/09/TALESFROMEARTHSEA8JPG.jpg Still if youre into great animation and music its worth a watch. The soundtrack and the building blocks of some great worldbuilding are definitely the standout aspects of the film and I think they make up for some of the storys flaws. But dont go in expecting anything groundbreaking or particularly deep. Its a film that shows potential but doesnt quite live up to it. In the end Tales from Earthsea is an interesting watch for fans of animation but i feel like it defiantly doesnt leave a lasting impact.