When Isao Takahata's "The Tale of Princess Kaguya" lost out to "Big Hero 6" in the competition for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards last year, it was a reminder of how thoroughly 3-D computer animation has eclipsed more traditional techniques. In the 15 years since the award was introduced, it's only been given to non-CGI films twice: Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" in 2003, and Nick Park and Steve Box's "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" in 2006.
In a fairer world, Takahata's movie — a ravishing, hand-drawn masterpiece that will endure long after its flashier Disney rival has been forgotten — would have walked home with the prize. But it wasn't the only old-school 2-D animation to get snubbed that night.
Tomm Moore's "Song of the Sea," which is making a belated appearance in Japanese cinemas this month, was also nominated for the Oscar, and it's likely to appeal to viewers who were intoxicated by "Princess Kaguya." Like Takahata's film, it's deeply rooted in mythology, with a story that, a few technical accoutrements aside, could have been told at any point in the past millennium. Though it makes more extensive use of computer animation, its visuals retain a distinctly handcrafted feel, with lush watercolor backgrounds that are like a picture book brought to life.