The Book of the Dead (2005) Shisha no sho (original title): Set in 8th century Japan when Buddhism was a fledgling idea being introduced from China, this epic animated parable chronicles the adventures of a cosseted young noblewoman who risks everything to follow the ghost of a long-dead prince. (6.7)
Director: Kihachiro Kawamoto
Stars: Kyôko Kishida, Tetsuko Kuroyanagi and Rie Miyazawa
Language: Japanese (w/ English subtitles and voice over)
This is a Japanese animation movie, but it isn't anime. It is done with stop motion animation using Japanese puppet dolls. One history buff points out in the Netflix review that the costumes, the drawings, etc are correct for the period. The story revolves around a mix of Buddhist and Shinto rituals. The stop motion animation has been very well and painstakingly accomplished. Perhaps, I'm missing the larger meaning of the story, but it could have been a bit more fleshed out, IMO. My Rating: 6.5
