Princess Mononoke (1997)
PG-13 | Duration: 2h 14min
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Story: The movie follows Ashitaka, a cursed prince of the Emishi people, as he journeys to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters the forest gods and Tatara, a mining colony, and gets caught up in a war between civilization and nature.
Stars: Yōji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yūko Tanaka, Kaoru Kobayashi, Masahiko Nishimura
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
Review: Princess Mononoke is Miyazaki’s grimmest film. It is very profound and complex, with dense mythology and history. Miyazaki’s ecocentric ideas are present in most of his filmography, but never in such a nihilistic and bold way.
The film does not provide an answer to the viewer. On both sides of the conflict, we have richly defined, likable characters. The viewer’s loyalties, constantly change. Who to root for, Lady Eboshi who fights for change and progress, or San who fights for the preservation of nature?
If there is one common thread, it is that there are no easy answers. There is no preservation or change without sacrifice. Adding to this bleak realization, there is the animation. As usual, Studio Ghibli has generated a stunning work of art. We immerse in this colorful, vibrant world, where Miyazaki’s overt violence feels necessary as the fate of the world is on the line.
This film is one of the most sophisticated and well-crafted animation movies and a must for everyone.
I am a lifetime movie addict and cinema is my passion. I’ve been a movie writer for 8 years. My goal is to teach people how to watch movies and how to appreciate them instead of hating them. Some gems are hidden out there but I’m here to show you them all!