Princess Mononoke-07/28/01
Author:Roberto E. Blake
I would have to say that I found Mononoke, to be an epic anime, very rare do we see animation with its quality and purity. It captures ever emotion, and has a strong balance of both story and visual perfection, reaching a standard all other anime could be measured against. I feel this is anime at its best, mostly because of the attention to detail, the depth of the individual main characters, and their interaction, and its originality. I'm a hopeless romatic at heart (sappy I know) so I was of course happy to see an anime that does more than suggest that the two or more romantically involved characters actual end up together, rather it dictates to us that they do. I found this to be a huge relief, because so many other titles chose to either leave us guessing, leave it to the imagination, (which can be a let down at times), or simply kills off one of the characters, leaving the other to greive. The vioces were very good, matched up well, and the dialogue was just perfect. I only wish there had been abit more romantic interaction between San and Anatoshi, but what little there was had been good enough, without being too mushy, or losing site of the theme. The theme afterall wasn't love. Consiquently love, much like fear, is an emotion connected to nearly ever possible situation, and therefore found its place in this film, quite nicely I may add. I also enjoyed, the detail with which each scene was done. The wasn't a single half-ass moment in this film. This is very important to me, to often i have seen scenes that looked like they were sketched in under five minutes, followed by a well done scene that focuses on specifics. (DBZ) The progression throughout the film was nicely done, things didnt move too quickly or too slowly, and the overall timing was excellent. There was no struggle to keep your attention with it, and bathroom breaks were put on hold. Now here is an interesting point, the fact the film holds its integrity as an epic, despite the fact its animated. Mononoke, was not "kiddied down" at all, unlike so many other titles, (DBZ & Sailormoon). Of course anime films unlike anime series brought to the states, tend to remain more true to their integrity. We really have to remember to take up arms against the rating's bureau next year, the butchery of anime is just intollerable.
Characters-I've decided while writing this to break it up, i want to focous on the characters now.
Anatoshi, the cursed prince, is a pillar of strength, despite the inevitability of his death he does not dispare.
He continues to move on against whatever circumstance comes in his way, and is a good example of the better half of humanity
His character design is excellent, and the short but detailed summary of his heritage is excellent, and well introduced.
His ability to gain the respect of others by acting with kindness, and restraint is just amazing, as is his purity.
Mononoke/San-is just stunning, she is simple, yet beautiful, and cunning as a wolf. The voice of Jaida Pinkitt Smith, suited her nicely.
I kind of liked the fact that she didn't immediately like Anatoshi, I felt that was important, in the minor developement of
character relations. I'm also very supportive of her dislike/hatred of humanity, despite the fact she is human in nature, just not in mindset
because to an extent I feel the same, but i donot feel necessarily animals are superior, I simply believe that all living things are part of a delicate
balance and so on, and that balance needs to be understood/respected. When her and Anatoshi finally do ascept their feelings, I feel a sense of relief,
(if only it worked like that in real life!) Jingo-Ok, this guy was an opportunistic little S.O.B, funny that that's what I actually liked about him isn't it?
Now what i didn't like was his selfishness, because it doesn't take a genius to figure out money isnt everything! Now his sarcasm, that was nice, he fits perfectly in the smartass
category, a definate must in nearly any movie.
Lady Elboni-She was as much a good guy as bad somehow, I think its because, she had a deep concern and love for
people, with utter contempt for nature, in away I guess she is equally the opposite of San, which when you think about it makes perfect sense. Her voice was nice, none of her lines
cheesy or half baked, and you can understand her motives clearly. (profit) She is a very interesting character, who all can have mixed feelings toward.
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