Princess Mononoke |
 | Summary:Extravagantly vatic, visually mesmerizing fantasy follows a brave warrior's opposition between forest gods and a fecund industrial civilization. This milestone animation epic is a must see for Miyazaki buffs; casual otakus alike. |
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| Company/Distributors: | Studio Ghibli;Tokuma Shoten;Nippon;Denstu |
| Year: | 1997 |
| Length: | 133 Minutes |
| Rating: |  |
| Genres: | Drama, Historical, Fantasy |
| Format: | Feature Film |
| MPAA Rating: | PG-13 |
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Synopsis:
14th-century Japan is a period of epic war, waged by the civilization of man and the mystical 'forest gods'. In the opposing forces there is Lady Eboshi (thought to be the villian in the movie), the ruthless ruler of "Tatara Ba"(Iron Town); an iron-producing civilization inhabited by the Tatara Clan. A group of men and women whom are outcasts, driven by the rule of Eboshi and her legions of samurai warriors. In the forest lurks the many powerful wolf gods, "Moro" along with her two wolf sons and her (adopted 'human') daughter San, whom has renounced her existance in the human race in order to defend the creatures of the forest. Also caught between the opposing forces, are the boar and ape gods as well as a warrior named Ashitaka; who has been cursed with a deadly disease after an encounter with a boar god turned demon. Seeking a cure for his deadly condition, Ashitaka soon becomes involved between the wars of the gods and humans, hoping to end the hatred and destruction caused by the wars. He wishes for the human race and the animals to live together in peace. Those who attempt to halt his motives are that of the samurai armies. Ashitaka seeks the help of Shishi Gami (The Forest Spirit), hoping he will heal the wounds he bears. Those of which he encounters are San, and "Jigo" a traveling monk who's motives appear unclear. Ashitaka soon discovers that Eboshi's armies are attempting to retreave the head of the forest spirit. Killing the forest spirit means destroying the forest itself. San and Ashitaka must attempt to stop Eboshi and the many of the human race which threaten the very existence of the gods and the forest.
Review:
For those of you who don't already know, Princess Mononoke is the single-highest grossing Japanese animated film in history. The film soon obtained huge critical acclaim in both the U.S. and Japan, the film's release soon gave way to become an instant hit with anime fans, and has The first thing that came to mind when watching this film, was the vast difference between "Mononoke" from productions like "Totoro" and "Kiki's Delivery Service". "Is this Hayao Miyazaki?!". One thing which is extremely noticable is the violence which is present. In deed, the movie does contain high amounts of it; unlike his other films which are made out to be mostly child-oriented, wholesome family entertainment. A family film this is definately not. Princess Mononoke is actually more violent than most animes out there, that includes non-Studio Ghibli productions; and were in fact on the verge of being a bit on the graphic side. Unlike his many movies, the film is really more intended for adults. Miramax did a rather excellent job with the voice acting. This film is one of the greatest dubs in anime existance, using high-quality voice acting which is never left with slight flaws and unnatual mouth movement. However, there were a few characters who's voices I felt were casted rather oddly; particularly with Jigo's character (played by Billy Bob Thorton). The film's plot is extremely different from his other films. Rather than taking a relatively simple story, Miyazaki has left the viewer with something entirely different. Producing a film with a plot which is far from a simple one to comprehend, and will no doubt leave children as well as some adults at more than a stand-still. The story raises many subjects of the value of life, creation, and environmentalism. Miyazaki presents the audience with something highly interesting, which will have viewers pondering long after they've left the theatre. Characters like Lady Eboshi, soon realize about the value of creation, the forest and learn how to preserve life for posterity. This is rather a unique twist from his past productions. Music is very well done, and highly suited to the movie, though I felt it was not quite as up-to-par as his earlier works. The film also seemed to lack that sense of emotional depth which is present in Miyazaki's earlier films. Although the dialouge and story in "Princess Mononoke" is not perfect, it is in deed still very good; and there is little to complain about in this production. The film has it's share of epic, gorgeously animated battle sequences; which will please mainstream anime fans. But this film's plot is non comparable to it's animation, which is in deed, a whole-nother ballgame. Princess Mononoke is a technical tour de force, a masterpiece of animation in every sense of the word. It's over-the-top production values and rousing effects open new doors for many animators; and will no doubt prove to become a classic of the animation genre. The film contains some of the most incredible sequences of animation unlike any seen before. Ashitaka's battle with the demon-driven "boar god" is an instant classic, and there were more than a few moments of animation in this production that will leave movie goers' eyes glued to the screen. The master animator has out-done himself once again, proving to everyone that there is no limit to the possibilities of animation; something that live-action movies could never even dream of achieving with such artistic brilliance. If there is a single film which is a proof in this matter, "Princess Mononoke" is it.
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recieved nothing but praise ever since. The movie is arguably the most expensive anime ever produced, more so than "Ghost In The Shell", "The Wings Of Honneamise" and "Akira". With a budget set at $20 million, the film from the start is destined to become an instant anime classic; of course, from that of the renowned master animator "Miyazaki". I was able to see the newly dubbed version of "Princess Mononoke" by Miramax Films; which has been re-dubbed by Hollywood voice actors. Princess Mononoke stands alone as being one of the master animator's finest productions. One of the most elaborate and creative pieces of epic storyline and animation can be found in this film. The film is like most Ghibli productions, in a sense of characters design and production values. Although that sense of Miyazaki magic-work is still present; there is something which distinguishes this from all the rest of his films.