Japanese movie poster
Title: Princess Mononoke
Genre: Drama/Action
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Company: Studio Ghibli
Release Dates: 12 Jul 1997
Synopsis: The Emishi people are under attack from a demon boar god. Its prince, Ashitaka, is compelled to save his home. Though he succeeds, a deadly curse is implanted upon him. Knowing his fate, he leaves his village on a journey for answers. He comes upon Irontown where the ambitious Lady Eboshi resides. His life is entwined with a mysterious girl named San and eventually, the battle between nature and civilization will unfold.
Review: Being my first anime movie I was excited about watching this movie. With a great fantasy of the spirited forest this tale of god, demons and human is a beautiful animation. Along with gorgeous animation and soothing music, the plot and characters make the movie work. Clocking in at a little over two hours, the plot is able to express itself quite well. Princess Mononoke is a beautiful tale of a the hero who rode the red elk; Ashitaka.
Ashitaka’s journey from this town to the spirited forest to cure the cursed he got while saving his village is a mystical with beautiful forest and sparking waterfall. The mythical world in Princess Mononoke is great with lush forest, sweeping landscapes and incredible vistas. The artwork of the movie is one of great animations I have ever seen. Everything is so vivid and detailed that anybody would simply be absorbing the stunning visual imagery.
While the story seems like a simple tale of nature versus human but the there are many other things complicating the story. The Lady Eboshi who is the one responsible for destruction of forest takes in lepers and women from brothels and give them place to work and eat as much as they want. Ashitaka who himself is a loving and caring character not forgetting the San who is passionate to protect the forest from humans. In outline, it sounds like a kid’s movie, but it’s not. Dark nature and and a true sense of love for nature and fight of good and evil this hand-drawn animation is a must watch for everyone.
While this film is worthy of endless applause and praise and is definitely a can’t-miss, somewhere I found myself that the plot is lost with some action fluid scene with I though could have been been deleted. Finally, Princess Mononoke is a great anime ever with a strongly enhanced plot and a soul touching animation. It has an unforgettable charm that continues to wow its viewers in a way that cannot be easily imitated. And I loved my first anime movie experience.
Consensus:
A must watch anime for beautiful animation and story that evokes emotions for nature.
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