Princess Mononoke

Reviewed by Marcio Guastavino
September 12, 2006

Director: Hayao Miyazaki Genre: Action, Adventure Distributor: Miramax Films Website: Click Here Review Rating: 10 out of 10

Ashitaka in Princess Mononoke. Courtesy Miramax.

Ashitaka is the prince of the Emishi tribe. Supposedly, the tribe had been wiped out 500 years ago, but the few that survived now live their lives secluded in a hidden village. Misfortune strikes one day as an angry boar god possessed by a demon terrorizes the village. In order to save his loved ones, Ashitaka bravely defends the village with his archery skills but in the process is cursed with a mark that slowly eats away at his soul. Now, in order to save his own life he must venture to the west to find out why the boar had been turned into a demon in the first place. Thus, Ashitaka's adventure begins as he says farewell to his home village forever. On his journey he meets many people, including a money-hungry monk and a village leader whose goal is to rid the forest of its gods and rule the world. He also meets San, also known as Princess Mononoke, who was raised by wolves and devotes her life to protecting the forest and its animals. The question now is whose side will Ashitaka take?

This is truly one of Miyazaki 's masterpieces. From beginning to end, you get beautifully rendered animation and breathtaking scenery. Detail in the animation gives it a sense of realism; you forget that it's actually an animation. The lighting effects, sound effects, and voice acting give the film true life. The Japanese voice acting is well done, but more impressively are the English voices that were used for dubbing. Stars like Billy Bob Thornton, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Minnie Driver do a phenomenal job. Of course, the heart of any movie is the story and Princess Mononoke does not disappoint. The plot is deep, having to do with war and hatred amongst people and their lust for power and wealth. It takes place in a time where gods and demons alike roam the earth, and humans have to constantly watch their backs. The only other thing that could complete this anime is an excellent soundtrack. The luscious sounds of an orchestra play some of the best musical scores I've heard in an anime. Joe Hisaishi is to thank for that. Without his music, I doubt some scenes would have been as memorable as they were. I especially enjoy the beginning theme “The Legend of Ashitaka”.

This film was released in theatres in 1999 through a contract signed by Disney pictures. Although it was a flop in the States, it made gross net of about 200 million dollars in Japan and was considered a great success. With all the hard work and about 20 million dollars that was put into it, Princess Mononoke turned out to be one of the best anime films ever to be released. It's what anime is all about and I give all the respect and glory that Mr. Miyazaki rightfully deserves. You can pick up a copy for a little under 20 dollars now, but what I wouldn't give to see it back in theatres one more time.