Princess Mononoke [M]

When Ashitaka kills a ravenous boar-like monster, he discovers that the monster was really an infectious demon god that was transformed by rage. Now inflicted with this deadly curse, Ashitaka travels to the west in search of a cure. Whilst abroad, he becomes entangled in an epic feud between a proud race of humans, led by Lady Eboshi, and the animal gods that live in the forest, led by Princess Mononoke, a young woman raised by wolves.

I love all the films of Hayao Miyazaki, but without a doubt, Princess Mononoke has to be the most courageous, powerful, and visually stunning film he’s ever done. Packed with amazing creatures, stunning animation, action, romance, and a timeless story of human Vs nature, Princess Mononoke is a truly awesome film. And when I say awesome, I mean AWESOME!

When Ashitaka kills a ravenous boar-like monster to save his village, he realises that the beast was really an infectious demon god that was transformed by rage. Now inflicted with this deadly curse, Ashitaka journeys to the west to find a cure. Whilst abroad, he becomes entangled in an epic feud between a proud race of humans, led by the fearless and destructive Lady Eboshi, and the animals gods that live in the forest, let by the brave Princess Mononoke, a young human woman raised by wolves.

Like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, the central theme of Princess Mononoke is the ageless struggle between humanity and nature, destruction and rebirth, life and death. However, similar to Spirited Away the movie deals with supernatural themes as is evident by the gigantic animals and the amazing spirits that inhabit the forest.
To play against the visual beauty of the movie, the story harbours very poignant messages about love, bravery, and peace, which makes Princess Mononoke one of the most moving and enthralling anime movies that I have seen.
It also is one of Hayao Miyazaki’s more graphic films, as there is a fair amount of heart-stopping action and violence as well as the occasional bit of gore, for example, arms being shot off and decapitation. Sometimes you have to sit back and remind yourself that all this is really just a great film and not really happening, the movie is that impressive and powerful.
Featuring the voice talents of Billy Crudup, Billy Bob Thornton, Clare Danes, Minnie Driver, John DiMaggio, John DeMita, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Gillian Anderson, and Keith David, Princess Mononoke is a truly remarkable film filled with amazing animation, action, battles, dazzling creatures, and powerful messages. It’s absolutely stunning!