Member review

Princess Mononoke (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a visually stunning and thematic animated movie that explores the conflict between nature and industrialisation. The story is set in a version of medieval Japan with demons, gods, and the supernatural. The story follows Ashitaka, a young prince who is cursed by a demon while protecting his village. He leaves his village seeking a cure and travels west while finding himself caught in a struggle between nature and humans, represented by the wolf-raised warrior San and her wolf family, and the encroaching human settlement of Irontown, led by the ambitious Lady Eboshi. As tensions rise, Ashitaka tries to bring peace between the two sides.

Princess Mononoke is a morally ambiguous film, as it is unclear which side is good or evil. In this film, nature is not completely good and humans are not completely evil as evidenced by many moments in the film.

The film’s central plot and story were incredibly well-written and the concept of a world with gods, demons, and the supernatural was interesting. The animation was wonderful, the music was beautiful, and the design of both characters and the environment was lovely. The subplot of Ashitaka’s romance with the wolf girl (San) fortunately is not the main subject of the entire plot unlike some other movies (looking at Disney) which makes it not overwhelming but also beautiful at the same time. I believe that although the plot was good, it was sometimes confusing and complex at times.

In conclusion, Princess Mononoke is a very good film. Unlike many traditional animated films, Princess Mononoke uses mature themes, featuring intense action sequences, deep philosophical undertones, and morally ambiguous characters to tell its story. Princess Mononoke is a thought-provoking, stunning film that is a must-watch for all anime and Studio Ghibli fans.