16 years in the making, Princess Mononoke is a landmark in the world of animation. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, one the creators of Studio Ghibli, Mononoke Hime is the story of a brave warrior, Ashitaka. He is attacked by a demon one day and unfortunately gets infected by a curse from the demon. Ashitaka is destined to die. But before that, he must find the truth behind the demon's attack. This leads him straight to an ancient forest where Gods rule the Earth, Beasts are large in size. Here Ashitaka witnesses the battle between nature and humans. While this happens, we watch spellbound!
The most interesting thing is that this movie has extensive character development. The details are very rich, the visuals stunning and the live-action scenes more than satisfying. That's not all. Joe Hisaishi's world famous score makes this movie more elegant. Watch Princess Mononoke and have a wonderful 2 hours of your life.. Highly Recommended...
This is an extraordinary achievement, the work of not only a master animator but a master director. It is probably the greatest environmental film. No other film comes close, with the depth of vision and remarkable execution of a war between man and beast, industry and nature, and the journey of one person who seeks to reconcile both sides. It is a spiritual and cathartic experience that remains relevant in the world we live in today. Never does it get didactic; the film challenges the viewer to consider all perspectives, a hugely admirable choice on the part of its director. I am astonished every time I watch for so many reasons. It's so moving, how the main character Ashitaka is tainted and must leave his secluded village, and as he does, he witnesses Japan modernize from a traditional society before his eyes. The storytelling is terrific, as we'd expect from Miyazaki. But here his action sequences and characterization are at their most impressive. So many incredible characters and creatures, from the elusive warrior-leader Lady Eboshi of Iron Town to her foil, part-human part-animal San, the Mononoke Hime. Yakul, Ashitaka's loyal friend, and the Kodama are unforgettable and vital additions to the Ghibli pantheon, as is the Forest Spirit. The scene when he heals Ashitaka in the pool is simply sublime, one of the most gorgeously animated in the film, with its compelling use of sound and silence. Of course, there's also the stunning music score by Joe Hisaishi at his best that sweeps you from the very beginning. This is Miyazaki firing on all cylinders, his tremendous creativity, his level of craftsmanship and detail, the maturity of his film, how he remains ever hopeful that we may co-exist with nature. His passion and compassion are inspiring. I think this may just be the greatest animated movie ever made.
For the first time, I got to see Princess Mononoke on the big screen (indeed, in WIDE screen, because I own it on video cassette), and in the original Japanese (sorry Gillian Anderson!). As usual, Gibli (and in this case, Miyazaki himself) in a theater makes my eyes water at the beauty and imagination, even if this one has a couple of dated CG elements (morphs, mostly), which I don't hold against it. A rich ecological fable set on the slippery edge between Mythical Japan and the gunpowder revolution, the film puts us in its hero's headspace. I don't think we can easily choose a side either. Obviously, the destruction of nature is a bad thing, but the "villain", Lady Ebochi, is doing what she thinks is right for her people. In a way, she's no different from the Wolf and Boar gods, simply the manifestation of a species' drive to thrive and survive. Ultimately, it's about balance, which is no doubt why a character with a foot in both worlds lends her name to the title. For fans of later Miyazaki coming to this fresh, it's going to be a fair bit more violent than what they're used to, but the wealth of detail, in animation as well as theme and subtext, is absolutely characteristic of his style, and may still be his most relevant and enduring work.
Miyazaki's best film for my money, the clash of technology and spirituality is well captured and exciting, with some disturbing demons and engaging heroes.
Princess Mononoke was actually my introduction to the amazing works of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli as a whole, although I had already seen one previous film by the studio: the excellent and heartbreaking Grave of the Fireflies. This film was the second anime that I had ever watched up until that moment, and when it ended, I couldn't believe how I had gone so much time without even bothering to look upon these amazing works of art. Boasting an incredibly epic story and tremendous stakes, Miyazaki probably made his darkest film, which shocked me after seeing all his subsequent films, which always deal with adult themes but never feature so much disturbing content or violence as this film.
Miyazaki, as usual, shows you the endless magic of animation and the level of detail in the enviornments is simply a sight to behold. In an interesting trivia which I realized after seeing every Miyazaki film, this is his only work which doesn't feature flying scenes whatsoever. Joe Hisaishi's breathtaking score grabs your attention right from the ominous opening scene and the ending is shocking in its poetic beauty.
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Filmsthemostbeautifulart
16 years in the making, Princess Mononoke is a landmark in the world of animation. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, one the creators of Studio Ghibli, Mononoke Hime is the story of a brave warrior, Ashitaka. He is attacked by a demon one day and unfortunately gets infected by a curse from the demon. Ashitaka is destined to die. But before that, he must find the truth behind the demon's attack. This leads him straight to an ancient forest where Gods rule the Earth, Beasts are large in size. Here Ashitaka witnesses the battle between nature and humans. While this happens, we watch spellbound!The most interesting thing is that this movie has extensive character development. The details are very rich, the visuals stunning and the live-action scenes more than satisfying. That's not all. Joe Hisaishi's world famous score makes this movie more elegant. Watch Princess Mononoke and have a wonderful 2 hours of your life.. Highly Recommended...
5/5
jlfitz
This is what animation should be. Amazing detail and color with great story.tk338
This is an extraordinary achievement, the work of not only a master animator but a master director. It is probably the greatest environmental film. No other film comes close, with the depth of vision and remarkable execution of a war between man and beast, industry and nature, and the journey of one person who seeks to reconcile both sides. It is a spiritual and cathartic experience that remains relevant in the world we live in today. Never does it get didactic; the film challenges the viewer to consider all perspectives, a hugely admirable choice on the part of its director. I am astonished every time I watch for so many reasons. It's so moving, how the main character Ashitaka is tainted and must leave his secluded village, and as he does, he witnesses Japan modernize from a traditional society before his eyes. The storytelling is terrific, as we'd expect from Miyazaki. But here his action sequences and characterization are at their most impressive. So many incredible characters and creatures, from the elusive warrior-leader Lady Eboshi of Iron Town to her foil, part-human part-animal San, the Mononoke Hime. Yakul, Ashitaka's loyal friend, and the Kodama are unforgettable and vital additions to the Ghibli pantheon, as is the Forest Spirit. The scene when he heals Ashitaka in the pool is simply sublime, one of the most gorgeously animated in the film, with its compelling use of sound and silence. Of course, there's also the stunning music score by Joe Hisaishi at his best that sweeps you from the very beginning. This is Miyazaki firing on all cylinders, his tremendous creativity, his level of craftsmanship and detail, the maturity of his film, how he remains ever hopeful that we may co-exist with nature. His passion and compassion are inspiring. I think this may just be the greatest animated movie ever made.aniforprez
what a lovely film. the dilemmas, the constant confusion as to whom to really root for and a fantastic climax. loved this movie.9/10
Siskoid
For the first time, I got to see Princess Mononoke on the big screen (indeed, in WIDE screen, because I own it on video cassette), and in the original Japanese (sorry Gillian Anderson!). As usual, Gibli (and in this case, Miyazaki himself) in a theater makes my eyes water at the beauty and imagination, even if this one has a couple of dated CG elements (morphs, mostly), which I don't hold against it. A rich ecological fable set on the slippery edge between Mythical Japan and the gunpowder revolution, the film puts us in its hero's headspace. I don't think we can easily choose a side either. Obviously, the destruction of nature is a bad thing, but the "villain", Lady Ebochi, is doing what she thinks is right for her people. In a way, she's no different from the Wolf and Boar gods, simply the manifestation of a species' drive to thrive and survive. Ultimately, it's about balance, which is no doubt why a character with a foot in both worlds lends her name to the title. For fans of later Miyazaki coming to this fresh, it's going to be a fair bit more violent than what they're used to, but the wealth of detail, in animation as well as theme and subtext, is absolutely characteristic of his style, and may still be his most relevant and enduring work.Fester the Sloth
My absolute favourite Miyazaki film. Didn't think anything could top Spirited Away, but i was wrong.orties
Oh boy, this movie.DulceDoes
Beautiful animation, I loved the look of the different spirits and demons.Danoutz
Amazing movie, loved it. But it's not the best of Miyazaki.ReVision
Somehow i didn't like this one that much. During the whole movie i never really got into it. I enjoyed other Miyazaki movies much more.Siskoid
Miyazaki's best film for my money, the clash of technology and spirituality is well captured and exciting, with some disturbing demons and engaging heroes.dvdllr
I'd seen a couple Studio Ghibli films and enjoyed them, but this one...this one...so, so, so good. I can't stop thinking about it.Jordan95
Princess Mononoke was actually my introduction to the amazing works of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli as a whole, although I had already seen one previous film by the studio: the excellent and heartbreaking Grave of the Fireflies. This film was the second anime that I had ever watched up until that moment, and when it ended, I couldn't believe how I had gone so much time without even bothering to look upon these amazing works of art. Boasting an incredibly epic story and tremendous stakes, Miyazaki probably made his darkest film, which shocked me after seeing all his subsequent films, which always deal with adult themes but never feature so much disturbing content or violence as this film.Miyazaki, as usual, shows you the endless magic of animation and the level of detail in the enviornments is simply a sight to behold. In an interesting trivia which I realized after seeing every Miyazaki film, this is his only work which doesn't feature flying scenes whatsoever. Joe Hisaishi's breathtaking score grabs your attention right from the ominous opening scene and the ending is shocking in its poetic beauty.
vishnu
Incredible!JCS
Didn't really get into, not Miyazaki's best.Showing items 1 – 15 of 36