Princess Mononoke [Blu-ray]

Bottom Line First: To get the less than good news out of the way, Miyazaki’s Princes Mononoke is not for the very young. The violence can be graphic and bloody. The themes are not as clear cut as might be found in bed time stories. There is no sex or bad language making this movies acceptable to those who screen for such. And that brings me to the good news. Princes Mononoke combines complex storytelling, adult level plotting, the fine art work of Studio Ghibli and the casting power of the Disney Studios to produce a wonderful movie. Highly recommended and a star even among my other Miyazaki movies. Princes Mononoke could have been another man versus nature and the world out of balance movie we have seen too many times. Instead we have man and nature in conflict but with a near absence of obviously evil industrialists and purely motivated united forest spirits. Gods can become demons, and seen as evil by humans and nature. The tribes within the world of nature are not natural allies and can have their own selfish motives. The human who is supposed to embody evil, Lady Eboshi (Voice acted by Minnie Driver) is a fierce warrior and hard nosed business woman but she is also good to her people and makes a point of finding better lives for people who would be cast offs and shunned in the larger world. On the subject of voice overs, Disney deserves credit having assembled a cast that included Billy Bob Thornton, Gillian Anderson, Claire Danes and Billy Crudup. Made too clear to us in the included specials is the extra effort made by the voice actors and Disney to insure that the American dialogue fits with the animated Japanese speaking characters. As for the work of the director and his studio. What struck me most about Princes Mononoke was the balance between artistic detail and the flow of the story. Hayao Muyazaki has a tendency for story lines that can drag. I prefer to say they speed of motion can be stately. The Wind Rises remains among my favorite HM movies, but like The Wife says it is slow. Even the action movie Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro (Collector's Edition) can drag, usually when the Studio is highlighting it's artwork. In Princess there was no lag in the story line. Scene action and plot development move logically forward even in the moments when the viewer is invited to enjoy the scenery. But what artwork it is! Studio Ghibli is always at its best drawing the sky and aerial views. Ghibli is also the master of fields and forests. Sometimes at the cost of foregrounds, manmade and human details. In Princess all of the elements view together in harmony. It may be that some level of detail has been lost, but if so, only to produce a more balanced picture. Studio Ghibli movies can be fine visual art at the expense of movement, I never felt that watching Princess Mononoke.

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 and to see from a much deeper place than good vs. evil, 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 by the boar demon, a figure unlike any depicted in animation, and must leave his secluded village. As he does, he witnesses Japan modernize from a traditional society before his eyes. The storytelling is terrific, as we'd expect from Hayao 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. Neither are villains, but see the world through their own experiences. Eboshi, in particular, is fascinating; she is a female ruler in feudal Japan, cares deeply for Iron Town, and gives work to prostitutes and lepers in a time when they would have been marginalized. Yakul, Ashitaka's loyal friend, and the Kodama are unforgettable and vital additions to the Studio Ghibli pantheon, as is the omniscent, yet apathetic Forest Spirit---a singular creation. 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 optimistic that we may co-exist with nature. His passion and compassion are inspiring. I think this may be the greatest animated movie ever made and comes with my highest recommendation, both the Japanese/with English subtitles and the English version, particularly the magnificent voice-over work of Minnie Driver and Gillian Anderson.

Hayao Miyazaki’s 1997 film, “Princess Mononoke,” tells a work of historical fantasy set during the Muromachi period in Japan, following Prince Ashitaka as he becomes embroiled in a conflict between the gods of the forest and the humans consuming its resources. When a demon poisons the prince, he must travel to find the source of the poison. Along the way, he encounters the monk Jigo, who wants to hunt the Great Forest Spirit. They see a wolf pack with a human girl, San, among their number. When the wolves attack, Lady Eboshi and her men repel them and bring Ashitaka to Iron Town, a fortress on a mountain that the inhabitants have stripped of its trees to build and contain their massive forge. San and the wolves come to kill Eboshi for hurting the forest, but Ashitaka prevents the humans and forest gods from killing each other. He is injured and San brings him to the Great Forest Spirit for healing. Even as he recovers, the boar gods plan an attack on the humans. Jigo enlists Lady Eboshi to use the boars to find the Great Forest Spirit, which he succeeds in beheading, throwing the world out of balance. The story is a lovely metaphor for environmentalism and balance, recalling other films that addressed those themes in the 1980s and 1990s. Further, while some characters may act as antagonists, there are no true villains. Lady Eboshi may harm the forest, but she cares for people that society would normally stigmatize. Jigo may want to hunt, but he can also admit when he’s wrong. The wolf gods, boar gods, and ape gods may be scary at times, but they act under duress from industrialization. In “Princess Mononoke,” Miyazaki crafted a particularly great film worthy of both casual and scholarly attention.

Well, February has seen the first announcements that Princess Mononoke will get a DVD release, and it is apparently more than a rumor, but I'm not holding my breath. As to the movie itself, I must admit I purchased a DVD player just in anticipation of this film (I figured if Castle of Cagliostro was getting a DVD release, so would Mononoke). So as to the movie itself, no amount of praise would really be adequit. Somewhere in the back of my brain is some idea I formed as a child as to exactly what a powerful and moving film should be--but it is an idea that came to be discarded because let's face it, Star Wars or Disney after puberty doesn't live up to the magic it had at 5 years old. Surprise, surprise, at age 27 I've seen something that reminded me of what it was like to be 5 years old again. Miyazaki has been able to do this consistantly not just because he is a master storyteller (something so many american films could desperately use) but because his films immerse you in a world that in a very short time you fail to notice is a cartoon. As advanced as Disney animation is, all it's marvels seem bent on impressing, not on immersion, such that while impressed we cannot help but remember (sometimes painfully) that we are watching a cartoon. Mononoke on the other hand will win the audience over with the still beauty of its settings long before they've even grasped the fantastic story line. I must also mention that Mononoke has a simply amazing soundtrack that is free of upbeat musical numbers or pop songs. With what to my ears sound like a few bows to Rimsky-Korsakov, Hisashi's score to this film is as delicious as the film itself, standing well on its own merit, but in conjunction with the film it is utterly unparalleled. Very rarely does it seem that a film solidly hits on every count, and even when it does happen, the force of the film in it's totality is often not so great. Mononoke however is not just a solid film but a very strong film as well. If there is a weak point here it is the english dub, and yet I for one found the dub very enjoyable and convincing...yet in a film where everything is perfect, this will no doubt be the point which will earn the most criticism. Anyway, I've said enough. If you havn't seen this, you must. Worth buying a DVD player for this movie alone if they'll just get around to releasing it.

Princess Mononoke is a true masterpiece. Of all the Studio Ghibli films, this is by far my favorite, with Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro coming behind it. While Mononoke has some visual datedness, this clearly represents some of the highest quality animation the studio ever produce with absolutely stunning visuals throughout. It still looks absolutely beautiful over 20 years later. It is worth mentioning that this film has in equal measure to its quiet contemplativeness some violent imagery (such as decapitations and dismemberments) uncharacteristic of the Ghibli collection. Excerise discretion when viewing with young children. What really makes Mononoke such a classic is its timeless story, following the conflict of Eboshi and the human settlement of Irontown against San, the titular Mononoke princess, and the forest spirits in the undying struggle between mankind and nature. Ashitaka straddles both worlds and serves as the calm and contemplative protagonist caught between the fiery passion of San and the icy ambition of Eboshi. This is not a story with a black-and-white villain—each of the characters have relatable motivations—though true to Miyazaki form, no matter how Eboshi is portrayed, there’s a reason it’s called Princess Mononoke. As with most Ghibli films, this story will engage you intellectually and emotionally while captivating you with its brilliant visuals and soundtrack. I cannot recommend this film enough.

There is truly nothing bad I can say about Princess Mononoke. It was the first Miyazaki film I ever saw and I fell in love with it. Everything about it is wonderful - the animation is absolutely gorgeous, the best I've seen. Disney looks like kiddy doodles in comparison. The story is explained well - the conflict pretty much begins immediately and the rest of the film involves main character Ashitaka trying to resolve the issues he faces. Plenty of action, nice fight scenes, nothing is rushed at all, and there are so many little details that you can easily miss, but that add to the film experience sort of subconsciously. The characters are all very well-developed; I don't quite understand why the antagonist has a British accent, but it manages to work. Possible spoilers here, but I also love that there is no happily ever after ending where Ashitaka and San get married and have a family and all that crap. I don't want to give too much away, but there is no everything turning out perfect. The film ends on a pretty good note, but not how you might expect. Which sometimes happens in real life too - stuff doesn't turn out picture perfect, but things will still work out in spite of some hardships. Even if you're not a huge animation fan, this is still a wonderful film and I'd recommend it for the movie library of pretty much anyone. Even for anime, these characters don't have the huge freaky wading-pool eyes that some anime series have - they look pretty normal. If you're not into anime, don't let the art style discourage you - it's a worthwhile viewing experience.

Studio Ghibli had been belting out movies since the early 1980s. They delt with everything from epic fantasy to coming of age films. But, nothing would have prepared the world for 'Princess Mononoke'. Not only is this film the 2nd highest grossing film in Japan, it is also the film that finally gave Studio Ghibili notice in the United States. 'Princess Mononoke' shows the epic battle of man against nature and how the constant motion of human evolution has the ability to destroy the purity of nature. Though there are no physical elements of good against evil the true villans in this film are greed, power and anger. You see characters like Asuyaka, who comes from a race of humans that have strong bonds with nature. Lady Hiboshi who wants to move the human race forward with science and technology only to create the perfect human utopia. Then you have Princess Mononoke, a girl who was tossed by her parents to the wolf gods out of fear, but only to be raised as a daughter of nature and learn the magic of the ancient ways. These characters clash for the purpose of moving forward, but also for the chance to co-exist. I feel that is what makes this film so appealing because of the similariteis in life. The topics of polotics, science and religion always cause a stir in us eventhough there can be ways to have them all work united. This was a diffenent film for Miyazaki, but you still manage to see the magical elements that make his signature work. It is a film rich in detail and emotion. You get lost in the vast landscapes and the relationships of the characters you sometimes forget you are watching an animated film. Though this movie may not be for everyone because of the PG-13 rating for the epic battles and language, there are still elements that bring out Miyazaki's true colors and this film is a marvel worthy to be seen.

As always, Miyazaki delivers another masterpiece with Princess Mononoke. Set in 14th century Japan, it tells the story of a young prince named Ashitaka who must leave his people to find a cure for a curse he receives while defending his village from a boar-demon. He finds Iron Town and meets Lady Eboshi, a warrior women who runs the town and mines for iron. Her goal: to kill the forest god so no one will be able to stop her men from mining. Meanwhile, San (Princess Mononoke - who was raised by Moro the wolf god - is desperately trying to defend the forest from the humans who would try and destroy it. There is no black and white villain in the story. The most likely candidate, Lady Eboshi, does try to kill the forest spirits, but also buys women out of brothels and gives them honest work. She also protects the lepers, those that would otherwise be complete outcasts with no way to support them. Although the story is set in the time of Japanese history that we normally romanticize (samurais, princesses in kimonos and emperors trying to avert assassination attempts, etc.) Miyazaki sets his story in a rural setting, where the emperor never appears in person, and samurais attack innocent villages. And of course, Miyazaki presents what is perhaps his most outright campaign for environmentalism. The forest he creates is large and wild, filled with gods and spirits that hate humans. However, to those that do not seek to harm the forest, the spirits can be fierce allies. Overall, I would rate this as a very excellent movie. However, some parents might be concerned that there is too much violence and gore for their children. Yes, this is Miyazaki's most "graphic" movie, but it is limited to very specific scenes and emphasizes the point he is trying to make. War and progress often only result in the destruction of that which is most beautiful: nature and the human soul.

ジブリシリーズは、時が経っても古さを感じない名作ばかりだと思います。

Mi película favorita de anime de la historia, opción obligada para quien tenga interés por este género aunque en realidad es recomendable para todo el mundo aunque no se tenga especial interés en el anime. Es una película muy completa: entretenida, profunda, inspiradora, bonita, dura a momentos y con una gran banda sonora. Me llegó la edición española en perfecto estado tal y como se anuncia. Al principio me preocupé un poco al ver que me la enviaban desde Italia pero no hubo ningún problema. Compra muy recomendable

Un clasico de la animacion del estudio Ghibli. Multiples lecturas acerca del orden natural, la industrializacion y sus perjuicios y beneficios; desearia que este bluray hubiera traido la version en ingles, ya que fue adaptada por Neil Gaiman y los actores de voz hicieron un gran trabajo.

Purtroppo nella versione in Spagnolo non è disponibile nessun altra lingua tranne il Giapponese (non abbiamo utilizzato il DVD!)

Wer von sich aus sagt er könne mit Anime nichts anfangen oder generell glaubt Animationsfilme seien Kinderkram, der sollte seine Sichtweise doch mal überdenken und sich ernsthaft mit dem Medium auseinander setzen. Denn gerade im Anime-Bereich gibt es unzählige Juwele, die so kreativ, tiefsinnig und atemberaubend schön sind dass es nahezu verrückt ist dass diese stellenweise nur einem Nischenpublikum bekannt sind. Ein eben solches, wenn auch zugegebenermaßen einem breiten Publikum bereits bekannten, Juwel stellt zweifelsohne Hayao Miyazaki’s „Mononoke Hime“ dar. Produziert vom legendären Studio Ghibli, stellt die Fabel der schönen Dämonenprinzessin San und des tapferen Prinzen Ashitaka einen DER Anime-Spielfilme schlechthin dar. Story im Groben: Der junge Stammesprinz Ashitaka wird bei der Rettung seines Dorfes vor einem rachsüchtigen Dämon von dessen Fluch getroffen. Mit der Gewissheit diesem zu erliegen, verlässt der mutige Ashitaka sein Dorf, mit der vagen Hoffnung sein Schicksal doch noch abwenden zu können. Auf seinen Reisen bemerkt er dass es um die Welt schlecht bestellt ist: Tod und Verderben greifen um sich. Die Gier und Kriegstreiberei der Menschen hat die Finsternis in die Ländereien einkehren lassen. Sein Weg führt Ashitaka nach Westen, wo er in einen Konflikt zwischen den Arbeitern einer Eisenmiene und den mystischen Tiergöttern verwickelt wird. Die Leute aus der Eisenmiene, angeführt von der stolzen und starken Eboshi-Sama, zerstören durch die unablässige Rodung des Waldes, sowie dem Schürfen nach Mineralien den umliegenden Wald. Das provoziert wiederum den Zorn der Schutzgottheiten wodurch der Konflikt zu eskalieren droht. Ashitaka versucht verzweifelt den Krieg der beiden Fronten zu verhindern- was ihn zur geheimnisvollen Prinzessin Mononoke führt, einem Menschenmädchen, welches für den Wald und seine Bewohner in den Kampf ziehen will. Meine Meinung: Dieser Film ist ein unbestreitbarer Klassiker und Meisterwerk und definitiv einer DER Einstiegsfilme was das Medium Anime betrifft. Von den facettenreichen Figurenzeichnungen, der tiefgründigen Story, den fantastischen Animationen, der unermesslichen Detailverliebtheit von Figuren und Hintergründen, welche die Damen und Herren des Studio Ghibli noch ganz klassisch von Hand gezeichnet hatten bis hin zur meisterhaften Filmmusik des berühmten Joe Hisaishi ist dies ein durch und durch beeindruckender Animationsfilm, von welchem selbst Disney noch so allerhand lernen könnte. Es ist auch der mit Abstand erwachsenste Film des Studios, welches auch zuvor schon nie davor zurückschreckte ernste Themen zu behandeln ohne diese dabei zu beschönigen. Hier fließt nicht nur Blut, hier werden auch schon mal Gliedmaßen abgetrennt. Die Altersfreigabe ist daher durchaus berechtigt (wobei ich denke dass auch Kids ab 10 Jahren mit dem Streifen klar kommen). Puristen wissen: der O-Ton ist überragend. Das soll aber nicht darüber hinwegtäuschen dass die deutsche Vertonung auch ihre Daseinsberechtigung hat. Dies dürfte so ziemliche eine der besten deutschen Synchros zu einem Anime überhaupt darstellen. Fazit: Dank Netflix sind die Ghibli-Filme momentan wieder in aller Munde. Das finde ich schön, eröffnet es doch die Möglichkeit das Anime einem breiteren Publikum zugänglich gemacht wird. Und nur so als Tipp am Rande: es gibt nicht nur die Ghibli-Filme. Neben Filmen von Satoshi Kon, Makoto Shinkai oder Mamoru Hosoda gibt es noch eine Vielzahl genialer Serien: Death Note, Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood- und das ist nur die Spitze des Eisbergs. Was Mononoke Hime angeht, so bleibt nur zu sagen dass dieser zu Recht als einer der wegweisenden Klassiker schlechthin gehandhabt wird. Miyazaki setzte sich, und seinem Studio, hiermit ein Denkmal für die Ewigkeit. Kein magischer Disney-Feenstaub, davon heben sich die Ghibli-Filme bewusst ab. Dafür aber ambitioniert und geradezu monumental. Gehört in jede gute Sammlung.