Princess Mononoke

Buy This Item Princess Mononoke by Miramax  Available from Amazon  $16.99  on 8-25-2008     This epic, animated 1997 fantasy has already made history as the top-grossing domestic feature ever released in Japan, where its combination of mythic themes, mystical forces, and ravishing visuals tapped deeply into cultural identity and contemporary, ecological anxieties. For international animation and <I>anime</I> fans, <I>Princess Mononoke</I> represents an auspicious next step for its revered creator, Hayao Miyazaki (<I>My Neighbor Totoro</I>, <I>Kiki's Delivery Service</I>), an acknowledged <I>anime</I> pioneer, whose painterly style, vivid character design, and stylized approach to storytelling take ambitious, evolutionary steps here. <p> Set in medieval Japan, Miyazaki's original story envisions a struggle between nature and man. The march of technology, embodied in the dark iron forges of the ambitious Tatara clan, threatens the natural forces explicit in the benevolent Great God of the Forest and the wide-eyed, spectral spirits he protects. When Ashitaka, a young warrior from a remote, and endangered, village clan, kills a ravenous, boar-like monster, he discovers the beast is in fact an infectious "demon god," transformed by human anger. Ashitaka's quest to solve the beast's fatal curse brings him into the midst of human political intrigues as well as the more crucial battle between man and nature.<p> Miyazaki's convoluted fable is clearly not the stuff of kiddie matinees, nor is the often graphic violence depicted during the battles that ensue. If some younger viewers (or less attentive older ones) will wish for a diagram to sort out the players, Miyazaki's atmospheric world and its lush visual design are reasons enough to watch. For the English-language version, Miramax assembled an impressive vocal cast including Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup (as Ashitaka), Claire Danes (as San), Minnie Driver (as Lady Eboshi), Billy Bob Thornton, and Jada Pinkett Smith. They bring added nuance to a very different kind of magic kingdom. Recommended for ages 12 and older. <I>--Sam Sutherland</I> Reader Reviews I have seen all of Miyazaki's films but Princess Mononoke is the one I come back to the most. It doesn't get better but I just find it more entertaining. It begins serious and keeps it's tone through out. Some of the characters are talking animals. However, this is not on the level of saturday morning kids cartoons. This is a very mature anime film. The thing I want to point out right off the back is this may not be for a very young audience. Due to violence, a bit of cursing and gore. Seriously be very careful when showing this to young kids. I warned my friend about it before I let him borrow it. And his 7 year old is having bad dreams about the scene with all of the red eyed apes. And this has been going on for a while now. The story begins when a village is being attacked by a demonic creature. The main character kills this creature and in the process he is cursed. He is then banished from his village and he seeks to put an end to his curse. The story and the pacing is very good and well thought out. The action scenes aren't many but they happen for a reason to further the plot. The action scenes consist of a bit of sword play, archery, and guns. And I'm talking arms and heads getting shot off. There is more than enough going on to keep the interest level high. The main characters are likable but no one is really developed. But I didn't find the lack of development damaging. I think it worked out well all the way to the end. The animation is very fluid and well detailed. Some scenes do a better job showing the strength of the animation. The soundtrack doesn't hold up well when compared to other Miyazaki films. But what little bit it has works out pretty well. The english voice cast is a mixed bag. Some of the voices are very well acted. My favorite voice talents come from Jada Pinkett Smith, Keith David, and Billy Crudup. While Billy Bob Thornton(especially) and Claire Danes were punishing my ears. It's rare that it happens but I actually prefer the japanese voices. Princess Mononoke is a very good anime film that can appeal even to non fans. Some people actually say it's confusing. If you find this confusing and plan on getting into anime. Then you better be very careful where you dump your cash and do some research. There's series out there that will put your brain in knots, while this is very simple. Still, Miyazaki films are the best place to start for new fans.

Princess Mononoke Available from Amazon Price: $16.99 Updated on 8-25-2008.

SPONSORED LINKS