Customer Reviews

Princess Mononoke

5 star:		(736)
4 star:		(70)
3 star:		(32)
2 star:		(20)
1 star:		(22)

 

 

Wow. I first saw Princess Mononoke during its limited theatrical release (twice). Many people have issues with the dub, but this is by far the best dubbed anime ever to be released -- I, like most anime fans, normally insist on subtitles, but Neil Gaiman and the cast succeeded in putting real emotion into these characters. The casting of Billy Bob Thornton and Claire Danes might rub some ears the wrong way, but in my opinion the emotional impact is still there regardless of the odd accents. In any case, the Japanese track is included, and it's phenomenal. As for its content, most arguments about its violence and length can be dismissed by viewing it as a film, rather than as a cartoon. It's not Disney. The plot is a complex and delicate exercise in shades of gray. Don't expect Akira or Macross either -- it's really not of the same genre.

The video and audio quality is the sort that you would use to show off your new home theater system. In fact, I found the Japanese soundtrack to be richer and better dynamically balanced than the English track (!). Disney/Miramax really took advantage of the format by including BOTH the Japanese and English opening titles and credits -- they are automatically selected depending on your choice of language via an angle switch. Transparent and ingenious. There are two sets of subtitles -- one for the English track, and the other is the literal translation of the Japanese (since some liberties were taken in creating the English script).

Disney was originally going to release "Mononoke Hime" without the original language track, which created an outrage among anime fans (who, myself included, signed a massive internet petition which eventually turned the tide). I applaud this decision, as well as the splendid attention to detail. It has made this incredible movie an even better value.

It is difficult to be profound about a movie that has been written about so much. Much of which has been written is rather obvious. Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke, although it is an adult oriented film in terms of complexity, it has something for everyone. Princess Mononoke is appealing on many levels because much like other anime features like Armitage III, Ghost in the Shell, and Akira, Princess Mononoke also confronts the issue of technology head on. However, what is unique here is that Miyazaki problematizes the duality of man vs. nature really expanding the problem to man within nature and calling for a sense of co-operation. Again, While other movies like Armitage III, Ghost in the Shell, and Akira are a shade darker than most, Mononoke is laced with hope and reconstruction.

Based on our epistemological framework we are looking for good vs. evil. We are always trying to set things up in a space of binary oppositions. Most viewers are looking to make things "simple." Juxtaposed against our longing for the simplistic, Miyazaki doesn't make judgements about good or evil. Miyazkai simply asks many questions. It is really unfair to make any direct comparison but the reason this genre is appealing to a wider audience is that this genre and the movies that are produced within it are more "realistic" than the more common Disney animations offerings.

Another sub-theme is the healing power of nature which is superior to the human need to conquer and control. Susan Napier writes: "At a more complex level, films such as Princess Mononoke actually works to resist and even confront certain public stereotypes, inspiring huge numbers of moviegoers to look at some of the myths of modern Japan in a more critical way." The movie zeroes in on ecological issues, a far cry from the stereotypes we have of Japan as a giant impersonal machine. Along this same lines, the big four (listed previously) warn us just as much about the march of modernity and technology. In Princess Mononoke, it seems like Miyazaki is setting up a battle between man and nature. My sense is that it is man in nature.

No doubt, this is a complex movie. The interplay between Asitaka, Mononoke and Lady Eboshi is not a simple one. Within the confines of the story, no one character is all bad or all good. All the characters are multi-dimensional and not one character is a caricature. A pivotal character is Lady Eboshi. Lady Eboshi's involvement with Iron Town is not be dismissed as trivial. How is the viewer going to reconcile Lady Eboshi's agenda and altruism? The beauty and wonder of Princess Mononoke is not so much that it provides answers but that it poses deep questions. For this reason alone (and there are many) Princess Mononoke can be classified as a work of art and it will survive the ravages of time.

Miguel Llora

This Miyazaki movie is for keeps! This is one of the few anime films from the many I have seen, that I will give a full 5 stars. You must give yourself a chance to see this movie at least once. I will definitely buy this DVD when it comes out. Plot is set in ancient mythological Japan where humans clash with humans and damages the environment. Great story, beautiful animation, very strong character development. Lots of action. You will see that a lot of work went into this film. Too bad, I can't recommend this for kids for all ages, maybe around 15 yrs up, but you parents will be the final judge. No nudity, but there are quite a few blood and violent scenes (such as beheading). Don't get me wrong, the story does not really focus on the violence. Watch it and you will know what I mean.

I sure hope the other Miyazaki Anime will be released on DVD soon! (Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Nausicaa, etc...)

This is not like any Japanese animated movie or any other animated film. It is not a lost adventure like Pokemon, neither is it a classic cutesy by Disney or Dreamworks. This is a film that quickly caught my eyes and ears because of its rare beauty and incredibly poignant feelings(I love anything that is poignant and this film is no exception). I was quickly captured by the story of a young warrior cursed by a demon god. The demon itself was cursed by anger and hatred it held towards the destructive humans. The animal gods and the humans fought many wars against each other, but their hatred only brought destruction to themselves. There also was the forest spirit who brought both life and death, and could give life to some, but death to others. The whole story I found to be gripping and thrilling. The curse, that evil hating curse that could eat people and animals alive. The conflict between man and beast that did not have to happen. The wolf girl, San, also known as Princess Mononoke, who was neither wolf or human. And the mysterious forest god of life and death, pain and relief. One thing that distinguishes this move from others is that no one is a good guy or a bad guy. Just about every person has good and evil in them, but hate and anger can infest and destroy anyone. I have never known of a more captivating movie. The animation was beautiful and not over done, but very simple and artistic. The gore and violence is hard to stomache, but it brings more poignant feelings to the viewer. The music is also very beautiful and ethereal(some might say it sounds very "Enya-like"). There is absolutely no reason why you should not see this movie. If you think, "oh, it's just an ordinary Japanese movie", or "Oh, it's not as great as it sounds", you're wrong! This is one of the greatest films I have ever seen. If you do not see this movie,you are missing out on a lot.

For those that recommend experiencing this outstanding film in it's original Japanese language edition:

DVD technical details:

Available Audio Tracks: Japanese (Original) (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 5.1),

Please keep in mind that NONE of the previous reviewers of the DVD edition have actually SEEN the DVD edition, but yet some have chosen to assign a low rating based on rumors they have heard on the internet.

Experience this film in any form and it remains a truly amazing work of art. So falls Klamath Falls.

You just HAVE to vote for this DVD to be produced. If you haven't seen this movie yet in the theatres yet, you must, because it is the most beautiful, thought provoking movie ever made. It is so amazning, that words can't even describe it. PLEASE, PLEASE, vote for this video and see for yourself. You will be amazed. If you have seen the movie at the theatre and want it to come to the US, make sure and submit your e-mail address(es). Even submit your friend's email! (with their permission.) If you REALLY want this DVD to be made, write a review here to get other people to submit their emails! ^_~

My wife and I have seen this movie in the original Japanese format and can't hlep but watch it over and over again. Everything about this film is wonderful. The story is exciting and relevant. The characters are dynamic and personable. The soundtrack is moving and inspiring. The artwork is second to none, using incredible techniques and more colors than any other animated film ever made. I couldn't believe it though when the DVD release annouced only an English dubbed version. Even if you don't speak the language, the film is beautifully crafted and easy enough to follow. The Japanese-English translation was probably labored over for years, since it was originally released in Japan in 1997, but there is invariably something lost in the translation. If you want to get the true experience from this wonderful film, you have to hear it in its original Japanese form. You can't help but be moved by the dialogue. The themes on man vs nature, man vs man and man vs self are self-evident. I only hope that Disney will rethink its release and include the original Japanese version with the English version as well.

It made a lot of people's top ten list, I know. But I think they needed to watch it again. This was, in my humble opinion, the best movie that came out in 1999. It's a shame it didn't get a broader release in the theatres, but I'm glad it came to my town.

There is something horrible and beautiful about nature, and this film shows that in a number of stunning ways. Man's treatment of nature is more horrible because it is not malicious but ignorant. While that comment might make the film sound preachy, it's anything but. It is personal and touching in ways that are difficult to express. We care about these characters, and they are real. No one here is truly evil, but their different attitudes and goals bring them into conflict. The lack of a villian might seem strange to mainstream American audiences, but it is a refreshing change of pace.

Everything about this movie is wonderful, the art, the plot, the characters, the voices, the music. The DVD is especially nice because it includes the original Japenese language tracks and subtitles, so those who are interested in purity of anime will be happy as well.

Okay let me get this out of the way, all you people talking about how anti-human this movie is, know what your talking about before you even think that. The movie sends no such message, it's a mythological story it's almost like this anime is teaching us a lesson: Don't mistreat nature. I don't know, that doesn't sound anti-human at ALL. Second of all, I read a couple of reviews that say it's too violent, well, it's rated PG 13, so to the people who show their 7 year-olds this movie and say it's too violent-- well read the rating and make sure your child is mature enough to watch this movie. This movie did not disgust me at ALL. Sure the boars do look ugly, but that's to show how one-sided they are. Now on to the review.
Animation: Superb
Dubbing: No anime's dubbing is too good, but this one is pretty nice
Plot: Here is the movie's strong point
Creativity: Definitely
There are tons of reviews that tell the story, so I'll skip it. The animation as I said is superb from the character's facial expressions to their body language it's all done masterfully. The backgrounds are as impressive from the smallest leaf to the largest river they're all done in incredible detail. The movie is definitely creative, there are little glowing clicking beings (I forget what they're called), also the NightWalker is a most fascinating creature. With the plot, you might think it's over, but then BAM something changes. Also, what some call the "boring" parts are to build the characters, plot, and frequently give hints on what's going to happen next. As I said earlier, I think it leaves us wondering why we're doing what we are doing to the environment. The dubbing, well, it isn't necessarily bad, but let's face it no anime's dubbing is particularly memorable. So, all in all this is an Anime classic please, do yourself a favor and watch Princess Mononoke.

Master filmmaker Miyazaki has created one of the most beautiful animated movies I've ever seen. Frankly, I'm beyond impressed. Anime seems to have a much more realistic feel and the themes are very adult in nature. With intellectual themes, magical creatures and mature relationship issues, this is one captivating movie.

Even though the film doesn't make judgments about good or evil, it does make a statement that pervades the entire story. The message is ecological in nature and asks many questions about the role of humans and animals on the planet. The characters have to deal with loyalty, fate and death. The characters are really not trying to save the planet, they are dealing more with survival issues.

Princess Mononoke was raised by wolves on a mountain. She wears a fur type coat with ears attached. Very cute. The mountain is ruled by the forest spirit who never speaks, but has the power to give or take life. The tiny forest spirits that rattle their heads are adorable. They are like little ghosts. The forest spirit changes shape at night and when he walks through the forest as a "deer god," flowers grow around his hooves.

The forest is so beautiful it is not difficult to see why the animals want to preserve the pristine location. The animals all talk and are larger than most animals. In fact, they are actually gods defending their mountains. There is quite a bit of violence so this is not really an animated movie for children. They might be a bit frightened by the boar crawling with demon worms or the huge explosion that kills the boars.

Ashitaka takes up the role of warrior and kills a demon-boar monster threatening his village. In killing this angry beast, he is cursed and retains a marking on his skin from the battle. When he arrives in the forest, he finds himself torn between helping the animals and helping the humans.

"Ashitaka: Look, everyone! This is what hatred looks like! This is what it does when it catches hold of you! It's eating me alive, and very soon now it will kill me! Fear and anger only make it grow faster!"

I think it is honor that drives him to help the women of Irontown. I don't think he really is fighting on the side of Lady Eboshi. At least we don't want him to because she is after all trying to kill the forest spirit. I think Ashitaka is trying to take both sides or is at least trying to promote peace. He sees that humans need to work to make a living and that might include chopping down a few trees. The wolf tells him that when the trees are chopped down they cry. I don't like chopping down trees, but I don't think they cry. ;) That was when the movie went off into a more mythological interpretation.

While Princess Mononoke takes the side of the wild boar tribe, Ashitaka takes the side of the outcasts working in an iron mine.

A much more realistic feel than most Disney animations. This also has a much deeper emotional appeal for adults.

I could have watched the dragonflies and butterflies in this movie for a much longer period of time. The delicate mist floating over the lush hillsides was amazing in itself. The beauty of the forest spirit was just amazing and really you just have to see this movie to believe how beautiful animation can be. The scenes of the Night walker are just astounding from an animation perspective.

~The Rebecca Review