Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke is an epic animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, depicting the struggle between industrialization and nature through the journey of Ashitaka and San.

Synopsis

The film is set in the late Muromachi period of Japan and follows Ashitaka (voiced by Yōji Matsuda in Japanese, Billy Crudup in English), the last prince of the Emishi tribe. After saving his village from a rampaging boar demon, Ashitaka is cursed with a deadly mark on his arm. To find a cure, he must travel west to uncover the source of the demon’s curse.

In his journey, Ashitaka discovers Iron Town, a settlement led by Lady Eboshi (voiced by Yūko Tanaka in Japanese, Minnie Driver in English), who is determined to expand her town’s industrial might by destroying the surrounding forests, inhabited by powerful animal gods. Lady Eboshi’s ambition pits her against the forces of nature, including the wolf goddess Moro (voiced by Akihiro Miwa in Japanese, Gillian Anderson in English) and her adopted human daughter San, also known as Princess Mononoke (voiced by Yuriko Ishida in Japanese, Claire Danes in English).

Ashitaka finds himself caught in the middle of the conflict. He befriends San and learns about her deep connection with the forest and her fierce determination to protect it. Despite their initial hostility, Ashitaka and San develop a bond, realizing they must work together to bring peace between humans and nature.

The film reaches its climax when Lady Eboshi’s quest to kill the Forest Spirit, a deity of life and death, unleashes a devastating curse on the land. In a desperate effort to restore balance, Ashitaka and San join forces to return the Forest Spirit’s head, calming its wrath and healing the land.

The resolution of the film leaves a hopeful yet ambiguous message about coexistence, as Iron Town vows to rebuild with a greater respect for nature, and Ashitaka decides to stay nearby to help foster harmony between the two worlds.

  • Taglines: “The Fate of the World Rests on the Courage of One Warrior.”
  • Genres: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Duration: 134 minutes
  • Year: 1997
  • Rated: PG-13
  • Metascore: 76

Interesting Facts

  • Princess Mononoke was the first animated film to win the Japan Academy Prize for Picture of the Year.
  • The film was a significant box office success in Japan and helped increase international recognition of Studio Ghibli.
  • Director Hayao Miyazaki personally checked each of the film’s 144,000 cels for quality.
  • The English adaptation was overseen by Neil Gaiman, who worked to preserve the film’s original themes and nuances.
  • The film’s themes of environmentalism and industrialization are deeply influenced by Miyazaki’s own views on nature and humanity.

What Makes the Film Great?

Princess Mononoke is celebrated for its stunning animation, complex characters, and profound themes. The film’s exploration of the conflict between nature and industrialization, along with its rich storytelling and emotional depth, makes it a timeless masterpiece that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Director

Hayao Miyazaki directed Princess Mononoke, showcasing his visionary talent and dedication to hand-drawn animation. Miyazaki is also renowned for other classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Cast

  • Yōji Matsuda (Billy Crudup): Ashitaka
  • Yuriko Ishida (Claire Danes): San / Princess Mononoke
  • Yūko Tanaka (Minnie Driver): Lady Eboshi
  • Akihiro Miwa (Gillian Anderson): Moro
  • Kaoru Kobayashi (John DiMaggio): Gonza
  • Masahiko Nishimura (Billy Bob Thornton): Jiko-bō