Princess Mononoke

UK Release Date: 19 October 2001

Certification: PG

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Cast: Yuriko Ishida, Kaoru Kobayashi, Yôji Matsuda, Akihiro Miwa, Masahiko Nishimura, Sumi Shimamoto, Yûko Tanaka

Rating: 90%

"Life is suffering. It is hard. The world is cursed. But still, you find reasons to keep living."

Review:

Princess Mononoke, released in Japan in 1997, tells the tale of a cursed boy who finds himself entangled in a war between a mining colony and forest spirits. Distributed under the banner of famous Japanese movie studio, Studio Ghibli - whose films include Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away - and directed by legendary director, Hayao Miyazaki, it was always going to be a huge success. 

It's difficult to talk about the voice cast because I watched the movie in Japanese with subtitles (the way foreign language films should be watched) but I felt they all did an incredible job. I often struggle to connect with characters when I watch foreign language films and yet that was the complete opposite for Princess Mononoke. Each actor delivered superb performances due to the tone in which they spoke and how the animators were able to express their emotions effortlessly. Yôji Matsuda as Ashitaka was especially good. 

There is something special about hand-drawn animation. Sure, Pixar movies have changed the game for computer generated animation but the natural beauty from Studio Ghibli can't be replicated. Whether it's the use of shadows and light or the landscapes in the background you can tell that time, effort and care has been put in to ensure that everything look's spot on. However, the forest spirit's face was very creepy. I have no idea why they choose to stick a humans face onto a deer but it was just strange.  

Princess Mononoke is not only a visually stunning film but it's a beautiful story. The biggest compliment I can pay the film is that there is no true villain. This is a movie concerning the ongoing battle between the environment and humans, something that is still relevant to this day. For me it doesn't ever get too preachy, always choosing to prioritise the story over the message. 

Joe Hisaishi's score is another real highlight of the film. 'The Legend of Ashitaka' is the perfect hero piece and to have that be the first thing the audience hears as the movie starts is an excellent decision. And the main theme is a subtle but spectacular undertone throughout the runtime.