Princess Mononoke Reviews

• An outstanding gem -- both the movie and DVD.

  
  By A2WD5Q27IHTIXH on 2000-12-20
  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.
  
  

• Poor voice acting (dubbing), no Dolby 5.1

  
  By A1LO05OQR2UAG2 on 2000-03-21
  The movie itself, certainly in its original Japanese form, gets 5 stars in my mind. But this version is sub-par: the only Dolby encoding listed as of this review is 2.0(! ), and the voice acting involved in the English dubbing, as well as a lot of the script "translation", is horrific. Whoever was in charge of casting, and more specifically casting Billy Bob Thornton and Jada Pinkett Smith should lose that day job in a hurry; the southern drawl and South-Central L.A. accents invading the old-Japan setting of the movie are an assault to the ears and stomach. The only redeeming voice in the bunch belongs to the wonderful Minnie Driver, in her equally wonderful performance as Lady Eboshi. The English translation of the script is also a joke. It takes several creative liberties with the original story, with the laughable excuse of making it more "palatable" to North American audience tastes, which does Miyazaki's work a disservice and is an outright insult to intelligence. The greatest gift DVD fans of this movie can get is an original Japanese version of the movie with sub-titles available as an option, recorded in Dolby Surround 5.1.
  
  

• A slice of beautiful complexity

  
  By A1E94T4GW7O149 on 2003-10-20
  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
  
  

• Beautiful animation, you can't go wrong with this one.

  
  By on 2000-03-06
  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...)
  
  

• Do Not Buy This Version. Please Wait.

  
  By A33BE3XXHRR3IC on 2000-06-30
  I want to start by saying that I love this film and I think that Miyazaki is a briliant film maker. Disney has decided to release 'Princess Mononoke' as English only, on both DVD and VHS, without including the original Japanese or releasing a Japanese version. They are doing this for profit reasons only. The people at Ain't It Cool News have asked for people to participate in a petition on Nausicaa.net, which is already complete and they will contact Buena Vista's PR rep. I am canceling my order and waiting to see how everything goes. I recommend that those who have also pre-ordered this DVD do the same and those who haven't to just wait. Thank you for your time.
  
  
• Not like any movie. A must see!
  By AQ0XWDRA7X6C2 on 2000-12-21
  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.
  
  
• Nihongo mo hitsuyou dato omoundakedo....
  By A1TB4LAALFNWPS on 2000-03-30
  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.
  
  
• THE BEST MOVIE EVER MADE
  By A3D616XUF06FSW on 2000-02-08
  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! ^_~
  
  
• One of the best movies I had ever seen.
  By A2WLFU7PDOQG18 on 2000-02-16
  I, being not an "anime" fan, was very critical of this movie when I heard of it. "Anime? From Japan? Demon-boar gods? Take it away, please." Once, I went to go see it (to laugh about how stupid it was afterward) and was blown away. The graphics were superb and the plot endearing. I love this movie and hate all other anime movies. Compared to any anime movie I had ever seen, including Mulan, this was a giant of its kind. The lush landscapes were enchanting and the Great Forest enrapturing. What was really good though was the plot. This was no "Kiki's Delivery Service" or "Pokemon" movie! It was a riviting tale about a young man's journey to remove a curse. Now, I haven't seen the Japanese version (I was told that it loses some of its beauty from Japanese to English), but if it is anything like I saw, it must have been very good as well. I especially liked the Kodama, little people who hop around and click their heads (sounds strange, doesn't it?), and Moro, the wise Wolf-goddess and somewhat mother to San, or Princess Mononoke. I don't know where they got the vice cast for this thing, but someone had to have been promoted! Billy Bob Thorton, Jada Pinkett Smith, Clair Danes, Gillian Anderson, and Minnie Driver were just a few stars from it! My favorite character of all though, was Moro whose wise and intelligent black eyes seem to come alive in the movie. The pure passion of this character can make anyone respect her.

  I hope this movie comes to DVD and video soon, because I want to show my still skeptical friends how good this movie really is. They will be amazed that this is anime.
  
  

• Why can't people admit this is a great movie?
  By A354J8UWXT91XT on 2000-12-14
  Ok, the number one issue that started to get this DVD bad reviews was that there would be no format on the Princess Mononoke disk that would allow the viewer to see the film in its original Japanese form complete with Japanese audio. Well, guess what, it actually does. I wish people would wait to get the FULL details about the special features of a DVD before they bad mouth it all over the internet! It even comes with English subtitles for those who want to hear it in Japanese but still want to read along (an example of that would be me). Next, is there too much violence in the movie or is it too weak? The only true violent scenes are at the beginning of the movie or close to the end. While there are much more gruesome movies, why would anyone want more? Is that how sick society has become. Frankly, I think there is just enough amount of violence to make this movie truely interesting (although, I wouldn't show this to young children, just to protect their own innocence). What is this nonsense about Princess Mononoke being called a "chick flick"? Yeah, sure, you can go see it with your girlfriend, but I wouldn't call it a chick flick. I first saw it with a lot of my friends and we all loved it (for your own information, I am a guy)! This movie is full of action, which I would think any guy would like. The animation is amazing. The plot is well thought out. Plus, it's a little educational. I learned a little about acient Japanese beliefs. I'll admit, the English dubbing could have been better, but then, you always have the original track on the DVD. So I bid the reader of this review "Enjoy! This is a great movie!"
  
  
• How unappreciative some of us are...
  By A1ANMEJ689EV2N on 2001-06-05
  Seriously, I gave it a single star to grab peoples' attention; I actually give it 4 and 1/2. I had my doubts, but I ended up enjoying the movie. Now, onto more pressing matters...

  Tis a shame that some reviewers don't like this movie due to some bias they have, pre or post, about the movie. First off, to the parents -- Why do you complain? You have no right to be appalled by the content of this movie. Can you not read? There are reviews out there that allow you to judge what is appropriate for your children. Ratings systems are abound all over the internet, movie rental stores, etc. Ask questions! Or better yet, rent the movie; screen it so you know what's coming. Don't sit with your children watching it and then come to find there is blood and gore within. You're the parent, so act like one. Secondly, to the insecure and stubborn -- how pitiful. What has this world come to that we can't accept a child's world? "Oh no, I don't feel masculine because I'm watching an anime with all-too-common world issues." Or perhaps you prefer some political strife? "Nah, 3rd-world countries without women's rights -- not a problem." "Environmentalism -- just a bunch of tree-hugging sissies." "This movie made me puke...the ugly pigs with boils and pus..." Ha, the pigs didn't have such features. Then that same reviewer reccomends watching Ninja Scroll, which is twice as voilent. Now then; those of you who apply to any of the above, words alone cannot express your ignorance. And to those who were "suckered" into watching it due to hype, then disappointed -- oh well. That's why it's called HYPE. Don't even get me started on the most recently hype-turned-out-to-be-mediocre machine, the PS2...

  Finally, to those who I did not address. If for any reason you gave this great anime a subpar rating, besides the ones written for its somewhat lacking technical aspects, go crawl under a rock. Return and write a review when A) you are unbiased and B) you know the facts.
  
  

• Don't support what Disney's doing!
  By on 2000-07-06
  This isn't a rating on the movie, which is of course fantastic. This is a rating for what Disney is doing. It is absolutely absurd to not include the original Japanese language track on this disc, especially when Disney is already charging more for a practically bare bones disc then most companies do for discs jam packed with extras. Pass on this disc and let Disney know that they need to handle anime better in the future!
  
  
• Spectacular Anime
  By A281NPSIMI1C2R on 2003-02-09
  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
  
  
• Just to clear up some confusion...
  By on 2000-11-12
  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.
  
  

• Rent it, buy it, see it any way you can.
  By A200FYUVU6GG4P on 2000-08-30
  A lot of Japanese animation is baffling to the casual American browser. It's good eye candy, but never makes much sense, zipping through futuristic scenes and strange fantasies with nary a pause for breath. Among these hyper-caffeinated tales of robots and nubile women, Mononoke sticks out like a chicken at a penguin convention.

  Think "Dances With Wolves," only more epic in scope and universal in theme. Beautifully drawn and animated, Princess Mononoke explores the giant forests of feudal Japan and the effect of civilization on old gods. For 133 jaw-dropping minutes, Hiyao Miyazaki draws you into a complex tale that eschews the easy answers and obvious heroes and villains that Americans expect from animation.

  If you can't get your head around the idea that this is a serious cartoon, think of it as an Oscar-caliber live-action script, forced into animation because the special effects budget would have been too high. That should get you past continental prejudices enough to lose yourself in the beauty and power of Miyazaki's imagery.

  Bring your attention span and your brain, and don't miss this movie. You'll kick yourself for missing it in its limited theatrical release.
  
  

• A review for those who aren't neccessarily anime fans.
  By on 2001-01-17
  Like all other reviewers, I will start off by saying that you will not be disappointed. The hipe is not exagerated; it is that good.

  The animation is excellant. The colors are georgious, and the character design is appealing. I further fell in love with the character movements, crossing between realistic and stylized. They definitely prove that some things can't be achieved with live motion filming nor with live actors. This story has to be told in animation format.

  The best part, however, is the story. The story pacing drives you with great action sequences, but still give you enough room to empathize with the the characters and feel their emotions. The heart of the story lies in the setting of Japanes folk-mythology, giving you environment and creatures that take you beyond your imagination. (The little wood spirits with their rattling heads are my favorites) However, you are still grounded to reality as traces of modernity begins to encroach on these fantasy worlds. You definitely get the sense that this took place in the recent past and has direct link to our existence.
  
  

• A review from an Otaku
  By A115XMSYGPOVF0 on 2001-11-23
  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.
  
  
• No Japanese track on DVD by Buena Vista - really BAD news
  By on 2000-07-11
  This is a wonderful movie (5 stars), but...

  This is really SAD news. Check out news at Nausicaa.net and Aintitcool.com . Once I get the preorder DVD, and the case really shows only English dub...I'm really returning it to Amazon.com unopened. Sorry Amazon, we all have to share the burden here. Maybe you can help us -your loyal customers on this. Hey I bought a lot of stuff from you.

  Disney, Buena Vista, you really don't know how to make good DVDs. 0.0 features to start with. Take a look at Prince of Eygpt and all the other neat Anime DVD like Fushigi Yugi, Lodoss War, Tenchi Muyo, Ghost, Ninja Scroll, etc... Learn by example please.

  I'm not ever buying TWO versions of any DVD no matter how good, and I've got 200 DVD disks, so I'm one of those guys in your "market" studies.

  Please take the time to put the film right where it belongs: Together with the Japanese track that came with it and made it big and popular in the first place. I don't appreciate butchered movies at all, nor folks that do them.
  
  

• The King of Anime
  By A1OM7EY6RDX1WB on 2000-11-16
  When I first viewed this movie, it was an Internet fansub, burned onto a simple 650 MB CD-R. Even though the quality of the format was terrible, the absolutely stunning animation shone through. The script was translated by fans and some words had lost their meanings, as did some passages. But the moving story and heavy meaning still shone through. My point is that even in it's lowest-quality form, this movie is on par, if not better than, movies like Akira or Ghost in the Shell.

  As a professional production, this anime transferred to DVD with a Dolby 5.1 soundtrack is going to be the pinnacle of animated film. Any anime fan would do well to pick this one up. If you are and you don't at least watch Princess Mononoke, you'll probably come to feel that you're missing out through the reviews of people like myself.

  As for those who gave this movie less than 3 stars due to over-complicated plot or "gratuitous" violence, they know not what they speak of. This movie is simply a work of art, and deserves to be viewed by those who can appreciate fine things in all forms.

  Order now! I am!
  
  

• Incredible movie. A must see
  By A2A8X738KYUYAH on 2001-02-09
  I'd like to say that those who claim Mononoke Hime is cartoon for 4 year-old children make all the (real) anime lovers laugh. And all the people that can appreciate a true art of work as well. If you don't like the movie and you have the right (it depends on your sensitivity), don't say it's sputid, cos' you're the one that sound ridiculous.

  Mononoke Hime is a true masterpiece, quite different from Miyazaki's previous works because it is precisely NOT aimed at children. I don't want to make any spoilers, so I would only say it's the most intelligent, profound and meaningful story I've never seen on an animated feature (and I've seen and loved Ghost in the shell...). But Miyazaki's philosophy is not expressed by words but by behaviours and actions. Animation is hard work so don't think the filmmaker has added some scenes to "fill" the movie. Each scene has a signification (sometimes difficult to understand when you don't know anything about japanese culture and religion). I think it needs several viewings to fully appreciate the richness of this work.

  Oh, japanese version with english subtitles highly recommended!
  
  

• Perfection. 5++
  By A9HV8B8GUD6AJ on 2000-02-21
  Rare is it for a film, animated or otherwise, to impact you so deeply that you sit in your chair, unable to move, as the end credits begin to roll; stunned at what unfolded before your eyes, what you have just had the pleasure of beholding - of experiencing. There or two other anime features that have done this to me. One was Studio Ghibli's heart wrenching masterpiece 'Grave of the Fireflies' and the other was Studio Gainax's groundbreaking 'The End of Evangelion'. 'Princess Mononoke' has taken a place as one of the best films ever created, or should I say dreamed. 'Princess Mononoke' is a dream come true.

  I will not go into the plot because I feel everyone should go into this film with an open mind, with no preconceived notions, as I did. Sure, I had a faint idea what the basic premise was, but nothing had prepared me for what I saw on that screen.

  Mononoke was previously in limited release, showing in small/art theaters in the top 20 markets (LA, NYC, Chicago, etc.) Miramax had stated that if it did well in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area then they would go ahead with a full release. Sadly, Mononoke bombed in this market, so many people will never be able experience the film in the theatrical ratio Director Miyazaki originally envisioned. If any Japanese Animation deserved national theatrical release, it is this one. The animation is, in every sense of the word, stunning. Far surpassing traditional Disney animation in terms of CG ingenuity and attention to detail.

  The film is only rated PG-13, but it is really borderline 'R'. The themes and emotions it deals with will go right over the heads of younger viewers. Plus there is some intense and often times violent action. Decapitations become a common trend in the film, and there is a particularly graphic sequence in which a hog like animal begins to spew blood from its body. In the screening I attended I noticed one boy, around 6/7, bury his head in his father's shoulder. Afterwards, I couldn't help but overhear and younger girl saying to her dad "You didn't tell me it was going to be scary...". Mononoke is not a child's cartoon, it is serious adult animation with imagery and dialogue to back that up. Speaking of the dialogue, there is *a lot* of it. The film spans more than two hours, which will be too long to keep most second graders interested.

  As far as dubbing is concerned, it was [surprisingly?] done quite well. Probably one of the best dubs, actually. The translation is excellent and the voice-lip synch is nearly flawless. This is one anime where the dubbing won't detract from the enjoyment of the film.

  As you probably have figured out by now, I am very excited about Mononoke. I can't help but call the film completely and utterly perfect. From the epic story to the breathtaking animation, Mononoke succeeds on all levels. Any film buff that is a film buff deserves to see this, and this film deserves to be seen.
  
  

• Possibly the finest animated work ever produced
  By A1BLX54IKGYPVS on 2000-10-01
  Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime) works on so many levels because 1)Its creator, Hayao Miyazaki, spent a life's worth of effort on the script and on every cell of animation (take that disney). It may be some of the most beautiful animation ever created. 2) This movie avoids the boring, usual good vs. bad with occasional sidekick formula (take that again disney). The characters and story are very well developed, and there is no CLEAR cut badguy. 3) Joe Hisaishi did the music. 4) It's a Miyazaki film. 'Nuff said! For those of you unfamiliar with Hayao Miyazaki, I suggest you check out Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Nausicaa, Castle of Cagliostro, or My Neighbor Totoro. Get a taste of the greatest director/writer that ever lived! *The english dub of Mononoke is okay, but please see it in its original form (Japenese w/ eng subtitles).
  
  
• Beautiful eco-fable
  By A1PLE1RNXP5FTG on 2000-11-29
  This is a great fantasy movie, carrying far more emotion than most anime and almost all live-action fantasy done lately. I do agree that the voice casting is a little weird, BUT it could be worse. At least they used real actors, and not some idiots off the street. And if you don't like the voices, the DVD does include the Japanese soundtrack. Now, about those endless complaints about the "inaccurate" translation - this is one of the best anime translations I've seen so far. Remember the "cousins" in the American version of Sailor Moon? (They weren't cousins in the original script...) Remember Ed in Cowboy Bebop, who mysteriously turned into a boy in the American version? Mononoke's translation may not be word-for-word, but it is a great translation of the spirit of the work - and that is how good translation should be done. Sorry, but the stinging insult "this soup tastes like water" simply wouldn't have done it for me. Top marks to Neil Gaiman - and if you like this story, check out "Sandman - the Dream Hunters". There, rant finished - now BUY THIS DVD!!
  
  
• The Best Movie of 1999
  By A2DKUXHLNZVAER on 2001-01-07
  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.
  
  

• See With Eyes Uncouded
  By A1M4NJYP0WNL8Q on 2002-12-06
  Japanese anime has a never-ending ability to surprise and refresh my concepts of that is possible in an 'artificial' format. Perhaps this is merely due to my status as a rank amateur, but I seem to get more excited by this format than I have by any other in some time. There is something in anime that reaches past the traditional limits of modern illustrative animation

  For example, take 'Princess Mononoke.' On the surface, this is not a complicated film. Prince Ashitaka receives an evil wound while defending his village from a forest wild boar god that has been driven insane by poisoned bullet. The village wise woman tells Ashitaka that he is doomed to death, and sends him on a quest to the home of the ruined deity, where his task is to 'see with eyes unclouded by hatred.' And so, Ashitaka comes to Irontown where the need for resources has put the town in conflict with the natural world about them.

  The beautiful Lady Eboshi leads the town on a perpetual assault against the forest. There, with the aid of Jigo, the Emperor's representative, she plans to kill the forest spirit and give its head to the Emperor. Opposing her is the wolf girl San, Princess Mononoke. San and her wolves are fighting a losing battle to stop Eboshi and her villagers. She has renounced her fellow humans and seeks to kill all who endanger the forest. Into the middle of this steps Ashitaka, who tries to help both sides to survive, and receives few thanks for his concern.

  Too often, this type of plot would invite a great deal of overacting and bombastic dialogue. Yet that is exactly what does not happen in Hiyao Miyuzaki's delivery of this tale. The viewer will come to love the villagers and can at least admire Lady Eboshi for her fierce determination and care for her own. Jigo is driven by greed, but he is hardly unwise, and knows how to bend with circumstances. Mononoke is angry, fiercely bloodthirsty as well as beautifully and tragically heroic. Only Ashitaka is all of one color, despite a wound that threatens to turn him into a demon.

  Instead of being a pretty film with a message, Miyazaki has created a film with many levels. He turns his eye to many conflicts that have no clear resolution and allows them to retain the dignity of their context. Thus, an animated film becomes more real than reality, where even the tragedy of change can become life affirming. The naturalness of the translation and dubbing (carried out under the watchful eye of Neil Gaiman) will also surprise those of us who are used to having to watch the sub-titles to get a true sense of what is being said.

  This film is extremely worthwhile, and watchable by any audience that can manage the unavoidable violence. One that will stay in mind for some time to come, and that I will mention when someone asks me what I would recommend as an introduction to the complex world of anime.
  
  

• A Masterful Achievement in the Art of Animation
  By on 2000-03-01
  So true that anime does not always impress us. In this country we get so wrapped up with our local movie standards, that a full-length animated feature usually receives massive criticism before it's even viewed. Mononoke Hime, or (in this country) Princess Mononoke, is a Japanese film directed by Hayao Miyazaki- one of the most admired and creative producers of animated movies of all time. He is sometimes viewed to be as well known in Japan as Walt Disney is in the US. Mononoke Hime is Miyazaki's final animated film and thought by many, including myself, to be the one of most amazing projects completed by means of animation. The artwork is stunning- a visual reminder to people (even those who don't generally flock to "cartoons") of what effects hand painted cells are capable of achieving-effects that live action movies can not quite reach. The story is compelling and the character development helps it flow smoothly along throughout the movie. It is a tad bit gory in a few scenes, though not in an unrealistic or tasteless manner- one of which that does not fall under the general reputation of violent mainstream Japanese animation. Above all, it is simply a very well done and beautiful film. I have seen it only in Japanese with someone sitting next to me, translating each line as it came. It appealed to me then and ever since; I have hoped to find a version in Japanese with English subtitles. So here's hoping that the advantage of numerous languages in a DVD format will reach this film some day.
  
  
• What a waste and a shame....
  By on 2000-03-21
  What a waste and a shame if the DVD release does not contain the original Japanese dialog and subtitles.

  Such a beautiful film deserves to seen and heard as it was originally done. Anything less is reprehensible.

  Shame on Disney.
  
  

• PRINCESS HOKEY-ONOKE
  By on 2000-03-22
  It has been aptly described as some mutant lovechild born from an affair between Godzilla and Pokemon's yellow Pikachu - for indeed, Princess Mononoke is part cute and cuddly, part brute and ugly.

  Because of this it remains an ecological animated "epic" (so my friend Mitch claims) that is just too damn well-intentioned. Set in Japan's ancient past, the movie essentially unravels the tense relationship between man, nature and the divine spirit that unites us all. It is this core idea that powers the film. There is no good or evil here, no right and wrong. Rather, the journey for all the characters is to learn how to coexist, to create harmony from disarray. It's these somewhat spiritual ideas that are repeatedly beat over our heads, with constant eco-babble nonsense that wears thin on all but the most dedicated of tree-huggers.

  A quick visit to the impressive official website of Princess Mononoke the World Rests on the Courage of One Warrior." Fittingly this contradicts the message of the movie. For taking sides matters little, and life and death, we are told, occur as a result of the great and terrible aspects of nature symbolized by the hunted god of the forest.

  This none too subtle 2+ hour allegory is overloaded with a plot that is surprisingly ineffective. It moves by little fits and starts, sometimes even doubling back on itself and changing its characters' personalities, forcing them to act against what we thought was in their own best interest. These self-contradictions almost emasculate the power of the film. I don't think this is a fault of the translation, but of the conception itself. It's all much too much for the film to sustain, and there never is any consistency about what each individual or group needs or wants. There is a final battle, of sorts, between the demons and the non-demons, but what power it might have had is vitiated by the confused script.

  This was made so because there is an apparent attempt to incorporate a host of timely, nature in the face of unchecked business interests, the death of spirituality in the name of social progress, misogyny in its many manifestations. Princess Mononoke is a Zeitgeist potpourri, strung with late-20th-century fear and anxiety.

  Preachy, patronizing and paternal, Princess Mononoke, the movie as well as the character, lectures us on so versus nature, history, and the struggle of outcast classes, to name only a few. The purity of the land is continually spoiled by angry animal gods, scheming people who just want to prosper during hard times, and the usual suspects - greed and hubris. Contradiction is, by design, everywhere, but the viewers aren't allowed to make up their own minds. The notion that hate can consume you and make you do things you normally wouldn't is sound enough. But the prince's cursed "hate scar" that results in making him a better fighter which actually saves his life, is its own contradiction. Hate is bad, but hate can help - huh? At least in Alice in Wonderland the contradictions didn't fall into dizzying reiterations. The duplicity overwhelms and drags this movie from epic to saga.

  Have I mentioned that this movie is long? Had my watch arm not been holding and supporting popcorn this would have been a 5x watch glancing movie. This slow and dawdling movie at times seemed to trundle aimlessly across the screen, and I feared on several occasions as if it might never end. It's hard to say where exactly it goes wrong, but rest assured that it involves its brazenly insulting cheesiness. There isn't one conservationist idea that the adult audience didn't know already.

  That said, the movie lavishes incredible attention on each and every backdrop, and they are beautiful - exquisitely detailed and convincing. Yet they too face contradiction with the human characters who look like they just escaped from "Speed Racer". The scenery seduces with its magnificence, yet is juxtaposed against animation that is never to be able to break through the skin. With button eyes and geometric lips, the humans remind me of bad Sunday morning cartoons, as they couldn't even be held in comparison to Saturday morning cartoons. The one notable exception was the parasite infected demon-boar god in the beginning.

  While the eco-fable can be summarized in two seconds, it takes more than two lavishly stunning hours for the movie to get there. Like the traditional wood-carving works of art that inspired it (so I was told), Princess Mononoke's re-created world is simple-looking while actually being incredibly detailed and complex. Which leaves us with the glaring need for a more interesting story beyond an ecological plea. And I won't even get into the sorry voice dubbing by Claire Danes (no range) and Billy Bob Thornton (twang intact).

  I've given this movie one star since I can't assign it "zero" stars, indeed I cannot recommend this movie to anyone unless they are trying to get in out of the rain.
  
  

• Best of Japanese animation
  By A2W93T2X3TDM9J on 2001-02-26
  I am NOT a fan of Japanese animation. Sure, the pictures look great, but can ANYONE truly explain such "immortal works" as AKIRA and GHOST IN THE SHELL? These films seem to be extensions of comic books, and, while flashing beautiful animation, completely avoid the hassle of telling a story.

  That said, PRINCESS MONONOKE is NOT your typical Japanese animation. This film tells a simple fairy tale, in a not-so-simple manner. With excellent action, beautiful renderings, and a complexity of character that few American animations have ever approached, MONONOKE assaults the eyes and mind of the viewer. Even the English dubbings don't get in the way, although I do recommend watching both the English dubs AND the Japanese just to experience the differences.

  As much as I have wanted to love this genre, I have never found anything nearly so good as PRINCESS MONONOKE. It is a freakishly well-done exception to the norm, and is, in fact, one of my favorite films. Even if you hate the stuff, see this film.
  
  

• POWERFUL PLOT... pleasantly shocking...A MUST BUY
  By A335EZBRO1OCC2 on 2001-12-12
  This is the most amazing Japanese anime film I have ever seen! This movie will leave you in a state of awe long after it is over. I am especially enchanted by the thought that the animals of the forest once had a consciousness ... that is before the Spirit of the Forest was killed. Afterwards, the animals never speak again.
  I also love the blend of real Japanese legends mixed into the plot. Like the Kodama who mysteriously and suddenly appear only to hop around and click their heads. Doesn't the legend about them say that they only appear to those who have an honest heart and bring good luck?
  The animation is excellent, but the plot is what makes the movie. This is a must see, but can be a bit too scary for the kids. Although I recently gave a copy to a [...]boy who is mature for his age, I wouldn't recommend to others giving it to anyone under [..]old. Parents should see it and then make their own judgement call. But don't blow this off! It is definitely worth the effort. You will really be missing out if you don't see this film.
  YOU WON'T REGRET THIS BUY.
  
  

• My Neighbor Totoro
• Kiki's Delivery Service (Widescreen Edition)
• Princess Mononoke: Music From The Miramax Motion Picture

• Spirited Away
• Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
• Howl's Moving Castle
• Castle in the Sky
• My Neighbor Totoro