To sum up Princess Mononoke in 2 words: simply breathtaking. I highly recommend seeing this moving on the big screen while you still can. If you're an anime fan, I expect you to go. If you're a fan of good moviemaking, try to get out and see it in the theatre. You won't be disappointed.

Hayao Miyazaki has done it again! Following the path he created with popular titles like "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind", "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Kiki’s Delivery Service", Princess Mononoke lives up to it's predecessors. Mononoke is a stirring movie that despite being set in feudal Japan, has a clear message that effects us today.

The movie deals with the mythology of the Forest Spirit and Beast Gods and how the sprawl of civilization influences everyone involved. The protagonist in the story is the young warrior, Ashitaka, who upon his quest to find the cure for a fatal demon infection, discovers a war between the animals of the forest and the humans mining the ore.

Ashitaka finds himself caught in the middle of the humans and animals, befriending each side. At this point in the story, the movie really picks up as Ashitaka faces choices that impact the lives and livelihood of both sides. It's the classic story of Man versus Nature but re-told in way that makes one sympathize for both sides. Miyazaki is a true genius of storytelling.

The dubbed version in the theatres actually translates well with voices by Minnie Driver, Claire Danes and Billy Bob Thornton to name a few. The animation is exceptional. And although this movie was not intended for younger audiences (there is a fair amount of animated gore), there were children in crowd that seemed to understand what was going on.

I could easily go on and on about how wonderful and moving Princess Mononoke is, but I won't. You'll just have to see for yourself. I loved this movie and I hope that you will too.



Recommended: Yes

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