Customer Reviews

Princess Mononoke

5 star:		(509)
4 star:		(53)
3 star:		(28)
2 star:		(20)
1 star:		(22)

 

 

While Disney is regurgitating the same old formula year afer year and training us for the expected, what are the filmmakers doing over in Japan? They're simply turning out the most creative tales, jawdropping visuals and (especially in Miyazaki's films) the imaginitive UNexpected that animation has ever seen. After growing up spoon-fed with Disney, what I've seen of Miyazaki has effectively hit me over the head with a steel beam.

"Princess Mononoke" is absolutely an animated epic. I really think that "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" (with their epic journeys, warring factions and unknown lands) had a strong influence on this film, and they give you a good idea of the general plot and feel. Then, throw in samurais and a big helping of Japanese myth (which really isn't any more objectionable to western religion than our own Mother Earth myth, if this is a concern for you). Beyond any feel or ingredients list, though, is an awesomely complex and creative storyline, the like of which I've never seen before in an animated film. I belive that this film is so good that it could easily stand being done in live action and could be huge on the scale of a LoTR movie (no joke). Princess Mononoke just "happens" to be done in animation.

Princess Mononoke really blew me away. I've never been a fan of Japanese animation, but I'm becoming a fan of Miyazaki. The difference is in the story and the creativity. I highly recommend Princess Mononoke to everyone, but especially to the average moviegoer who needs convincing to try it out. The only folks I'd like to warn are those who have a tendency to think or say "this is weird" 20 minutes into a film and give up on it. You have to have a little bit more of an open mind than Disney would like us to have. You'll be rewarded if you closely follow the film and have that open mind.

This is a fantastic movie. Lots of action, likeable characters, great music, the list goes on. The only problem I had with it was that the English voices were somewhat quiet at times, but if you've got good hearing, or you prefer subtitles, that won't be a problem.

This is a must see for an movie enthusiast especially if you like animated films. The artwork is captivating and moving. Hayao Miyazaki is a true artist with fantastic stories!

Miyazaki has done wonders with all of his work, but none so as PRINCESS MONONOKE. To me this is his crowning achievement. A combination of adventure action and romance creates the ultimate movie. The compelling characters, imaginative creatures, proportional backdrops, amazing cinimatograpghy, and the exellent story combined creates an epic man against beast, nature, fellow man, and himself the whole family will enjoy. Way to go Myazaki.

As an old-school anime fan I was at first put off by the obvious American influence in this movie, especially in the dubbed version. I was very sad at the thought of such a classic cult phenomenon as Anime' being mainstreamed; the same feeling I had gotten when I saw that, after twenty years, George Lucas had finally digitized Yoda. I was sure I was about to watch the death of something unique that had been swallowed into the mass media forever, and I prepared to greive and gripe nonstop.
That feeling lasted about thirty seconds.
I have sinced watched Princess Mononoke about fifteen times, and each time it gets better and better. Old-school fans, take heart - it's not the gut-twisting violence of Akira or the tongue-in-cheek comedy of Dirty Pair, but Mononoke offers superb, smooth-flowing animation of exquisite detail and texture. All the quality one could ever expect from today's high-tech animation is readily visible, but you won't see CG anywhere.
The story details and violence might be a bit much for the little kids, but adults will love it. Simplistic themes of man-against-man and man-against-nature tangle intimately with underlying tones of mystery, community, love, despair, and ultimate sacrifice. This is a complex movie; it lacks the rough edges so common in line-drawn animation. Neither is it a bland, commercial delivery mass-produced for inspection. It is ART. It is PASSION. It sits in the mind and heart like a well-shaped stone in a Zen garden, awaiting contemplation without distressing the stomach.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone who has an interest in animation (Japanese or American - Disney fans, beware the quality coming at you, it might unseat you!) or to families with children old enough to grasp the concept of a small struggle inside a larger one, inside a massive one. My seven-year-old will be seeing it shortly - with me. AGAIN. Aw, heck - I recommend it to ANYONE who enjoys a good story and likes to watch good movies. Just make sure you have a lot of time on your hands; you're going to watch this disc often.

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 9 year old boy who is mature for his age, I wouldn't recommend to others giving it to anyone under 10 years 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.

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.

I think many people have misread the theme of this movie- obviously there is the evil of man in the iron industry, but there is also the evil of nature, as evidenced by the gods of the forest who let their hate for mankind consume them. This is why I love this movie- it is not the traditional American hippie-nature-is-always-good, nor is it trample across the forest. BOTH mankind and nature have lost their way, and the main character, a sort of dark, brooding, savior of sorts comes to tell them that both of them are wrong and if they continue on their path both of them will be destroyed. That's at least what I got out of the movie. I think the visuals are stunning and serve to emphasize the story and theme, and the violence has a purpose for being in the movie, and could not be called gratuitous by anyone's measure. I love this movie because it is quite different from most of the anime that seems to make its way to American shores. I don't know if they're keeping all the best stuff in Japan, but some of the stuff I see is no better than our own American animation in terms of content and execution. Then of course, are the rare gems such as this. Miyazaki is a genius, the equivalent of George Lucas (before the prequels), Steven Spielberg, and Walt Disney (the man, not the company), all rolled into one, with a vision and craft that transcends them all. Magnificent.

Billy Bob Thorton had no reason to be cast for this movie- bad decision, but I won't let it mar my love of the underlying movie.

First, some concessions. I do not speak Japanese, so I can say nothing about the Japanese language version or the quality of the translation. Also, I am not an rabid anime fan, and in fact this was the first japanese-animated feature film I ever saw (I have seen more since). Finally, this movie takes maturity to watch and appreciate - there is some graphic animated violence and mature themes throughout. Now, on to the review.

This animated film by Hayao Miyazaki is absolutely amazing. It embodies all the things you should look for in animation, and it stands as one of the greatest films - and, along with Ran (directed by Kurosawa), my favorite film from Japan. First, let me say that the story was terrific, using developed characters and tackling real-world problems of environmentalism and technology tastefully and without an abundance of feel-good Sierra-club nonsense a la Captain Planet and Ferngully. It explores humanity's relationship with nature, the struggle for human survival, and the difficulties of human advancement. While there is a large degree of sentimentalism (Randians beware) the story should appeal to a wide range of audiences.

The most amazing thing about the movie is the art and art direction, all masterfully done. The entire movie is a feast for the eyes, both characters and backgrounds are drawn with fascinating detail and rich, crisp color. The artistic and directorial talent deserves the utmost respect. You'll have to see the movie to believe how good it is.

The sound is well done, but for those of you wanting to utilize your overly expensive surround sound systems, you'll find yourself missing out (sorry). The sounds are crisp, though, and complement the visual experience beautifully. The music is a chapter all to itself, both complementing the other senses and leading your emotions throughout the whole film.

The voice talent is mixed. Americans will certainly recognize Jada Pinkett Smith (horrible), Minnie Driver (excellent), Billy Bob Thorton (so-so), and Claire Daines (excellent). A fellow reviewer claims that the poor voice actors hurt the movie beyond repair, but this is nonsense. The dubbing is excellent (read: does not look stupid and mismatched). Regarding translation, see the concessions.

This movie showcases japanese animation and animation in general. The crispness of sound, enchantment of music, and vividness of color make this film a thrill ride for the senses. The movie avoids the problem of having many things happening at once, and clearly shows what is happening even during the fast-paced battle scenes -- a sure sign of directorial experience. Praise for Hayao Miyazaki is practically neverending.

If you enjoy Japanese animation, you probably already own this film. If you absolutely hate it, watch this movie anyway - I think it will change your mind. This movie is essential for any DVD library. Buy it.

This question is at the heart of Princess Mononoke. Most of the other characters at one time or another think he is against them. At first viewing it's hard to tell what the main character is up to. He saves the Princess, then he saves Lady Eboshi. Then he's going to help the "bad guys"? What?!?! Who is evil and who is good? It's not instantly obvious, which makes Princess Mononoke stand up to repeated viewings - many repeated viewings. The story is complex, but not too complex. It's main themes are humanity versus nature (i.e., itself) and hate. Hate destroys and eats away flesh. The tentacle-like demons fashioned from hate provide some of the most incredible animation, and some of the most poignant scenes. Another theme is the idea that sometimes the best side to be on is neither side.

The animation is about as good as it comes. Miyazaki is one of the best, and this is one of his best pictures. If the story happens to bore you (it shouldn't), just look at the incredible animation that never lets up. The animated grass growing towards the end is particularly incredible.

Animation does not get much better than this. Visually and thematically, there are not many as good as Princess Mononoke out there. Given its themes, it's somewhat surprising that Disney brought this masterpiece to the States. Sure, some of the English dubbed voices are a little off, but this doesn't detract from the film much. It's interesting to watch the film in its original Japanese with English subtitles. The characters come across a little differently this way, and the translations are different in the subtitles. For instance, the "Forest Spirit" becomes the "Deer God" in the subtitled version. The voices also are incredibly different, and those who don't appreciate Billy Bob Thorton's drawl will enjoy the Japanese version.

There aren't many movies worth owning and watching over and over again, but Princess Mononoke is definitely one of them.