[FREE] Princess Mononoke (1997)

Since last week’s post was about Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001), might as well post another movie review on his previous works. Whenever I hear the term “epic”, then I’ll pretty much be expecting something amazing. Before I looked up the movie online, I agree that Princess Mononoke (1997) deserves that term. Even in our current time, the film still gained recognition as one of the highest grossing movies until Titanic was released in Japan. It’s also the second longest animation film to this day! And no wonder; this film is definitely worth to watch!
Here's a trailer :

Princess Mononoke is a period drama set specifically in the late Muromachi period of Japan but with numerous fantastical elements. The story concentrates on involvement of the outsider Ashitaka in the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and the humans of the Iron Town who consume its resources. There can be no clear victory, and the hope is that relationship between humans and nature is cyclical.

Want to read more? Here's the link from Wikipedia

Just like Spirited Away, I absolutely recommend watching this amazing animation. This film gives viewers the relationship between man and nature that’s pretty much similar to what we have today. As we continue to advance in technology, our sense in nature also gradually decreases. Despite our petitions to preserve what’s left of Mother Nature, Mother Nature itself is steadily diminishing. The film shows how god-like animals such as the wolf gods continuously defend the Forest as Irontown continues to wage war against both Mother Nature’s creatures and humans.

Although there are some minor inappropriate graphic scenes (severing limbs), I would guess there are some age limits. Other than the plot, this film (and the rest of the Studio Ghibli’s films) has an amazing soundtrack. If you love instrumental soundtracks like me, this film has some great tunes . With both Miyazaki’s and the wonderful music from Joe Hisaishi, this film (along with the rest of the work and future works) demonstrates the true essence in animation originality.