Animation in which a prince travels west to cure a curse, and finds the animals there are battling townsfolk trying to destroy their forest.
Certificate
Duration128 mins
Review by
This incredible piece created in the style of Japanese manga tells the beautiful story of a prince (Ashitaka) who has been cursed and travels in search of a cure. The film portraits many of the Japanese cultural gods and goddesses; Moro-no-kimi (the wolf goddess) and Okkoto-nushi (the boar god) play smaller parts than the two mortals. It is almost as if the creator put them in so they can be compared with the humans, so as to prove that even the almighty figures can't do everything themselves. The Ghibli studio certainly lives up to its standards, even after making some of the best movies ever. For example Porco Rosso and spirited away and who could forget Totoro? Aside from the superior quality and complex, yet understandable story, the film Princess Mononoke tells the tale of the impact us humans have on nature: how we are the cause of much of the damage that is taking place to stop the green.
Apart from the story told this film takes you on a roller-coaster of emotion; parts seem to try and steal your breath, where others let you exhale with relief and a few moments give you a small laugh.
In conclusion I personally believe that this film is a major triumph.