Princess Mononoke is an animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. Set in the late Muromachi period of Japan with elements of fantasy, the film explores the conflict between humans and nature.
Ashitaka’s Journey
The protagonist, Ashitaka (voiced by Yōji Matsuda), is a young prince of the Emishi tribe who is cursed by a demon boar while defending his village. The curse grants him superhuman strength but will eventually kill him. Seeking a cure, Ashitaka leaves his village and heads west to find the source of the demon’s anger.
Encounter with the Forest Spirit
During his journey, Ashitaka discovers Iron Town, a fortress-like village led by Lady Eboshi (voiced by Yūko Tanaka), who manufactures iron by clearing the forest. Iron Town is in conflict with the gods of the forest and the wolf goddess Moro (voiced by Akihiro Miwa). Moro’s adopted human daughter, San (voiced by Yuriko Ishida), known as Princess Mononoke, despises humans for their destruction of the forest.
The Conflict between Humans and Nature
Ashitaka gets caught in the struggle between Iron Town and the forest gods. He learns that Lady Eboshi seeks to kill the Forest Spirit, a god-like creature that maintains balance in the forest. Despite her antagonistic role, Eboshi is portrayed with complexity; she cares for the outcasts and lepers, giving them a place in Iron Town.
Ashitaka’s Role as a Mediator
Ashitaka tries to mediate between the humans and the forest gods, believing that coexistence is possible. He saves San during an attack on Iron Town and convinces her that not all humans are evil. Their bond grows as they navigate the complexities of their conflicting worlds.
The Climactic Battle
The climax occurs when Lady Eboshi decapitates the Forest Spirit in an attempt to gain immortality. The loss of its head causes the forest to decay rapidly. Ashitaka and San work together to return the head to the Forest Spirit, restoring balance to the land. Lady Eboshi, wounded but alive, expresses regret and hints at a change in her ways.
The Conclusion
Ashitaka and San acknowledge their love for each other but decide to live apart. San remains with the forest, while Ashitaka chooses to stay near Iron Town to help rebuild and foster a better relationship between humans and nature.
The film ends on a hopeful note, with Ashitaka and San parting ways but committed to their respective duties. Ashitaka vows to help rebuild Iron Town in a more sustainable way, while San continues to protect the forest. Their mutual respect symbolizes the possibility of harmony between humanity and nature.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Princess Mononoke.
Type of Movie
Princess Mononoke is an animated fantasy epic that blends adventure, drama, and environmental themes.
Cast
Yōji Matsuda as Ashitaka
Yuriko Ishida as San (Princess Mononoke)
Yūko Tanaka as Lady Eboshi
Kaoru Kobayashi as Jiko-bō
Akihiro Miwa as Moro
Mitsuko Mori as Hii-sama
Hisaya Morishige as Okkoto
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Joe Hisaishi, whose music enhances the epic and emotional tone of the story. The soundtrack features a mix of orchestral pieces that highlight the film’s themes of nature and conflict.
Filming Locations
As an animated film, Princess Mononoke was created using traditional animation techniques at Studio Ghibli in Japan. The visual style draws inspiration from the natural landscapes of Japan.
Princess Mononoke received numerous prestigious awards, including:
Japanese Academy Awards: Won Best Picture and Best Director (Hayao Miyazaki).
Mainichi Film Concours: Won Best Animation Film.
Annie Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Feature.
Behind the Scenes Insights
Hayao Miyazaki spent over 16 years developing ideas for Princess Mononoke before its production began.
The film’s detailed animation required an extensive amount of hand-drawn frames, combined with some digital techniques.
Miyazaki’s interest in environmental issues and his philosophy about humanity’s relationship with nature heavily influenced the film’s themes.
Inspirations and References
The film draws inspiration from Japanese folklore and Shinto beliefs, emphasizing the sacredness of nature and the presence of spirits in the natural world. Miyazaki’s personal environmental concerns and the historical context of Japan’s industrialization also play significant roles.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut closely follows Miyazaki’s vision. While there are no significant alternate endings, some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and behind-the-scenes features.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film has been adapted into various books and manga, providing further insights and details about the story and characters. These adaptations remain faithful to the film while offering additional context.
Ashitaka’s battle with the demon boar and subsequent curse.
Ashitaka’s first encounter with San and the wolves.
The attack on Iron Town and the intense battle scenes.
The decapitation of the Forest Spirit and the ensuing chaos.
The final scene where Ashitaka and San part ways.
Iconic Quotes
“Live.” – Ashitaka, encouraging San to find a way to coexist.
“The Forest Spirit gives life and takes life away. Life and death are his alone.” – Moro
“There’s a demon inside of you. It’s inside both of you.” – Ashitaka, to San and Lady Eboshi
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
The film includes subtle references to other Studio Ghibli films, such as the presence of Kodama (tree spirits) similar to those in My Neighbor Totoro.
The detailed backgrounds and natural settings are inspired by real Japanese landscapes, reflecting Miyazaki’s love for nature.
Trivia
The film’s budget was around $23.5 million, making it one of the most expensive animated films in Japan at the time. It grossed over $169 million worldwide.
Princess Mononoke was the highest-grossing film in Japan until it was surpassed by Titanic.
The English dub of the film was adapted by Neil Gaiman, known for his work in fantasy literature.
Why Watch?
Princess Mononoke is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that explores complex themes of environmentalism, coexistence, and the human spirit. Its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and breathtaking animation make it a must-watch for fans of animated and fantasy films.
