PRINCESS MONONOKE
The Green Party has found its next candidate
Review by: Craig "Phase I" Norris
Length: 2 hour movie
Genre: Fantasy, supernatural
Watched: All, dubbed
For those who wish to delve deeply into the complex problems brought on by the infiltration of humans into nature, I highly recommend... reading "Playing God in Yellowstone" by Alston Chase. However, for those who want to watch an entertaining anime with strong environmental undertones, I recommend Princess Mononoke. It isn't a college requirement for a Masters in Environmental Science, but it gets the point across well enough.
Plot synopsis: When a strange demon attacks his village, Prince Ashitaka is able to slay it and protect his people. However, the demon is actually a god of the forest who became possessed. This same powerful demon has now possessed Ashitaka, and he is forced to abandon his people and travel to the west to find a way to lift the curse. During his travels he meets a woman who has created a thriving community through rifle manufacturing and is at odds with a woman who has allied herself with the gods of the forest. The conflict between humans and nature reaches its boiling point, and it's up to Ashitaka to prevent the two sides from destroying one another.
Artwork: The character designs and the focus on magnificent backgrounds are in typical Miyazaki style. Since this film is currently in its tenth year of existence, the visuals understandably do not look as sharp as his more recent projects. However, it outshines the majority of its contemporaries by leaps and bounds. This film is also noticeably more violent than his more recent works, with limbs being severed and blood being vomited up judiciously by both human and animal alike. The use of blood avoids being tasteless or gratuitous, and underscores the hard-fought nature of the battle between the humans and the protectors of the forest.
Music: The score matches up with the ambience very well, and is generally of a high quality. However, with visuals once again given the most attention, it is easily overshadowed. All of the tracks are richly composed instrumentals that help set the epic tone of the film. If you can pry your eyes away from the scenery long enough to open your ears, you will be rewarded with an above-average soundtrack.
Characters: The characters in this film are nothing very remarkable, but they are a far cry from being weak or poorly developed. The movie's namesake, Princess Mononoke, is a young woman who was raised by a tribe of wolves. She is very hateful toward humans for the way they destroy the environment for their own selfish gains. In fact, I don't think I have ever seen anyone with such a rabid appreciation for nature's bounty. Well, except maybe this guy. Princess Mononoke harbors the deepest resentment toward Iboshi, a woman who has spearheaded the effort to use the lead buried underneath the forest for the advancement of mechanization. Though Iboshi cares little for the gods of the forest, she is beloved by her people, as she provides them with steady work and moderate prosperity. Neither of them can be considered the bad guy, at least from an objective standpoint. The central character is Ashitaka, who becomes caught in the middle of the struggle between humans and the forest. Though he develops feelings for Princess Mononoke, he refuses to take sides, and instead searches for a way for humans and nature to live together in peace. All the while the demon that has possessed his arm grows stronger and threatens to devour him. Always at Ashitaka's side is his steed, a red elk named Yakul. His loyalty to Ashitaka is unwavering, and refuses to leave his side for any reason. The wild card in the situation is Jigo, a mercenary hired by the Emperor to obtain the head of the Forest Spirit, which he believes can grant immortality. He uses Iboshi and her resources to meet his needs, but he can hardly be considered her ally. The characters, though not very innovative, work well for the situation and are developed enough so that their rationales seem reasonable, and their personalities easy to relate to.
Plot: The plot of this film is highly allegorical of the current disputes between human industrial growth and environmentalists. However, this film adds a new wrinkle by giving nature the ability to fight back. The message is quite clear: if nature had the ability to rise up and stop mankind from its current abuses of it, it most assuredly would. Speaking as an environmental professional, I am inclined to agree with that statement. However, the film avoids becoming preachy and instead focuses on telling a story. A very entertaining one, at that.
CHICKS!: As with any Miyazaki production, drool-worthy ladies were not placed at the forefront of production values (I think Satoshi Urushihara has the market cornered on that). That being said, the two leading ladies aren't a total waste. Princess Mononoke, whose real name is San, is half tree-hugging hippie and half Navy Seal. And she can't stand humans in the least. Not that I can blame her, but it kind of makes it difficult to get to second base with her. Maybe if you don't mind admiring her well-proportioned body from afar, she may be worth a daydream or two. Iboshi is a very strong-willed, respected woman who sees out her agendas at nearly any cost. She has a stately beauty and a demeanor that commands respect. She is a benevolent leader of her people, but she does have a mean streak. Just keep that in mind should you chance to return home and she finds lipstick on your collar.
Overall: While I thought the underlying environmentalist message was a bit overdone, I did enjoy the concept of the film, as well as how the story was executed. Also, I feel it goes without saying that the visuals are reason enough to give the film a chance, as it holds its own against some anime even ten years after its release. This is not my favorite Miyazaki film, but it is a solid addition to any anime fan's video library.
IN A NUTSHELL
+ Solid artwork for a ten year old movie
+ Good story concept
+ Hidden gem of a soundtrack
- Love nature... OR DIE!!
Rating: 7.5/10
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