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Classic Review: Princess Mononoke (1997)

1/5/2017

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“Princess Mononoke” stars Yoji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yuko Tanaka, and Kaoru Kobayashi.  Released in Japan on July 12, 1997, and in the United States on October 29, 1999, the film is about a cursed prince who gets caught in a struggle between the gods of a forest and the humans.

The film is directed by Hayao Miyazaki, who also directed films such as Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, and Ponyo.  This year marks the 20th anniversary of one of Studio Ghibli’s animated masterpieces, and to celebrate, I got a chance to see it for the first time on the big screen, courtesy of Fathom Events.  I’ve been following some of Studio Ghibli’s works throughout my life, with Castle in the Sky, Totoro, Kiki, and Spirited Away being the ones I remembered the most.  Normally, I would watch the English version of the film, but for this review, I’m going to be looking at the original Japanese dub.

The way this film is crafted is different than any other film that Studio Ghibli has made, mostly because of its tone and setting.  If you have a small child who likes to watch the English dubs of the Studio Ghibli films, I suggest you prevent them from watching this until they’re at least 13 or 14.  But that doesn’t answer my personal question: does this film still hold up after 20 years of release?  My brain says...absolutely.  The original Japanese cast did a great job at bringing these strong characters to life, such as Matsuda as Ashitaka and Ishida as San.  My only gripe with it was the casting of Akihiro Miwa as Moro, San’s adopted mother.  He sounded a bit too deep to be playing a mother like Moro, but that’s just me.  There were two major highlights that made this film what it is: the story and its amazing animation.  The first half is pretty much Ashitaka’s quest to remove a deadly curse that’s been put on him, but the rest of the film is where things got more interesting to me.  Combining its environmental message with its majestic and action-packed visuals, Hayao Miyazaki managed to create an awe-inspiring epic adventure that kept me engaged for more than two hours without forcing the message itself down in our throats.

Overall, with its beautiful and engaging animation, Miyazaki’s unique storytelling, and strong characters, “Princess Mononoke” is a brilliant animated feature that still holds up to this day.  The Japanese dub and the English dub were both great to me for different reasons, but the overall film was a splendid experience for me to watch in the theater.  I wish I could explain more about this film, but I got to get some rest for work in the morning.  If you’re a fan of Miyazaki’s other works, I would highly recommend it to you.
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    • Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Ultimate Ed-Chronicles >
      • The 'Beginnings' Saga >
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Rise of Maleficent >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Rise of Maleficent Full Movie
        • Transformers: Legend of the Black Cauldron >
          • Transformers: Legend of the Black Cauldron Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets the Penguins of Madagascar >
          • EEEMTPOM Full Movie
        • The Eds and Iron Man: Dawn of the Blowhole >
          • The Eds and Iron Man Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: The Fast and the Furious >
          • EEE: The Fast and the Furious Full Movie
        • The Eds and Kung Fu Panda: Battle for China >
          • The Eds and Kung Fu Panda Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy and the Lion King: The Full Circle >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy and the Lion King Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets Thumbelina: Revenge of the Shredder >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets Thumbelina Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Journey to Neverland >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Journey to Neverland Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: All Tangled Up >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy: All Tangled Up Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy's Frozen Adventure >
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy's Frozen Adventure Chapter One Full Movie
          • Ed, Edd n Eddy's Frozen Adventure Chapter Two Full Movie
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Edventures in San Fransokyo
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Return to Neverland
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy vs The League of Evil
      • The 'Avengers' Saga >
        • The Eds and the Little Mermaid: Age of Extinction
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets the Ghostbusters
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: A Sea of Adventure
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets Anastasia
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy meets the Incredibles
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy and the Lion King 2: Simba's Pride
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Brand New Zootopia
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Into the Sugar Rush
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy and the Big Sea Quest
        • Ed, Edd n Eddy: Heroes Assemble
      • The 'Justice' Saga >
        • The Loud Ghostbusters: Man of Steel
        • The Eds and Batman: Purge Night
        • Wonder Woman meets Hercules
        • Eds V Louds: God Versus Man
        • Eds V Louds: Doomsday
    • The Loud Ghostbusters >
      • The Loud Ghostbusters: Answer the Call
      • The Loud Ghostbusters: Jump Street
    • Thor and the Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
    • SpongeBob and Thor: Sponge Out of Water
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