Princess Mononoke

Set in medieval Japan, Miyazaki's original story envisions a struggle between nature and man. The march of technology, embodied in the dark iron forges of the ambitious Tatara clan, threatens the natural forces explicit in the benevolent Great God of the Forest and the wide-eyed, spectral spirits he protects. When Ashitaka, a young warrior from a remote, and endangered, village clan, kills a ravenous, boar-like monster, he discovers the beast is in fact an infectious "demon god," transformed by human anger. Ashitaka's quest to solve the beast's fatal curse brings him into the midst of human political intrigues as well as the more crucial battle between man and nature.

Miyazaki's convoluted fable is clearly not the stuff of kiddie matinees, nor is the often graphic violence depicted during the battles that ensue. If some younger viewers (or less attentive older ones) will wish for a diagram to sort out the players, Miyazaki's atmospheric world and its lush visual design are reasons enough to watch. For the English-language version, Miramax assembled an impressive vocal cast including Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup (as Ashitaka), Claire Danes (as San), Minnie Driver (as Lady Eboshi), Billy Bob Thornton, and Jada Pinkett Smith. They bring added nuance to a very different kind of magic kingdom. Recommended for ages 12 and older. --Sam Sutherland

The video and audio quality is the sort that you would use to show off your new home theater system. In fact, I found the Japanese soundtrack to be richer and better dynamically balanced than the English track (!). Disney/Miramax really took advantage of the format by including BOTH the Japanese and English opening titles and credits -- they are automatically selected depending on your choice of language via an angle switch. Transparent and ingenious. There are two sets of subtitles -- one for the English track, and the other is the literal translation of the Japanese (since some liberties were taken in creating the English script).

Disney was originally going to release "Mononoke Hime" without the original language track, which created an outrage among anime fans (who, myself included, signed a massive internet petition which eventually turned the tide). I applaud this decision, as well as the splendid attention to detail. It has made this incredible movie an even better value.


Nihongo mo hitsuyou dato omoundakedo....   March 30, 2000
Robert (Yokosuka, Japan)
40 out of 44 found this review helpful

My wife and I have seen this movie in the original Japanese format and can't hlep but watch it over and over again. Everything about this film is wonderful. The story is exciting and relevant. The characters are dynamic and personable. The soundtrack is moving and inspiring. The artwork is second to none, using incredible techniques and more colors than any other animated film ever made. I couldn't believe it though when the DVD release annouced only an English dubbed version. Even if you don't speak the language, the film is beautifully crafted and easy enough to follow. The Japanese-English translation was probably labored over for years, since it was originally released in Japan in 1997, but there is invariably something lost in the translation. If you want to get the true experience from this wonderful film, you have to hear it in its original Japanese form. You can't help but be moved by the dialogue. The themes on man vs nature, man vs man and man vs self are self-evident. I only hope that Disney will rethink its release and include the original Japanese version with the English version as well.


THE BEST MOVIE EVER MADE   February 7, 2000
34 out of 37 found this review helpful

You just HAVE to vote for this DVD to be produced. If you haven't seen this movie yet in the theatres yet, you must, because it is the most beautiful, thought provoking movie ever made. It is so amazning, that words can't even describe it. PLEASE, PLEASE, vote for this video and see for yourself. You will be amazed. If you have seen the movie at the theatre and want it to come to the US, make sure and submit your e-mail address(es). Even submit your friend's email! (with their permission.) If you REALLY want this DVD to be made, write a review here to get other people to submit their emails! ^_~