June 2024
The Timeless Appeal of Princess Mononoke
Intro
Princess Mononoke, a 1997 Studio Ghibli animated film, traces Ashitaka's journey. Cursed by a boar god, he seeks the Forest Spirit's aid to lift the curse. Encountering Iron Town, ruled by Lady Eboshi, whose mining angers the forest's gods, Ashitaka meets San, or Princess Mononoke, a fierce defender of the forest. Despite conflicting interests, Ashitaka and San aim for harmony in a world on the brink of war. But what about the film makes it still such a great watch in 2024, nearly 27 years after its release?
Global Reception
Now that it is 2024, watching any movie online is quite simple. But if it were 1997 and I, born in 2001, were watching it in theaters, I'd almost have not been able to watch this film in the U.S.
One major issue with the film's U.S. release in 1997 was its length and content, including themes of war and gore, which were atypical for animated movies at the time. Miramax agreed to release the film in 1999 but wanted significant edits to shorten it and alter the plot for American audiences. Studio Ghibli, however, refused to make any changes.
In response to the proposed cuts, I learned that a producer from Studio Ghibli sent a katana sword to Miramax executives with a note that read, "No cuts."
One major issue with the film's U.S. release in 1997 was its length and content, including themes of war and gore, which were atypical for animated movies at the time. Miramax agreed to release the film in 1999 but wanted significant edits to shorten it and alter the plot for American audiences. Studio Ghibli, however, refused to make any changes.
In response to the proposed cuts, I learned that a producer from Studio Ghibli sent a katana sword to Miramax executives with a note that read, "No cuts."
Analysis
In Princess Mononoke, several prominent themes emerge, including environmentalism, spirituality, morality, and the conflict of war. While the film touches on numerous other themes, I will only touch on a few to keep this entry a readable length.
Much of Ashitaka's character development revolves around his willingness to confront conflict without hatred. One memorable moment occurs when Lady Eboshi questions Ashitaka's presence in Iron Town, prompting him to reflect on what he had just learned about her rise to power and reply with a well-known line from the movie that captures its main ideas and can still relate to today.
Much of Ashitaka's character development revolves around his willingness to confront conflict without hatred. One memorable moment occurs when Lady Eboshi questions Ashitaka's presence in Iron Town, prompting him to reflect on what he had just learned about her rise to power and reply with a well-known line from the movie that captures its main ideas and can still relate to today.
"To see with eyes unclouded by hate."
Ashitaka acts as a link between conflicting worlds, striving for harmony amid the clash of civilizations and nature. He frequently finds himself mediating negotiations, highlighting the movie's central theme of seeking harmony in conflict. This is why he's my favorite character.
Dubbed v. Subbed
Now this is where some people may draw their pitchforks. Typically, I prefer watching movies in their original languages. This is often the better option since English voiceovers often don’t match the lip movements, and American voice actors sometimes lack the soul and energy of their Japanese counterparts. Therefore, usually Japanese actors' line delivery far surpasses the English version.
Princess Mononoke is an exception. Both dubbed and subbed versions are excellent. English voice actors, like Billy Crudup and Claire Danes, deliver outstanding performances, perfectly fitting each role. Other notable English voice actors include Minnie Driver, Billy Bob Thornton, Keith David, and John DeMita. Crudup's soothing voice enhances the English version significantly. [....I wish there were audiobooks narrated by him.]
Below are two scenes that I find myself re-watching frequently and encapsulate this idea.
Princess Mononoke is an exception. Both dubbed and subbed versions are excellent. English voice actors, like Billy Crudup and Claire Danes, deliver outstanding performances, perfectly fitting each role. Other notable English voice actors include Minnie Driver, Billy Bob Thornton, Keith David, and John DeMita. Crudup's soothing voice enhances the English version significantly. [....I wish there were audiobooks narrated by him.]
Below are two scenes that I find myself re-watching frequently and encapsulate this idea.
Courtyard Scene
The scene below shows a fight between Lady Eboshi and San (Princess Mononoke). Though Ashitaka can't stop the fight from starting, he soon intervenes to separate them. This highlights Ashitaka's preference to avoid conflict but willingness to step in when necessary.
Referring back to the Dub vs. Sub section, this scene showcases perfect line delivery in both English and Japanese, with each version conveying the emotions powerfully. My favorite line from this scene is just two words. While the words themselves may seem simple, when combined with the score and the tone of the voice actors' voices, it carries an immense weight.
Referring back to the Dub vs. Sub section, this scene showcases perfect line delivery in both English and Japanese, with each version conveying the emotions powerfully. My favorite line from this scene is just two words. While the words themselves may seem simple, when combined with the score and the tone of the voice actors' voices, it carries an immense weight.
"Step Aside"
"どいてくれ"
English
Japanese
The song from the scene above, a truly incredible piece from Joe Hisaishi's score.
Animation
It's difficult to discuss a Studio Ghibli film without mentioning the stunning animation and overall aesthetic, which attract many viewers alongside the world-building, characters, and plotlines.
Thinking about this, I can't help but compare to large studios like Marvel and Universal that often pump out as many films as they can per year, resulting in a repetitive mess of CGI, explosions, and fight scenes designed to keep audiences engaged. I wish these studios would take their time to create truly great films with quality CGI, but it feels like this is asking too much of them.
When I look at this scene from Princess Mononoke, I think about the painstaking hours dedicated animators spent painting every inch of grass, sky, and other details. It feels less like watching a movie and more like viewing a painting. In contrast, the CGI in Black Widow often feels lackluster, constantly reminding you that you're watching a movie.
Thinking about this, I can't help but compare to large studios like Marvel and Universal that often pump out as many films as they can per year, resulting in a repetitive mess of CGI, explosions, and fight scenes designed to keep audiences engaged. I wish these studios would take their time to create truly great films with quality CGI, but it feels like this is asking too much of them.
When I look at this scene from Princess Mononoke, I think about the painstaking hours dedicated animators spent painting every inch of grass, sky, and other details. It feels less like watching a movie and more like viewing a painting. In contrast, the CGI in Black Widow often feels lackluster, constantly reminding you that you're watching a movie.
Princess Mononoke Ending
Score
Now, this might be one of the most beautiful musical scores I've ever heard. 'The Legend of Ashitaka' is an incredible piece of music that perfectly introduces Ashitaka as the first track of the film.
I'm definitely not a musical expert, but this score has such a profound impact on the film. They blend seamlessly together, and removing either the music or the film would disrupt the entire balance.
The Young Man From the East" is such an impactful piece that adds another layer of emotion and beauty to the courtyard scene. The buildup, from Ashitaka walking into the fight, to bending the sword, to addressing the town about his curse, is all truly tied together by this incredible music. Personally, it makes me feel the weight of the scene much more deeply.
I can't count how many times I've listened to this album—it's been at the top of my Spotify for the past month and a half. I keep playing it on repeat and searching for live recordings on YouTube, which I'll link in the next section.
But yeah, this score is great.
I'm definitely not a musical expert, but this score has such a profound impact on the film. They blend seamlessly together, and removing either the music or the film would disrupt the entire balance.
The Young Man From the East" is such an impactful piece that adds another layer of emotion and beauty to the courtyard scene. The buildup, from Ashitaka walking into the fight, to bending the sword, to addressing the town about his curse, is all truly tied together by this incredible music. Personally, it makes me feel the weight of the scene much more deeply.
I can't count how many times I've listened to this album—it's been at the top of my Spotify for the past month and a half. I keep playing it on repeat and searching for live recordings on YouTube, which I'll link in the next section.
But yeah, this score is great.
