With Eyes Unclouded by Hate

Rating: Null/10 (19 November 1999)

"Princess Mononoke" is pure and simply a morality tale, presented in the finest tradition of Japanese animation with such detail that it almost seems real. This 1997 film finally made its showing here two years later with the added voiceover of well-known Hollywood stars such as Claire Dane, Billy Bob Thornton, Minnie Driver, and Gillian Anderson. So given that pizzazz, can a film with obvious Oriental themes - the dignity of nature and the consequences of its violation by man and the enduring spirituality that makes life timeless, work on an American audience? Yes, because "Princess Mononoke" skillfully orchestrates the breathtaking outdoors with its mysticism as well as coordinated battles and other action scenes to tell a story both adult and children can understand. No, because the simplicity of presentation makes some people think it is hokey. Additionally, love relationships, whether it is between mother and child or boy and girl, are intentionally restrained by Western standards so we feel cheated when the best romantic scene is one where the Princess chews up jerky beef before transferring it to the mouth of her Prince. Given that, "Princess Mononoke" is worth the price of admission just for its well designed animation and its hair-raising suspense, even if we can't appreciate the Spirit of the Forest' and the cataclysmic forces it has on all of us.