A Unique and Beautiful Story

Rating: 10/10 (26 September 1999)

I watched an English subtitled version of this movie, and I often had to rewind the movie to read the subtitles. Not because I am a slow reader, but because I couldn't tear my eyes away from the images on the screen. I watched the movie a second time and ignored the subtitles, and the movie's impact was just as great.	The film explores the theme of nature vs. technology much like many of Miyazaki's films. There are definitely similarities between this and Nausicaa, but Mononoke Hime is much more serious and occasionally dark. Although the film does have moments of graphic violence, I would think that it would be very safe to bring an intelligent child of twelve or so. The hero's attitudes towards violence are made very clear. His most repeated phrase is "calm yourself," usually yelled in an attempt to avoid bloodshed.
This is a film that could not be made as a live action movie. Fancy computer-generated creatures and live actors would make it seem less "real." (not to mention ridiculously expensive) Miyazaki has always been careful in his films to create complete worlds with their own religions and mythologies, and he never oversimplifies his characters. The heroes have bad traits and the villains have good traits, and we the audience are left to figure out what makes the villains in the wrong. He also has a tradition of strong women characters which is very evident in Mononoke Hime.	Computer graphics are used sparingly and never seem out of place or thrown in. People who are not used to watching anime often jump to comparisons with Disney films because they equate animation with cartoons or children's movies. For the most part, this is an unfair comparison, since the target audiences are extremely different both agewise and culturally.
If I had to compare this to an "American" movie I would say that it's a less sappy, more realistic Neverending Story with hints of Braveheart thrown in here and there (primarily in the epic battles, setting, and the music). If you get a chance to see this on a big screen, no matter how horrible the dubbing or translation, please do so. The visuals and story will still draw you in. Bring as many friends as possible and send a message that showing anime in American theaters can be profitable. If you like Mononoke Hime, Miyazaki's other films are of similar quality and are more suited for younger viewers.