What a great movie

Rating: Null/10 (10 February 2000)

Princess Mononoke is an excellent movie. Although it is geared a bit towards the 'I read The Hobbit three times last year crowd' it has an intricate and unpredictable plot.
The main conflict is between man and nature. Still the movie acknowledges that co-existence without producing any effect on the environment is impossible. This type of co-existence is represented by San, who lives as a wolf and denies being human. This is obviously not possible on a large scale basis, and the denial of her human nature implys that there is something wrong with this.
The extreme opposite of human bending toward nature is nature being bent by people in Iron Town. The residents there carry guns and are constantly at war with nature. This Iron town situation is not comfortable either. San is constantly at war with herself and the people of iron town are at war with nature.
The movie begins when Ashitaka is attacked by a demon, and receives an incurable wound. He must leave his people and bring peace to the world he finds.
Although this has a very long run time it did not feel strained. I recommend this movie even to people who are not fans of the fantasy genre, because the plot stands on its own and is original. The animation lives up to the plot, and is very good quality. There are no terribly drawn out computer animation sequences, or bits that you know were worked in just because they were a pain to draw so they better use them. The film is visually well done and supports the plot without getting in the way. It should be OK to take children, because even though heads and arms come off there isn't that much blood.
In conclusion, watch this. It is well worth your time, the price of a ticket or rental, and more- but that's all you need.