See the Japanese language version!

Rating: 10/10 (10 March 2001)

I will leave others to explain the plotlines and characters of Mononoke Hime, but I do have to add my vote for one of the most impressive films I have seen in recent years, animated or otherwise. This is a beautifully constructed and realised film. It has a complex visual style and storyline, with an almost unrelenting pace. That said, there are moments of simplicity and silence that are absolutely breathtaking.
See the Japanese language version of this film. There is a certain feel to the film with the original voices that cannot be matched no matter how good Crudup, Anderson, et al might be. The passion and emotion brought to the roles of Ashitaka, San and Eboshi by Matsuda, Ishida and Tanake are commendable and very powerful, even if you are not able to understand the language. Reading subtitles is a small price to pay for such a moving experience.