Beautiful Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (4 May 2006)

There is almost competition to "one-up" each other in reviews, trying to find new and greater hyperbole. But the fact is that two simple words describe this movie: Beautiful, and Masterpiece.
Both words get thrown around and it tends to cheapen them, but they are the best words to describe this film. Here the master craftsman has created his greatest piece (amazingly equaled by his next, Spirited Away). And it is beautiful.
The story reaches the viewer on many levels... forcing one to see each of the many points of view conflicting the story. The Forest Gods are dying off as the Iron Age takes over, as it must. Do they go to war because they have no hope, or because they must? The Iron Town must destroy the Forest Gods and use the environment if the people are to prosper in the evolving civilization. Do they kill because they are defending their way of life, just as the Forest Gods are? The Emperor wants eternal life, something that only the head of the Great Forest Spirit can give. Aren't the bounty hunters looking to kill the Great Forest Spirit just doing their jobs? In the end, war only brings death, and nobody is satisfied with what it brings. Only through co-operative rebuilding will anyone prosper. That is the final message. And it is beautiful.