Oozes class from every pore

Rating: Null/10 (3 October 2002)

This film has a serious pedigree. It really is a whos who of anime. And the icing on the cake was Neil Gaiman (of sandman fame) scripting the English language version.
It is a beautiful story. One of love, ecology and honour. Admittedly when you think ecology it is usually followed by 'Zzzzzzzzz', but it really makes you consider our impact on the environment.
I would recommend this to anyone. It is a fine example of the beauty and poignancy that japanese cinema can achieve. It is also a perfect film to show anyone who thinks all anime is, is exploding heads and be-tentacled rapists (albeit, that would seem to be one of the more popular genres in this country, leading to a paucity of releases which actually have a story). Actually, I will rephrase that. Mononke Hime is ALMOST the perfect film for everyone. Its just that at a few points I seems to go mad and overtly violent. Like when ashitaka shoots somebody's arm off with an arrow. It seems almost unnecessary and is starkly contrasted against the rest of the film. Although having said that, the story is deep and complex so kids wouldn't want to watch it any way.
****/***** You wont regret it.