PRINCESS MONONOKE (1999)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Starring: Yoji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida (Voices)
Genre: Drama/Anime
Running Time: 125mins

Rating:

Following an attack by a boar possessed by a Tatari Gami (Curse God), Ashitaka (the future heir to a Meishi village) is infected with the rage of the boar. With the boar's death the origin of its rage is discovered : a steel ball, fired from a gun. With his time limited before the Tatari Gami takes hold of his life, Ashitaka journeys to the West to learn more about the cause of his affliction. During which he finds himself caught in the middle between the technological advancements of Lady Eboshi's steelworks, and the eco-warrior San known as Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke) who battle for control over the mountains. Eboshi seeks to dominate the landscape with her iron works, while San seeks to protect the forest and it's rightful owners.

Princess Mononoke was, ashamedly, the first film I had seen that was directed by Hayao Miyazaki. I say ashamedly, as I have since discovered a treasure chest of films past and present that are astounding achievements, not only in animation but also in storytelling. Having overlooked his output for too long, I came to see Princess Mononoke, a film that I say with no fear of backlash from the Akira fan base, as the finest animated film ever made.

What makes Princess Mononoke such a timeless masterpiece is the ease in which it combines all the right elements. The emotional plot, gripping characters, and its epic scale make for an experience that leaves you breathless by the time of its conclusion while the animation looks simply beautiful, it's a staggering piece of work.

Miyazaki has created a film of incredible beauty incorporating Buddhist philosophy with the growth of industrialization to present a morality tale that never slips into the problematic gushing sentimentality that can so easily rear its ugly head. It is a tale of the growth of civilization but it is also a cautionary warning of the effects of man against nature.

The epic nature of the film is more than apparent in the stunning visuals, which are accompanied once more by the ever-emotive Joe Hisaishi score. The grand wide shots of the flowing fields throughout Ashitaka's journey supported by Hisaishi's orchestra make for stunning cinema, while the battle sequences, complex in their design and edited with split-second precision further re-instate the feeling that you are experiencing something special. Much more than just another milestone in animated film, Princess Mononoke deserves its acclaim simply as a film, regardless of its animation.

One of the most impressive qualities of every Miyazaki picture is his immense attention to detail, and Princess Mononoke is no exception. With the exception of the traditionally animated characters, each location is beautifully designed and presented with the smallest details added making each setting come to life with vibrancy and authenticity.

Added to the technical achievements of the film is the richness of Miyazaki's imagination introducing us to many wonderful characters of what is essentially an ensemble piece spear-headed by our eponymous hero Ashitaka. The feisty heroine Mononoke, the strong-willed Lady Eboshi, and the comedic relief of Jigo, Kouroku and Toki provide a rich tapestry upon which the story is weaved encapsulating its moralistic themes and religious connotations.

More than this however, Miyazaki also introduces us to some fabulous creations as we meet the inhabitants of the mystical forest. From the various Gods of nature, to the cutesy click-clacking Kodama's Princess Mononoke is guaranteed to keep audiences both young and old riveted throughout.

Engaging, exciting, thrilling, and emotional - Princess Mononoke is an incredible film experience that only Miyazaki, it seems, is capable of consistently achieving. Magical.