Princess Mononoke

Animated
Released 1997
Stars Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Gillian Anderson, Mini Driver, Billy Bob Thornton, Jada Pinkett-Smith
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

A film mainly about conflict between man and the nature spirits of medieval Japan, the audience is led by the young Ashitaka (revoiced by Billy Crudup) who gains a curse from the rage of a Boar God. In his travels to discover the cause of the god's madness, Ashitaka discovers numerous, often-opposing human characters, including Lady Eboshi (Minnie Driver), Jigo the Monk (Billy Bob Thorton), and Toki (Jada Pinkett Smith) of the Tatara village. But Ashitaka also finds San, the Princess Mononoke (Claire Danes), who has been raised in the forest by the Wolf God, Moro (Gillian Anderson). On the side of the gods, San fights against her own humankind in the clash where each side battles to preserve their way of life.

No description or review does the film full justice. I had researched and read on Mononoke previous to seeing it, but only understood completely once I had seen the film. Part of the magic is the experience involved with physically seeing the movie, listening to the beautiful score and being drawn into the story. The interaction between the characters brings an amazing life to the entire movie, while illustrating Japanese culture and storytelling.

Summary by Kimmi Kresica, NandoNext Staff