Distributor Shout! Factory and GKIDS have partnered together to release a very special limited collector's edition of "Princess Mononoke" on Blu-ray. Summary: "Princess Mononoke" focuses on Ashitaka, a young warrior who is exiled from his village because of a deadly curse. In search for a cure, Ashitaka sets out on a journey, hoping to find any answers he can. During his travels, however, he stumbles upon a long standing fued between Lady Eboshi of Iron Town and Princess Mononoke of The Forest. Two different ideologies clashing for control. One fights for her people, while the other fights for the forest and it's inhabitants. Yet, both seeking to kill one another. Not wanting blood to be shed, Ashitaka takes it upon himself to search for a path in where both leaders can coexist. All the while still battling the curse within himself. Pros: • The collector's edition is a dream! • Includes a 40 page art book with behind the scenes/extras and special features for fans. • As someone who prefers watching anime in Japanese rather than the dub. I can gladly say that the dub version is up to standards. You will not be disappointed, the dub is great! • The picture quality of the Blu-ray looks phenomenal! Even though "Princess Mononoke" came out almost 20 years ago, it's still a marvel to gaze upon. Makes you miss the classic cel animation art style. Cons: • The slipcase is bigger than most Blu-rays. Meaning that it will not align properly to the rest of your collection. This will annoy those who enjoy a more uniform appearance. • The film can be a bit violent for children. There isn't nudity or any vulgar language but there is blood. So if you wish to show your kids maybe wait until they're a little older. Eight maybe nine years of age, but it's really up to you. A Side Note: • The soundtrack doesn't play on the PlayStation 4. So if that's your main media source then you're out of luck. This isn't a problem with the collector's edition but more so the PlayStation 4. Just something I felt needed to be said. Bottom line "Princess Mononoke" is a gorgeous, depth filled, spectacle. The characters are interesting and driven which makes for an exciting story. A must watch for both anime fans and the average movie audience. Hands down one of the best anime films created by Hayao Miyazaki. I highly recommend owning this film. (A personal favorite :D) Read more
I came late to the party for appreciating Miyazaki's brilliant films, and this was the one that got me hooked. Princess Mononoke is one of those rare films that allows the audience room to decide for themselves. In this review I could extol the amazing animation, fantastic voice acting from both the American and Japanese casts, or the captivating original story, but I'd like to keep things short and simple and praise the masterful handling of the themes. Princess Mononoke tells the story of a man who ventures from a distant land to two warring nations in search of a cure for his demonic ailment. He admonished by the village elder before going forth with this message "You must see with eyes unclouded by hate. See the good in that which is evil, and the evil in that which is good. Pledge yourself to neither side, but vow instead to preserve the balance that exists between the two." The idea here is that a third party is going to offer an impartial perspective on a conflict between two others. What we discover from this perspective is a lot of grey. One of the conflicting parties is run by a matriarchy who runs a society that on the surface appears to be inclusive and progressive. Women are highly regarded for their ability to contribute to the stability and efficiency of the village while the men help in hunting and gathering resources. Even the disabled and social outcasts have a place of respect in this society as weapon makers. The issue lies in their disrespect and exploitation of nature and those who dwell in the forest. Miyazaki's deft ability as a storyteller though doesn't pigeonhole this movie in the long line of environmental preservation films. He puts forth the other sides valid points of how using nature has created jobs, societal progress, security and stability for the workers and their families. It is the great quandry that we still struggle with today. We need nature but we need progress. How do we balance our needs with the preservation of nature? The brilliance here is Miyazaki doesn't force a viewpoint down the viewers throat. He understands that this is a complicated subject and that both sides have valid points for their ideas. Therefore the question is passed off to the viewer on how to establish harmony between the two sides without simply pushing for one over the other. The singular feature of Miyazaki's storytelling is that it respects the intelligence of the audience and doesn't take the position of preaching for any agenda. Ideas are seamlessly crafted into the narrative in such a way that it doesn't seem ham fisted or painfully obvious. Mixing social issues with a story without coming off as preachy or transparent is no easy task for even the greatest of filmmakers, but Miyazaki is an expert in a league of his own. You cant go wrong with Mononoke or any of his wonderful films. Pick it up. Read more
"Princess Mononoke" stands as a cornerstone in Studio Ghibli's illustrious collection, often serving as the gateway film for many devoted fans of the studio. This masterpiece, like many Ghibli works, has a way of capturing a piece of your heart. At its core, the film weaves a profound narrative about the critical importance of respecting, valuing, and protecting nature and wildlife. It skillfully taps into ancient spiritual beliefs, portraying the forest as a living entity with its own spirit. Each animal species is depicted as a distinct tribe, intelligent and deeply connected to the spiritual realm. The story revolves around a conflict between humanity and nature, personified by a remarkable woman who initially misunderstands nature's response to deforestation and habitat destruction. As the tale unfolds, she comes to recognize her error, leading to a restoration of balance between the natural world and human civilization, embodied by the great forest spirit. It's worth noting that the film doesn't shy away from portraying violence and gore, adding to its emotional depth and intensity. These elements, combined with its complex themes, make it more suitable for mature audiences. Younger viewers may benefit from parental guidance to fully grasp and process the film's deeper meanings. "Princess Mononoke" is not just an animated feature; it's a thought-provoking journey that challenges our perception of our relationship with nature. It's a testament to Studio Ghibli's ability to create visually stunning, emotionally resonant stories that leave a lasting impact on their audience. Read more
My kids love this movie. It's such a great movie. Read more
