Princess Mononoke (English dub, 1999), Film Review

Princess Mononoke (English dub, 1999), Film Review

by

Niamh Gallagher

Quick Facts

Released: July 12th 1997, (original Japanese version), September 26th 1999, (English version)

Certificate: PG-13

Cast, (English version): Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Gillian Anderson, Billy Bob Thornton and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Running time: 133 minutes

Hayao Miyazaki's animated masterpiece explores the relationship between nature and humans in a stunning anime that is counted among the best films ever made.

Princess Mononoke is set during an unspecified period in medieval Japan, a time when ancient gods still roamed in the dense forests and high mountains. Ashitaka, a young prince and warrior, is maimed and cursed by a demon while he defends his village from the monster's rage. A wise woman informs Ashitaka that if he wants to rid himself of the affliction he must travel west to seek out a cure. While heading west the young prince meets many characters; Jigo, a monk and mercenary with unscrupulous views, Lady Eboshi the ruler of Irontown who destroys the forest that angers the gods who dwell there and San who gained the moniker 'Mononoke Hime', meaning vengeful or angry spirit and princess in Japanese respectively, due to her hatred of humans and being raised by wolves. After meeting San, who is fighting to protect the forest from Lady Eboshi, Ashitaka is forced to find a middle ground between the two forces in a epic final battle of men and gods.

The English dub of the film has a voice cast featuring the voice talents of Billy Crudup as Ashitaka, Claire Danes as San, Billy Bob Thornton as Jigo, Minnie Driver as Lady Eboshi, Gillian Anderson as Moro, (San's adoptive wolf-mother and a god of the forest), and Jada Pinkett Smith as Sonji, (a tough-talking worker of Irontown loyal to Lady Eboshi). Overall the voice-over is superb but has a few flaws such as at times Danes makes San sound like a whiny little girl instead of the bold and fierce young women she is. Another fault I feel is that while Crudup is skilled at voicing Ashitaka, sometimes he makes the character sound deadpan and emotionless which can make it hard to relate to the character. The standout performance was Gillian Anderson; the way she flavours Moro's voice with sultry, strong and feral tones make this performance unforgettable, especially the scene in which she icily threatens that if Ashitaka ever returns she will kill him.

My opinion of the film is overwhelmingly positive and I class this film as one of my favourite movies of all time, a permanent feature upon a list that constantly changes. The first time I saw the film was the original Japanese version, which I have to say has a slight edge over the English version because it has a more powerful effect seeing Princess Mononoke in its original form. I'm enamoured by all things Studio Ghilbi and this film has to be the studio's best with the magnificent artwork and the poignant moral; we are in a constant battle with nature and if we want to survive as a society we will have to learn to co-exist. 

Even though I love the film it has its faults such as at times the gore can be overwhelming to squeamish members of the audience; decapitating and removing of limbs can be seen and is very bloody to watch and may not be appropriate for younger members of the audience. Another fault of the film is perhaps at two-hours and thirty-minutes it may be too long for some viewers.

In conclusion I fervently recommend Princess Mononoke is a must-see film to watch before you die and won't be a film you'll forget for a long time, I sure haven't. 

RATING

1/5 Popcorn Tubs = Avoid

2/5 Popcorn Tubs = Average

3/5 Popcorn Tubs = Good

4/5 Popcorn Tubs = Excellent

5/5 Popcorn Tubs = Unmissable

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