Princess Mononoke: Film Review and Analysis
The story follows Ashitaka, prince of the Emishi tribe. After
being forced to kill a demon boar Ashitaka is left with a cursed wound. The
curse grants Ashitaka strength when angry; but using this strength exacerbates
the curse. Ashitaka is informed that he is fated to die from the curse unless
he travels west to investigate the wrongs that led to the demon’s creation.
Out west, Ashitaka discovers a violent struggle between the gods
of the forest and the humans of Irontown who are destroying the forest to mine
iron. Fighting alongside the gods is San, a human girl raised by the wolf god
Moro. She personifies the god’s hatred of humanity’s greed. Ashitaka hates this
war and wishes to end it peacefully. He must resist his anger, or the curse
will spread. Similarly, San must learn to overcome her hatred of humanity to
work alongside Ashitaka to bring peace to the forest.
The film highlights the duality of war by displaying
humanity in a sympathetic light. Lady Eboshi keeps Irontown as a shelter for
society’s outcasts, notably providing shelter to lepers. Eboshi’s actions are
done to defend Irontown from the gods seeking to rid the forest of humans and from
Asano’s samurai who want Irontown for its financial value. Even Eboshi’s worst act,
taking the head of the great forest spirit, was only done to win the emperor’s
favour and grant Irontown protection from Asano.
The beheading of the forest spirit represents humanity
taking too much from nature. The spirit ‘s headless body goes on a rampage
reminiscent of a natural disaster which demolishes Irontown alongside much of
the forest. Ultimately, Ashitaka and San return the spirit’s head and it falls
dormant as fauna blooms from the wreckage.
The film ends on an bittersweet, optimistic note. The war
took everything both sides fought to keep: Irontown is destroyed, the gods are
dead, and Ashitaka’s wound remains (though greatly faded). To me this ending represents
a reunification of man and nature. Humanity is left as the primary caretakers
of the forest. Given a second chance to live and create a more sustainable
future.
Princess Mononoke is one of my favourite Ghibli movies. It
is beautifully animated frame-by-frame. The story is enthralling throughout.
Expertly pacing its blood-pumping action with Miyazaki’s patented scenes of
peace such as Ashitaka’s initial pilgrimage. The film is packed with various characters
each well-defined with their own conflicting goals and intricacies that makes
for great character conflict.
Princess Mononoke is a must see, not only for animation
lovers, but for anyone who enjoys cinema.
If you enjoy Studio Ghibli then check out my analysis of Nausicaa of the valley of the wind
Have you seen this film? What did you think of it? Tell me in the comments below.
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