One of my favourite things about this film is that the line between good and evil is so blurred. The wolf god attack the villagers yet she took pity on baby Mononoke and raised her as a wolf. Lady Eboshi wants to conquer the forest and destroy the gods yet she basically rescued social outcasts namely brothel women and lepers and gave them all a second chance at life. Prince Ashitaka despite not being a hateful or corrupted character ends up getting Nago’s curse. It’s just all so brilliantly done. It makes me wish I had grown up on those kind of stories cos it’s so realistic to how the real world works.
Oh for sure! It is definitely something I see more commonly in anime then animation in the states. I hope young creators are learning and big studious will let them add depth to characters
@@linkinaball Not sure if I mentioned this in the video but I actually got a ton of Whisper of the Heart love when I asked reddit what their favourite Ghibli was
The Wolf God wasn’t attacking a village. She caught two humans “defiling her forest” and when she turned to confront them, they threw a baby at her feet and ran away. She them decided to raise San on her own. Maybe you’re confusing it with the destroyed village where Ashitaka and Jigo camp in the beginning of the film
The one and only hero in this movie is Ashitaka, a character that is forgiving, calm, repressing his anger in the shape of a curse, and always in search of balance. Definitely a role model.
@@HizzyHay You guy's think there will be another Princess Mononoke movie sequel? Because it was a greatest movie of all time. And plus do you guy's think that Princess Mononoke is a Disney princess? Because princess mononoke is a part of Disney even though she's ghibli. San is a princess like a Disney princess and San's princess dress will look similar to Pocahontas princess dress from Pocahontas 2. Do you guy's agree with that idea?
@@HizzyHay Hello. Are you guys interesting to see Disney to buy Studio Ghibli and their merchandise including their stuff from Studio Ghibli and also all the female Ghibli characters will be Disney Princesses and dress up as princesses as well? chng.it/4cmNrg9SdS
@@58jn89 There will hopefully never be a sequel. I hope we get movies like Princess Mononoke, but it is so contained that it probably doesn't need to be continued. As for the Disney princesses I'd say no, only for the reason that Ghibli does something way different then Disney with it's female leads. By technicality, probably yes? But so is Leia, but I tend to not recognize that.
It might be because I surrond myself with so many Mononoke fans, but I know a ton of people that love it. I think overall it's really underseen by the vast majority of the general public, I wish that could change because this is a fantastic film.
Out of all Miyazaki films, Princess Mononoke is my favorite film. It's a mind twisting plot where you can't tell whose the hero and villian. The animators did a great job in background/foreground of the forest and iron town. I like the relationship between Prince Ashitaka and San. I sometimes wish the ending was altered where both the forest and iron town signed a piece treaty and lived as one.
My interpretation of why the movie did not end the way you described is because the movie is an allegory of the real world and its relationship with nature. At the end of the movie, the battle is over, yet the problem is not solved. Neither the animals nor the humans solve their quarry, as neither side regrets their actions. I believe Miyazaki’s message is saying that this is still the case in the real world; people have not yet come to a peaceful treaty with nature and continue to deforest and encroach on wild habitats. The end of the movie somewhat concludes the premise of the adventure, yet only the future can determine the relation of humans and nature.
I know one reason Nature is such a big thing for Ghibli is because Japan has a unique perspective no other country has. It has been devastated. The nukes at Hiroshima and Nagasaki really hit Japan in more ways than one. I also believe that Miyazaki had family at Hiroshima, I could be wrong about this so please don't quote me. The perspective of seeing what Human Destruction can do first hand, and the recovery Nature is capable of really shows in a lot of Ghibli's movies.
The story is essentially a folklore type (though it’s actually not.) of story telling how the forest spirits disappeared and how nature became what it is today.
The "monk"!!!! Jigo is the only one guided by greed. Who thrives in the conflict between the spiritual world, the human wisdom and the sheer logic of science/technology. I see that character as an allegory of the modern politicians. Their oath to serve is a dead letter and their loyalty is sold to the highest bidder.
“I’ve become skeptical of the unwritten rule that just because a boy and girl appear in the same feature, a romance must ensue. Rather, I want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where the two mutually inspire each other to live-if I’m able to, then perhaps I’ll be closer to portraying a true expression of love.” Hayao Miyazaki
No one in this film is inherently good or evil. I would argue the real evil lies in the conflict itself rather than any of the humans or gods participating in the conflict.
Very nice. That's why I don't get why Miyazaki put Ashikata in this movie? He is the embodiment of pure good, and he ruins the balance everything has in this movie. I'm sorry, I cannot stress enough how Ashitaka ruined this movie for me.
@@NationalistsRuinAmerica Without Ashitaka there is no plot. There are two parts in conflict (humans vs forest) and both parts are absolutely convinced of being in the right and see the other part as an enemy to destroy. Taking Ashitaka off the film and letting the rest equal, the film would end with both the forest and the city destroyed (and with the Forest God head on display in a warmonger's house). It takes a objective third party to see the full picture and show that picture to the parts in conflict. Without Ashitaka a similar film could exist, but then you should pick a faction of the two in conflict in order to be invested in the story. Then, for the movie to finish with a resolution, one party must win, and for that being pleasurable, you should have picked the 'correct' team, and the makers of the movie should paint one part a little more in the right to make it easy to the viewer. And then you have a normal, enjoyable, run of the mill movie, like thousand others. But Miyazaki doesn't want you to side with any faction, he wants you to trascend the opposites and side with the only person who has a distant, objective, but passionate view of the conflict. In a good vs evil plot, the conflict ends when one part overpowers the other (normally the 'good' side, but it can be the 'bad' side if you are watching a horror / nihilistic / fatalistic film). But there is another way of end a conflict, a truce. What Miyazaki wants to tell us in this movie (beside other things, of course) is that we almost always have that option in our hands, but our hate sometimes doesn't allow us to see it, even when that course of action can be better than a 'victory'.
@@juanausensi499 I get the idea that he was a bridge between both sides, but his background story was a bit lacking, he never had doubts, he acted very decisive and precise, so much that I couldn't really emphasize with him. you're right, he drove the story, but because he seemed so non-human to me, many parts of the plot also felt forced and unnatural.
@@NationalistsRuinAmerica Valid points. I think his background and character are not well developed because the stoy isn't a about him, but about the conflict itself. He is just a unbiased point of view more than a real person. I know that detracts from him as a character, but i bet that was the purspose all along. Of course taste is subjective, and I understand your position. For me, a more complex hero could have transformed the movie in a three-way struggle, and i think that was not the intention of the author.
I have noticed that Disney movies don't really taste that well anymore after I got into Ghibli. In Ghibli they make so much better characters and stories. Miyazaki's magical talent is that he makes these movies with passion. He makes the characters to learn to survive alone but still with a little help. That's why we can really relate to the characters so well, because they're so realistic.
Idk how far you've gotten into Ghibli but that's every single one of his film. It's probably the thing I respect the most about Ghibli is they don't create a damsel character ever. Check out Nausica if you haven't yet!
@@HizzyHay I've only watched around 6 or so Ghibli films maybe, and until I watched Princess Mononoke my favorite was When Marie Was There. It still holds a special place for me! But I meant considering this is one of those films that include a princess, an old tribe, folk tales, and that sort of thing, movies like that would usually present women a certain way, and this was the first that didn't, if that makes any sense. I'll check out Nausica really soon :D
I love the strong female characters of Mononoke, but I hate Ashitaka. Why does he even exist? Just that there is a male characters who literally 1ups every other character of the film?
Princess Mononoke has never been more relevant than today. The Coronavirus appeared like a kind of curse from nature to both restore itself and teach us a lesson about how we've been treating her in the recent years.
It is like a damn religion, it makes a good tool of control. Undoubtedly we do alot of bad for the environment and we should take better care of what we have. I just can't believe the hype around global warming when it is so politicized. It's like the best tool possible, I see alot of authoritarianism coming from this type of propaganda. I'll not believe the narratives that governments pedel. I just hope in the future history can be told correctly and the tyrants of today are remembered.
I think most Disney fans would end up loving Ghibli if they were exposed to it. There are definitely similarities, but both have unique beats they follow. I think the really people who disliked the video are probably Minions fans
@@HizzyHay yes. Personally I compare this film to Lion King(1993). They both have lost protagonists with similar to real world problems. They teach audiences how to face hardship and challanges that come in life. And they both convey friendship and unity. But Scar is the obvious evil with no good side. So Miyazaki wins in my eyes.
@@albinoniinonibla2298 Yeah Lion King is definitely more overt in it's messages, but I still love both in different ways. They are similar but they scratch different itches.
There is something special about Mononoke regarding the music too - Hisaishi has composed so many great tracks for other Ghibli movies yet for this one he seems to have outdone himself even more. There are more recognisable songs, they are more ambitious and more rhythmically diverse than some of his previous work which sometimes is very similar to one another - for Mononoke, he retained his style and even harmony usage at times yet the songs are so unique and powerful. Thank you for the upload, it's great to see that after all these years people still appreciate this masterpiece.
My favorites movie of all time, so realistic as every character can be seen as good or evil depending on what lense you look through (except for Ashitaka as his 'eyes are unclouded by hate')
Just watched Princess Mononoke two days ago since his films came out on netflix. Even though I watched this as a child, I totally forgot everything, but now I realize the deeper meaning of this film. It is hard to for people with opposing cultures and ideologies to remain peacefully, but none is either evil nor good. Everyone is trying to fight for their own good from their perspective, but if you take a step out and look from another perspective (like Ashitaka), then you will realize that much more problems can be resolved.
I watched Princess Mononoke just yesterday and it's my favorite Ghibli film so far. There's something really unique about it, about how no one character is truly evil, but rather just looking out for themselves, their needs or their people. It's a subtle demonstration of how conflict really happens in our world.
Oh for sure, especially because a lot of the needs are varying degrees of selfish. I love that aspect of the film and just like you said it's so accurate to today
Princess Mononoke belongs deeply into my heart. I first watched this movie when I was 3 and I have seen it like a 100 times, but every time, the beauty of this movie amazes me. I love other ghibli movies too of course, but if I would make a top 10 list of my favorite movies, this would belong there.
A flame burns brightest when in a dark room. Miyazaki is in tune with this balance of light and dark, and as such when we feel empty, lonely and hopeless in this cold world he conjures a flame of warmth, beauty, and charm within his stories to empower us to see the best in each other and ourselves. Studio Ghibli is remarkable because it was made with passion to aid us, instead of made solely for profit like Disney. I regularly watch Studio Ghibli to be engulfed in the emotions/tones and nuances that make every single one of their movies unique and powerful. I am not a religious man, but the warmth/love I have for studio Ghibli is something that empowered me to understand religion. Because of how I find peace, serenity, and warmth within the frames of his works, I think people find that flame within the pages of religious books. And so Studio Ghibli made me, an angry atheist, into a very accepting person. I truly think every age has something to gain from Studio Ghibli because the emotions he expresses within these works are universal and make us feel and think in ways we wouldn't be capable otherwise.
His film is a great combination of a profound and deep sadness combined with a never-failing light of hope. Despite what goes on in the world, there’s a hope we cling onto, his films, Joe’s music, the worlds and messages they create, truly film masterpieces (not just animated films, but films in general). And the English dub of this movie is also amazingly done. Princess Mononoke is definitely my favorite Miyazaki movie. The soundtrack can only be described as legendary. A tear jerker, a powerful expression of hope, and a must watch. P.S. Whispers of the Heart is another favorite of mine, it is like the opposite of Princess Mononoke - modern, simple, quiet, but also powerful. Miyazaki is truly a master of story-telling.
Miyazaki is one of the best story tellers for sure. There is something really incredible him and the rest of the studio are able to do. Need to re-watch Whisper of the Heart again! It is definitely different.
I am also highly influenced by Miyazaki's work. Hardly a day passes where I don't think about his work in some way or another. Hearing you put into words how I have felt for years was a very powerful moment. Thank you for making this.
@@HizzyHay I guess if I had to choose one and only one it would be Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. The structure of the toxic jungle and Nausicaas innate connection to nature just really speaks to me. It's quite impressive really, Miyazaki accurately predicted the science of mycofiltration all while writing an incredible story in a crazy cool world.
For new considerations. Please use English subtitles. th-cam.com/video/7Npqxf4q0e0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/cKrKFg-EcNk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/E6ZAv6h5I_E/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/sKAFIC1j-T8/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/X8w7nRFGWiE/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/mWipw_HBJzU/w-d-xo.html
I remember renting this VHS from Blockbuster when it came out. It changed my life. I absolutely love this film. It’s entertaining, deep, poetic, and beautiful. Please watch it if you haven’t already, it’s great!
same, started with VHS as well when i was around 7-8. I always say this movie is the one that has shaped me the most in my life. PS. i always cry towards the end, and im 29.
I've watched all Ghibli films, some multiple times, and my favorite Ghibli film is Princess Mononoke as well. Although it's probably tied with Whisper of the Heart. I like your comments on Miyazaki. His personality definitely contrasts with his works. But this dynamic confirms a truth from Nietzsche: Great artists have such a special role, that they don't know how to act. Therefore we should forgive them when they act strange. This applies to Miyazaki perfectly. His works are some of the most hopeful creations in this world, but he as a person is the most cynical animator in existence. The world of Princess Mononoke seems to be Miyazaki's perspective on the world. Ashitaka is Miyazaki's hope for the future. Unlike the other characters, Ashitaka is completely good. Ashitaka embodies love. Love is not attachment/hatred (San), and love is not pacifism. Love is rejecting hatred on principle. Miyazaki made multiple environmental stories like Nausikaa, Castle in the Sky and Pom Poko. But Princess Mononoke is his masterpiece, through the character of Ashitaka. This is why he never made a film like his past ones after it.
Expertly put! I was talking with someone on Reddit about how they find his character bland and I just don't get it. He's noble, kind, and understanding to the point where it almost gets him killed. His relationship to all the other flawed characters is what makes the movie so impactful.
@@HizzyHay Yeah I've been thinking about that as well. Some people assume the mc always needs character development. But this is obviously not the case. On top of that, I think the goodness of a character can make some viewers feel threatened. For these reasons people seem to irrationally dislike Nausicaä, Madoka, Kino and Ginko (Mushishi) too.
@@michaelmiky11 I can understand partially where they are coming from. There's not as much complexity to them, but I love when characters are just kind of heart and want to help the world.
I agree with most of these points, although I wouldn't say Ashitaka is "completely good", "unlike the other characters". He is far more complex than that. Abstract concepts like "good" or "evil" do not fit in the gray-and-grey morality of the story.
5:34 If you payed attention on why exactly she was going to kill the forest spirit, ( I don’t intend to be rude ) you would know that she was forced into it by judo ( I thinks that’s his name.. I always forget ) Lady Eboshi said herself, “if I don’t kill the forest spirit, if judo doesn’t get what he wants, he and his men will ambush Irontown,” maybe not that word to word, but something similar. I think she’s not the evil character here. Like you said, she is saving brothel girls and giving them a place to stay. She also helped the lepers. I think she’s just trying to protect her town, like a good person would. She can’t stop Judo from ambushing her town so.. She had to do what he asked.
@@davii-os1fr but at the same time he didn’t have to make Lady Eboshi do his dirty work. He used the order from the emperor to threaten Eboshi. But yeah, I agree that it’s about perspective 😅
Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are so amazing. I’ve just watched this movie 15minutes ago and I think it could already be my all time favorite. I am kind of sad I only got to experience these Ghibli films through Netflix at my current age of 17 and not younger but experiencing them at all is really great. So far over the last week I watched many Ghibli movies - like Totoro, Kikis delivery service, Porco Rosso, Spirited Away and Castle in the sky - but this takes the crown. What I just love about these movies is the feeling they evoke and Princess Mononoke masters this aswell, only some minor flaws (like the red hood worn by Ashitaka ;D), but brilliant music, visuals, story, reflection on society and so on. Though other Ghibli films might be better in certain aspects this seems like the perfect package. Anyways one of the best movies ever
Bro people really out here dragging Ashitaka's fit lol. But yes I completely agree with you! Glad you loved Mononoke, agreed coming to these so later (19 for me) was weird because these would have been childhood classics.
All That Film Well it also just proves their quality compared to western animations movies which in my opinion can often only be watched at a young age, while Studio Ghibli manages to feature topics for older people aswell as more character depth in general. There are ofcourse exceptions but this seems to be the norm
Oh woah! That means so much to me, thank you and I'm glad this resonated with you. I don't think people can tell but there's one line I recorded that I actually chocked up while reading it out loud.
It's mind-boggling how every characters interactions in Miyazaki movies seem so realistic and understandable. His writing skills are insane, he always creates some of the best characters.
Great, now I feel like watching this movie for the 181621 time lol. Jokes aside, I think this my most re-watched movie of all time. No other piece of media really compares to the emotion it evokes in me. I could cry everytime I see it or simply hear the beautiful soundtrack. I wish everybody could see the beauty of this movie, but most people I show it simply get confused. That's why I like watching videos like this where I think "this person gets it!" Nice video. :)
Yeah I'm glad this was decently well received because I love Mononoke. I think it's difficult for some people to grasp the large scale craft that goes into shaping a world like this. Thank you!
Anytime I am down with an illness, I get my hot tea (preferably with boba) and watch a film by Miazaki. It always makes me feel better. Mononoke, Totoro, Kamikakushi, or Nausica all have the capacity to bring you up just when you feel like giving up.
I watched all of miyazaki's works . He is certainly one of the greats . One thing about him is that you can't think of a better way to say what he wants to say . He knows what he wants and he gets the job done in the best way possible ...... Thx for your video ......
Thank you! Also completely agree, it what made this video difficult to make as Miyazaki is so prolific that it's hard to finds words that he didn't already put on screen.
The greatest anime movie of all times, greatest then all others masterpieces. The peak of Hiyao miazaki career. His greatest achievement. He may be a bad dad like his son Goro always stated, but he is the greatest story-teller and animator of all time. For Me, Mononoke - hime is the greatest of his achievements. Nothing comes close to it. Its the most perfect animated movie with layers upon layers of philosophy and Theology and story-craft that more million years human kind can't achieve that. Mononoke hime is like the perfect movie.
I absolutely loved this. I grew up watching this beautiful film from when I was about 2 years old. It’s always seemed so special to me, and as I’ve gotten older I’ve appreciated it more and more. I’m 18 now, and recently convinced my dude-bro friends who had never watched anime and made fun of stuff like this to watch with me and they loved it. I feel like that speaks to just how powerful this film is. Great review!
Definitely one of my favorite films ever.. I first saw this in theaters in Japan as a small child, got a chance to see it in theaters again recently as they're doing socially distanced reruns of it in Tokyo movie theaters.. I wish they would play it in theaters more often..
I haven't seen it in the theaters yet. They keep playing it during finals here in the States, looking forward to seeing it on the big screen eventually! That must be a really cool experience.
Princess mononoke is a film that has changed my life. Memories of The best time of my life are woven in to the film and every time i watch it i get hit with such nostalgia of times gone that i almost break down. It is by far the best movie i have ever seen, and i dont think ill ever change my opinion on that. I love your video man real good work and i totally agree with you
@@Clouddancer44 uum yea nah ur far from the truth. Its very hard for someone who doesnt have it to explain, but its called sensory sensetivity disorder+synethesia. the disorder in short strenghens my over all feelings and emotional connection towards things, for example movies n songs. It also leads the person effected to think far deeper on things and reasons for said thing etc etc. I have about as much of the disorder as one can have (physical effects grown out of) so basiclly when it comes to things like movies which in my mind show true beauty, my emotions go up to dial 100. Then the synethesia mixes itself in with the disorder, synethesia being where (usually) some of your senses are crossed, so like some taste color and see sound, or smell feelings etc. In my case all of my damn senses are crossed and are heavily linked with my emotions, which are boosted to fuck because of sensory sensetivity disorder. Basiclly i was wombo comboed at birth. so yeah this is why, feel free to read in to synethesia and sensory sensetivity disorder, its quite intressting :) edit: these conditions are pre rare especially synethesia, and to have it with all senses even more so, and then on top to have both at the same time is idk, very unusual, so its not suprising to think i have a strange reaction towards the movie
Jeeeez, this would be the edgiest kids film I would have seen (if I had watch Ghiblis when I was young). Can't think of the darkest I watched when I was little besides that nightmare dream scene in Dumbo.
Hey man, I recently watched Princess Mononoke and I loved it and when I usually finish a Ghibli Film I watch youtube videos on it. The way you expressed Mr.Miyazaki just gave me chills. You really enlightened me on how pure of a human being he is and how he inspires people. You also broke down this film way more than I ever had comprehended it. This is truly a great film and it will always be a great film. Thanks man, make sure to keep up the good work!
Thank you so much! Princess Mononoke is one of my favorite films so like I mentioned it took so long to even attempt to try and do this. It quickly became something more than just "Why I Love Mononoke" and more what makes Miyazaki fascinating. He's a really interesting individual, I'll definitely have another film on him. I'll do my best to keep things good haha
I really wish I had grown up with Mononoke. I definitely envy you having that experience throughout your life, I think it slots so well with Lion King as grand and extremely rewatchable. Also I agree Mononoke continues to inspire me.
Princess Mononoke is besides Spirited Away and Castle in the sky my favorite. I love these Movies so much, I can never decide which one is truly number one.
I think that this might be the greatest animated film of all time. I personally prefer My Neighbor Totoro, and MAYBE Coraline, but this one is a little bit better.
@@ruskisall Yeah I'd agree, but at the end of the day I think a lot of people don't need that stuff. It's why others love Totoro (like above) more than me and why I value you different things in Mononoke
My Dad came home from the video rental store with Kik's delivery service on tape back in the early 90's. omg, Blockbuster...a bittersweet memory because he died in 2012 and I miss him so much. I never watched anything else from this director but after seeing your review of this I will. TY for this :)
This was the very first of Miyazaki's movies I saw, its inspired me in so many ways through my entire adult life and still does. You really did this movie justice. Thank you ^_^
This is a really nice video and analysis, thanks for sharing. You are right; there is just something about Miyazaki's films that somehow are able to inspire you with each viewing - indeed a perfect remedy for when you are feeling low. I actually watched Princess Mononoke again last night and it is such a magical film that I get sucked into with each viewing. I just had to replay that ending a few times, each time smiling through tears. No other film has had that effect on me. It's the journey, the soundtrack, the designs, and the fully realised characters; the fact that no one stands condemned toward the end, no person embodies evil, rather each and every one is capable of both good and evil, which is much truer to life.
Really well put, yeah the end is so pure I love the sentiment it puts to cap off such an epic journey. Thank you by the way! I''ve been so glad to see all these Miyazaki fans enjoy this.
The fact that neither sides were right or wrong is what makes Princess Mononoke stand out to me. This movie is a tragic tale of two sides with different opinions and understandable motivations who didn't even try to communicate or talk it out peacefully and everyone suffers as a result. It was a classic "trying to do the right thing, but doing it the wrong way" situation. The entire movie is about not letting hate get ahold of you and cloud your judgment. That's why I love Ashitaka: he really does see everyone with "eyes unclouded by hate" and sees the good in both of them. One notable example is in the opening scene with the demon god where his first instinct is to try to appease it instead of trying to kill it. The demon god died while letting hate consume him. If you notice closely, you'll see Ashitaka's curse only gets bad any time he gets angry and embraces the hatred in him. I like to think of the ending as a hopeful implication that both sides have learnt the error of their ways and will start a better future. Thanks for coming to my Ted talk lol XD
WHAT, that would be amazing. The first theatre experience I can somewhat recall was Toy Story 2 and that was epic. Just curious was this your favorite theater experience as a kid?
Dany Osuna it starts with the absolute most generic “IN A WORLD WITH BEASTS AND HUMANS” it definitely doesn’t give off the vibe that the film actually is
Hey hey hey, whisper of the heart fan over here. I loved your work on this film. You potrayed it really really well, , especially the greyness of the charecters. How Ladyeboshi isnt ur sterotypical evil villian...tbh, i dont even think shes a villian as such. And how princess mononoke herself is a grey "hero". Both who have been consumed by the hatred thst feeds them. Really epic Film here, probaly one if the best films out there
Hey hey hey, awesome! There's actually way more Whisper of the Heart fans out there than I thought (like the people that adore it). Thank you, yeah it''s a complexity that not a lot of kids films feel comfortable showing their audience as some films need to make it clear who the villian is.
I completely agree and all of the ghibli films are so rewatchable for several reasons, one being their insane attention to detail in every scene making you see new things and elicit new feelings you never realised were there before. Thank you for this Princess Monokoke is one of my favourites too
FINALLY!! SOMEONE WHO SEE'S MONONOKE HIME IS THE SAME WAY AS ME!! ALONG WITH A VIDEO THAT GIVES THE MOVIE THE REORGANIZATION IT DESERVES!!! This video almost brought me to tears because of the nostalgia. Mononoke hime is my childhood film and is still my favourite film to this day, San was the closest I ever got to a childhood idol. Thank you for doing this film a justice.
Glad you enjoyed it, it's weird (and I've probably left this on comments before) but as someone who didn't grow up watching these films there's still that nostalgia attached to it that I feel when watching it
Definitely the best animated movie. If I had to pick a flaw it would be that Ashitaka is too perfect of a person in a world where everyone else is so complex. However this is balanced by the fact that his role is more to be an observer of the conflict rather than a player in it. I like that you went into Miyazaki's philosophy. Mononoke makes a good introduction to it, but it's in the Nausicaa manga that it's really fleshed out.
You're the third person mentioning the Nausicaa Manga, I definitely need to check it out! Yeah, I think Ashitaka is meant to be a "perfect" hero because like you mentioned he's just an observer. I love the fact that all the characters are flawed but in a very realistic manner.
This just popped up on my recommended list. Maybe it knows. But i've just recently watched Castle in the Sky, The Castle of Cagliostro, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Films I've wanted to watch for a while, just didn't have the time. Well we got a bunch of time these days XD I watched Princess Mononokea few months ago. I had previously put it off alongside Nausicaä because of the hype. Was scared. After watching Princess Mononoke, I was so happy because I thought it was amazing. Defo up there among my favourite animé films. Howl's is still #1 though. Then probably Rebuild 2.22. However I enjoyed Castle in the Sky way more than I did Nausicaä.
@@HizzyHay I just love the English dub of Howl's Batman as Howl. What I get from Rebuild 2.22 is the same as when I watched The Matrix for the first time. Just in utter awe of it
I'm pretty confident in saying that this movie (or any Ghibli movie) wouldn't have 90% of their magic without Joe Hisaishi providing the calm, atmosphere, beauty, majesty and longing in his soundtrack.
I love this video so much. Great work. I just wrote an essay about this movie for my film studies class and almost all of my points overlapped directly with yours. I'm so glad that the message that life is worth living is getting out there more and more despite fear and what seems like a crumbling world. Life is good! God is good!
So true! I'd love to read your essay if you'd want to share it. I'm sure it's great. I do hope the world slowly turns around and does become more positive. Thanks for the feedback, have a great day!
@@HizzyHay yeah I'd totally send it over, is there an email that I should send it to? Also it's gonna seem like I took some ideas for this video because I mean I even used some of the quotes you used but I promise on all things holy i wrote the entire essay before i watched this video. That's part of why i was so floored on how much i agreed with this
Princess Mononoke is my favorite Ghibli movie too ! If you have chance please visit Yakushima (small island in Japan) Yakushima is the model of mountain of Princess Mononoke :)
This is my favorite movie for a variety of reasons It's so beautiful, the characters are flawed in ways that make them seem even more human And so on, it's just amazing But the end man that's just so bittersweet
If you like any of Miyazaki's works I highly recommend you read his manga called "Nausaicaä of the valley of the wind". While there is the Miyazaki movie of the same Name it only covers about one fourth of what's in the manga. And oh boy there is A LOT in the manga. It's full of Miyazaki's philosophy and his characters, you can really see the connection between the manga and all his films. In many ways it feels like the one truly complete Miyazaki story to me. It's a bit difficult to find (at least it was for me) but it's so worth it! It's a shame not more people know about it.
Thank you. This has been my favorite film for so long. Strangely however, it's hard for me to explain why. Since this video, you could say my eyes became unclouded, I've started writing. So far I've written 27 pages on this movie, and soon I hope to do something with this. Princess mononoke is somehow nostalgic to me, by that, I don't mean the movie itself, but what it represents.
That’s awesome!!! 27 pages is a ton of work, glad this worked to push your greatness out. Feel free to share it with us if you’d like someone to read it!
@@HizzyHay thank you! It's awesome that you are still responding months after he video was made. I'll try to make a video on the pages when I'm done writing it! Thank you
I've just finished it yesterday at new years, I'm not even a Miyazaki fan, neither is ghibli my favorite studio, but this was a masterpiece film, the pacing and the mystery for which side ashitaka is in is perfect to me, the supernatural elements of the film and the animation is so good for it's time
I'm 32 years old. I first saw spirited away when I was a kid in elementary school. I was actually sick runnunh a fever so I stayed up almost all night watchinh tv. I saw this movie late in the night. Because of my fever couples with the weirdness of the movie I felt like I was on a trip or in another world. It was such an awesome movie. The forest spirit deer dude scared me lol
As a former kid 1990 edition, I have to say that Miyazaki succeeded. I still remember the state of mind I went through when I was 7 in the theater in a little town in south of France. And it's still emotional.
One of my favourite things about this film is that the line between good and evil is so blurred. The wolf god attack the villagers yet she took pity on baby Mononoke and raised her as a wolf. Lady Eboshi wants to conquer the forest and destroy the gods yet she basically rescued social outcasts namely brothel women and lepers and gave them all a second chance at life. Prince Ashitaka despite not being a hateful or corrupted character ends up getting Nago’s curse. It’s just all so brilliantly done. It makes me wish I had grown up on those kind of stories cos it’s so realistic to how the real world works.
Oh for sure! It is definitely something I see more commonly in anime then animation in the states. I hope young creators are learning and big studious will let them add depth to characters
Whisper of the Heart is a really great film
@@linkinaball Not sure if I mentioned this in the video but I actually got a ton of Whisper of the Heart love when I asked reddit what their favourite Ghibli was
I meant that Whisper of the Heart surprised me back when I saw it. But yeah. It’s a lovely film.
The Wolf God wasn’t attacking a village. She caught two humans “defiling her forest” and when she turned to confront them, they threw a baby at her feet and ran away. She them decided to raise San on her own. Maybe you’re confusing it with the destroyed village where Ashitaka and Jigo camp in the beginning of the film
The one and only hero in this movie is Ashitaka, a character that is forgiving, calm, repressing his anger in the shape of a curse, and always in search of balance. Definitely a role model.
For sure, he helps out as many characters as he can in this film
@@HizzyHay You guy's think there will be another Princess Mononoke movie sequel?
Because it was a greatest movie of all time.
And plus do you guy's think that Princess Mononoke is a Disney princess?
Because princess mononoke is a part of Disney even though she's ghibli.
San is a princess like a Disney princess and San's princess dress will look similar to Pocahontas princess dress from Pocahontas 2. Do you guy's agree with that idea?
@@HizzyHay Hello.
Are you guys interesting to see Disney to buy Studio Ghibli and their merchandise including their stuff from Studio Ghibli and also all the female Ghibli characters will be Disney Princesses and dress up as princesses as well?
chng.it/4cmNrg9SdS
@@58jn89 There will hopefully never be a sequel. I hope we get movies like Princess Mononoke, but it is so contained that it probably doesn't need to be continued.
As for the Disney princesses I'd say no, only for the reason that Ghibli does something way different then Disney with it's female leads. By technicality, probably yes? But so is Leia, but I tend to not recognize that.
rocamontana While San is a terrible role model.
This film is critically underrated as far as both anime movies go AND Ghibli films.
It might be because I surrond myself with so many Mononoke fans, but I know a ton of people that love it. I think overall it's really underseen by the vast majority of the general public, I wish that could change because this is a fantastic film.
The film is a complete masterpiece
It is only underrated in the West, not underrated in the East.
lol do you know what UNDERRATED means, the film itself sold $159.4 million world wide,
@ Pom Poko is totally underrated, I know so few people that have seen it, it might be one of my favourite films ever
Out of all Miyazaki films, Princess Mononoke is my favorite film. It's a mind twisting plot where you can't tell whose the hero and villian. The animators did a great job in background/foreground of the forest and iron town. I like the relationship between Prince Ashitaka and San. I sometimes wish the ending was altered where both the forest and iron town signed a piece treaty and lived as one.
Definitely agree. The animation on this project is top notch with everything so detailed. That would have been a cool thing to explore!
My interpretation of why the movie did not end the way you described is because the movie is an allegory of the real world and its relationship with nature.
At the end of the movie, the battle is over, yet the problem is not solved. Neither the animals nor the humans solve their quarry, as neither side regrets their actions. I believe Miyazaki’s message is saying that this is still the case in the real world; people have not yet come to a peaceful treaty with nature and continue to deforest and encroach on wild habitats. The end of the movie somewhat concludes the premise of the adventure, yet only the future can determine the relation of humans and nature.
I know one reason Nature is such a big thing for Ghibli is because Japan has a unique perspective no other country has. It has been devastated. The nukes at Hiroshima and Nagasaki really hit Japan in more ways than one. I also believe that Miyazaki had family at Hiroshima, I could be wrong about this so please don't quote me. The perspective of seeing what Human Destruction can do first hand, and the recovery Nature is capable of really shows in a lot of Ghibli's movies.
The story is essentially a folklore type (though it’s actually not.) of story telling how the forest spirits disappeared and how nature became what it is today.
The "monk"!!!! Jigo is the only one guided by greed. Who thrives in the conflict between the spiritual world, the human wisdom and the sheer logic of science/technology.
I see that character as an allegory of the modern politicians. Their oath to serve is a dead letter and their loyalty is sold to the highest bidder.
“I’ve become skeptical of the unwritten rule that just because a boy and girl appear in the same feature, a romance must ensue. Rather, I want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where the two mutually inspire each other to live-if I’m able to, then perhaps I’ll be closer to portraying a true expression of love.” Hayao Miyazaki
Princess Mononoke was a 9.99/10
Couldn’t get passed the shirtless sleeves.
Dang those shirtless sleeves are that .01% of germs that germex can't get rid of
@@HizzyHay exactly, totally ruined the film for me
Haha I like the shirtless sleeves because they are so pointless and unnecessary that it looks good
@@GyroZeppel This guy gets it 8)
justice for shirtless sleeves
Same
No one in this film is inherently good or evil. I would argue the real evil lies in the conflict itself rather than any of the humans or gods participating in the conflict.
Ooo I really like the way you worded that!
Very nice. That's why I don't get why Miyazaki put Ashikata in this movie? He is the embodiment of pure good, and he ruins the balance everything has in this movie.
I'm sorry, I cannot stress enough how Ashitaka ruined this movie for me.
@@NationalistsRuinAmerica Without Ashitaka there is no plot. There are two parts in conflict (humans vs forest) and both parts are absolutely convinced of being in the right and see the other part as an enemy to destroy. Taking Ashitaka off the film and letting the rest equal, the film would end with both the forest and the city destroyed (and with the Forest God head on display in a warmonger's house). It takes a objective third party to see the full picture and show that picture to the parts in conflict.
Without Ashitaka a similar film could exist, but then you should pick a faction of the two in conflict in order to be invested in the story. Then, for the movie to finish with a resolution, one party must win, and for that being pleasurable, you should have picked the 'correct' team, and the makers of the movie should paint one part a little more in the right to make it easy to the viewer. And then you have a normal, enjoyable, run of the mill movie, like thousand others. But Miyazaki doesn't want you to side with any faction, he wants you to trascend the opposites and side with the only person who has a distant, objective, but passionate view of the conflict.
In a good vs evil plot, the conflict ends when one part overpowers the other (normally the 'good' side, but it can be the 'bad' side if you are watching a horror / nihilistic / fatalistic film). But there is another way of end a conflict, a truce. What Miyazaki wants to tell us in this movie (beside other things, of course) is that we almost always have that option in our hands, but our hate sometimes doesn't allow us to see it, even when that course of action can be better than a 'victory'.
@@juanausensi499 I get the idea that he was a bridge between both sides, but his background story was a bit lacking, he never had doubts, he acted very decisive and precise, so much that I couldn't really emphasize with him. you're right, he drove the story, but because he seemed so non-human to me, many parts of the plot also felt forced and unnatural.
@@NationalistsRuinAmerica Valid points. I think his background and character are not well developed because the stoy isn't a about him, but about the conflict itself. He is just a unbiased point of view more than a real person. I know that detracts from him as a character, but i bet that was the purspose all along. Of course taste is subjective, and I understand your position. For me, a more complex hero could have transformed the movie in a three-way struggle, and i think that was not the intention of the author.
I have noticed that Disney movies don't really taste that well anymore after I got into Ghibli. In Ghibli they make so much better characters and stories. Miyazaki's magical talent is that he makes these movies with passion. He makes the characters to learn to survive alone but still with a little help. That's why we can really relate to the characters so well, because they're so realistic.
It's also one of the very few films showing an "older" time I've seen that doesn't present women as weaker characters serving their men.
Idk how far you've gotten into Ghibli but that's every single one of his film. It's probably the thing I respect the most about Ghibli is they don't create a damsel character ever. Check out Nausica if you haven't yet!
@@HizzyHay I've only watched around 6 or so Ghibli films maybe, and until I watched Princess Mononoke my favorite was When Marie Was There. It still holds a special place for me!
But I meant considering this is one of those films that include a princess, an old tribe, folk tales, and that sort of thing, movies like that would usually present women a certain way, and this was the first that didn't, if that makes any sense.
I'll check out Nausica really soon :D
@@BarknoorZ No definitely understand, that's why Nausica is so perfect. It's Miyazaki's first film and it excels at that concept you're talking about
I love the strong female characters of Mononoke, but I hate Ashitaka. Why does he even exist? Just that there is a male characters who literally 1ups every other character of the film?
Bullshit there’s tons of movies from the past that don’t do that. Don’t ask me to name everyone of them go find him your fucking self. Simp.
Princess Mononoke has never been more relevant than today. The Coronavirus appeared like a kind of curse from nature to both restore itself and teach us a lesson about how we've been treating her in the recent years.
Woah, honestly that's big energy. I can see that take. Especially because there's so many grey areas of evil in real life.
I agree. Miyazaki's message is timeless.
Sadly, we are not going to learn from this.
You obviously have never seen nausicaä
It is like a damn religion, it makes a good tool of control. Undoubtedly we do alot of bad for the environment and we should take better care of what we have. I just can't believe the hype around global warming when it is so politicized. It's like the best tool possible, I see alot of authoritarianism coming from this type of propaganda. I'll not believe the narratives that governments pedel. I just hope in the future history can be told correctly and the tyrants of today are remembered.
The one person who disliked this is probably a Disney fan
Michaelfh 570
Oh definitely, like, 100% better than any Disney movie. It’s a masterpiece
I think most Disney fans would end up loving Ghibli if they were exposed to it. There are definitely similarities, but both have unique beats they follow. I think the really people who disliked the video are probably Minions fans
@@HizzyHay yes. Personally I compare this film to Lion King(1993). They both have lost protagonists with similar to real world problems. They teach audiences how to face hardship and challanges that come in life. And they both convey friendship and unity.
But Scar is the obvious evil with no good side. So Miyazaki wins in my eyes.
@@albinoniinonibla2298 Yeah Lion King is definitely more overt in it's messages, but I still love both in different ways. They are similar but they scratch different itches.
Lol!! :D
There is something special about Mononoke regarding the music too - Hisaishi has composed so many great tracks for other Ghibli movies yet for this one he seems to have outdone himself even more. There are more recognisable songs, they are more ambitious and more rhythmically diverse than some of his previous work which sometimes is very similar to one another - for Mononoke, he retained his style and even harmony usage at times yet the songs are so unique and powerful. Thank you for the upload, it's great to see that after all these years people still appreciate this masterpiece.
Thank you! And I completely agree it's Hisaishi's best work, incredibly memorable
My favorites movie of all time, so realistic as every character can be seen as good or evil depending on what lense you look through
(except for Ashitaka as his 'eyes are unclouded by hate')
Oh definitely, everyone is on some grey in between of good and evil. I think it's a lesson a lot of other films need to learn to use.
Just watched Princess Mononoke two days ago since his films came out on netflix. Even though I watched this as a child, I totally forgot everything, but now I realize the deeper meaning of this film. It is hard to for people with opposing cultures and ideologies to remain peacefully, but none is either evil nor good. Everyone is trying to fight for their own good from their perspective, but if you take a step out and look from another perspective (like Ashitaka), then you will realize that much more problems can be resolved.
Films are fun like that when you can watch it and enjoy it as a kid, but when you grow up there's a deeper meaning to it. Love to see it.
I watched Princess Mononoke just yesterday and it's my favorite Ghibli film so far. There's something really unique about it, about how no one character is truly evil, but rather just looking out for themselves, their needs or their people. It's a subtle demonstration of how conflict really happens in our world.
Oh for sure, especially because a lot of the needs are varying degrees of selfish. I love that aspect of the film and just like you said it's so accurate to today
Princess Mononoke belongs deeply into my heart. I first watched this movie when I was 3 and I have seen it like a 100 times, but every time, the beauty of this movie amazes me. I love other ghibli movies too of course, but if I would make a top 10 list of my favorite movies, this would belong there.
Woah! What an insane movie to watch when you were three. It truly is incredible, I unfortunately watched it way later in my life.
dude/dudina (haha sorry) i always cry at this movie, and i am 29 y old guy. IDK, this is just the epitomy of perfection for me.
A flame burns brightest when in a dark room. Miyazaki is in tune with this balance of light and dark, and as such when we feel empty, lonely and hopeless in this cold world he conjures a flame of warmth, beauty, and charm within his stories to empower us to see the best in each other and ourselves. Studio Ghibli is remarkable because it was made with passion to aid us, instead of made solely for profit like Disney.
I regularly watch Studio Ghibli to be engulfed in the emotions/tones and nuances that make every single one of their movies unique and powerful. I am not a religious man, but the warmth/love I have for studio Ghibli is something that empowered me to understand religion. Because of how I find peace, serenity, and warmth within the frames of his works, I think people find that flame within the pages of religious books. And so Studio Ghibli made me, an angry atheist, into a very accepting person. I truly think every age has something to gain from Studio Ghibli because the emotions he expresses within these works are universal and make us feel and think in ways we wouldn't be capable otherwise.
Woah, eloquently put. I love seeing how much of an impact Ghibli has had on other people's lives.
Word
princess mononoke and castle in the sky both are really really amazing
Lucky
Same here
Yeah, Castle in the Sky really has grown on me through the years. It's such an enjoyable film.
His film is a great combination of a profound and deep sadness combined with a never-failing light of hope. Despite what goes on in the world, there’s a hope we cling onto, his films, Joe’s music, the worlds and messages they create, truly film masterpieces (not just animated films, but films in general). And the English dub of this movie is also amazingly done.
Princess Mononoke is definitely my favorite Miyazaki movie. The soundtrack can only be described as legendary.
A tear jerker, a powerful expression of hope, and a must watch.
P.S. Whispers of the Heart is another favorite of mine, it is like the opposite of Princess Mononoke - modern, simple, quiet, but also powerful. Miyazaki is truly a master of story-telling.
Miyazaki is one of the best story tellers for sure. There is something really incredible him and the rest of the studio are able to do.
Need to re-watch Whisper of the Heart again! It is definitely different.
I am also highly influenced by Miyazaki's work. Hardly a day passes where I don't think about his work in some way or another. Hearing you put into words how I have felt for years was a very powerful moment. Thank you for making this.
No problem! Thank you for enjoying. What's your favorite of his works?
@@HizzyHay I guess if I had to choose one and only one it would be Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. The structure of the toxic jungle and Nausicaas innate connection to nature just really speaks to me.
It's quite impressive really, Miyazaki accurately predicted the science of mycofiltration all while writing an incredible story in a crazy cool world.
For new considerations.
Please use English subtitles.
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I remember renting this VHS from Blockbuster when it came out. It changed my life. I absolutely love this film. It’s entertaining, deep, poetic, and beautiful. Please watch it if you haven’t already, it’s great!
The VHS box art looks so incredible
Same! Later went out and bought the dvd before I even had a dvd player.
same, started with VHS as well when i was around 7-8. I always say this movie is the one that has shaped me the most in my life. PS. i always cry towards the end, and im 29.
Never bothered to comment on youtube videos before but to you i wish good luck on making them more, loved this!
Thank you! I think I'm going to run into some free time this Friday to record another essay type thing.
I've watched all Ghibli films, some multiple times, and my favorite Ghibli film is Princess Mononoke as well. Although it's probably tied with Whisper of the Heart.
I like your comments on Miyazaki. His personality definitely contrasts with his works. But this dynamic confirms a truth from Nietzsche: Great artists have such a special role, that they don't know how to act. Therefore we should forgive them when they act strange. This applies to Miyazaki perfectly. His works are some of the most hopeful creations in this world, but he as a person is the most cynical animator in existence.
The world of Princess Mononoke seems to be Miyazaki's perspective on the world. Ashitaka is Miyazaki's hope for the future. Unlike the other characters, Ashitaka is completely good. Ashitaka embodies love. Love is not attachment/hatred (San), and love is not pacifism. Love is rejecting hatred on principle.
Miyazaki made multiple environmental stories like Nausikaa, Castle in the Sky and Pom Poko. But Princess Mononoke is his masterpiece, through the character of Ashitaka. This is why he never made a film like his past ones after it.
Expertly put! I was talking with someone on Reddit about how they find his character bland and I just don't get it. He's noble, kind, and understanding to the point where it almost gets him killed. His relationship to all the other flawed characters is what makes the movie so impactful.
@@HizzyHay Yeah I've been thinking about that as well. Some people assume the mc always needs character development. But this is obviously not the case. On top of that, I think the goodness of a character can make some viewers feel threatened. For these reasons people seem to irrationally dislike Nausicaä, Madoka, Kino and Ginko (Mushishi) too.
@@michaelmiky11 I can understand partially where they are coming from. There's not as much complexity to them, but I love when characters are just kind of heart and want to help the world.
I agree with most of these points, although I wouldn't say Ashitaka is "completely good", "unlike the other characters". He is far more complex than that. Abstract concepts like "good" or "evil" do not fit in the gray-and-grey morality of the story.
I laughed out loud the moment I saw your username because I'm reading The Brothers Karamazov right now
5:34
If you payed attention on why exactly she was going to kill the forest spirit, ( I don’t intend to be rude ) you would know that she was forced into it by judo ( I thinks that’s his name.. I always forget ) Lady Eboshi said herself, “if I don’t kill the forest spirit, if judo doesn’t get what he wants, he and his men will ambush Irontown,” maybe not that word to word, but something similar.
I think she’s not the evil character here. Like you said, she is saving brothel girls and giving them a place to stay. She also helped the lepers. I think she’s just trying to protect her town, like a good person would. She can’t stop Judo from ambushing her town so.. She had to do what he asked.
Definitely doesn't come off rude at all! Lady Eboshi is for sure just put in a really difficult situation that either outcome isn't gonna be ideal.
* I meant Jigo, not Judo 😂
Jiko wasn’t a bad chracter either Jiko was following orders from the emperor in the japenese dub it says so bascially this movie is about perspective
Deep thought, so the tragedy was unavoidable, to Caesar what is Caesar's, Mother Nature receiving the worst collateral damage...
@@davii-os1fr but at the same time he didn’t have to make Lady Eboshi do his dirty work. He used the order from the emperor to threaten Eboshi. But yeah, I agree that it’s about perspective 😅
Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are so amazing. I’ve just watched this movie 15minutes ago and I think it could already be my all time favorite. I am kind of sad I only got to experience these Ghibli films through Netflix at my current age of 17 and not younger but experiencing them at all is really great. So far over the last week I watched many Ghibli movies - like Totoro, Kikis delivery service, Porco Rosso, Spirited Away and Castle in the sky - but this takes the crown. What I just love about these movies is the feeling they evoke and Princess Mononoke masters this aswell, only some minor flaws (like the red hood worn by Ashitaka ;D), but brilliant music, visuals, story, reflection on society and so on. Though other Ghibli films might be better in certain aspects this seems like the perfect package. Anyways one of the best movies ever
Bro people really out here dragging Ashitaka's fit lol. But yes I completely agree with you! Glad you loved Mononoke, agreed coming to these so later (19 for me) was weird because these would have been childhood classics.
All That Film Well it also just proves their quality compared to western animations movies which in my opinion can often only be watched at a young age, while Studio Ghibli manages to feature topics for older people aswell as more character depth in general. There are ofcourse exceptions but this seems to be the norm
@@lzorro567 Oh definitely, no adult is checking out Shark Tale or Trolls when they are older thinking greater of it.
Something about this video moved me to tears. Thank you.
Oh woah! That means so much to me, thank you and I'm glad this resonated with you. I don't think people can tell but there's one line I recorded that I actually chocked up while reading it out loud.
What can I say? Beautiful work can cause waterworks to begin.
It's mind-boggling how every characters interactions in Miyazaki movies seem so realistic and understandable. His writing skills are insane, he always creates some of the best characters.
Epic just watched the movie, it's truly epic
For sure, no other word to describe it better
I remember first watching it when I was 8 years old, such a powerful film
Definitely, I'm jealous of all these people that have had this film in their lives so long haha
Love how ethereal the Forest Spirit is! Princess Mononoke is definitely my favorite Ghibli film!
For sure, they really went all out with the design of the spirit.
Great, now I feel like watching this movie for the 181621 time lol. Jokes aside, I think this my most re-watched movie of all time. No other piece of media really compares to the emotion it evokes in me. I could cry everytime I see it or simply hear the beautiful soundtrack. I wish everybody could see the beauty of this movie, but most people I show it simply get confused. That's why I like watching videos like this where I think "this person gets it!"
Nice video. :)
Yeah I'm glad this was decently well received because I love Mononoke. I think it's difficult for some people to grasp the large scale craft that goes into shaping a world like this.
Thank you!
I saw this last Night for the first time on Netflix.....agreed its my Fav all time apart from Porco.
Porco Rosso fans rise up! Seriously I love that pig, great to see you loved Mononoke though
Anytime I am down with an illness, I get my hot tea (preferably with boba) and watch a film by Miazaki. It always makes me feel better. Mononoke, Totoro, Kamikakushi, or Nausica all have the capacity to bring you up just when you feel like giving up.
I watched all of miyazaki's works . He is certainly one of the greats . One thing about him is that you can't think of a better way to say what he wants to say . He knows what he wants and he gets the job done in the best way possible ......
Thx for your video ......
Thank you! Also completely agree, it what made this video difficult to make as Miyazaki is so prolific that it's hard to finds words that he didn't already put on screen.
The songs of this film make me cry. My favorite :( but [ :) ]
It's a really powerful score!
welcome to the club :)
I loved princess Mononoke but had a hard time realizing what was so good about it, watching this video makes me love it even more.
Ayee! That's great to hear, glad I could provide a little bit more appreciation for this legendary work.
Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away 👍some of my favorites.
two classics!
I love this movie but for me my favorite will always be spirited away
I can see that! Both are amazing and have different strengths
The greatest anime movie of all times, greatest then all others masterpieces. The peak of Hiyao miazaki career. His greatest achievement. He may be a bad dad like his son Goro always stated, but he is the greatest story-teller and animator of all time. For Me, Mononoke - hime is the greatest of his achievements. Nothing comes close to it. Its the most perfect animated movie with layers upon layers of philosophy and Theology and story-craft that more million years human kind can't achieve that. Mononoke hime is like the perfect movie.
I absolutely loved this. I grew up watching this beautiful film from when I was about 2 years old. It’s always seemed so special to me, and as I’ve gotten older I’ve appreciated it more and more. I’m 18 now, and recently convinced my dude-bro friends who had never watched anime and made fun of stuff like this to watch with me and they loved it. I feel like that speaks to just how powerful this film is. Great review!
Oh that's awesome! That's great to hear you're sharing this amazing film, glad your friends enjoyed it! Also thanks!
Definitely one of my favorite films ever.. I first saw this in theaters in Japan as a small child, got a chance to see it in theaters again recently as they're doing socially distanced reruns of it in Tokyo movie theaters.. I wish they would play it in theaters more often..
I haven't seen it in the theaters yet. They keep playing it during finals here in the States, looking forward to seeing it on the big screen eventually! That must be a really cool experience.
Watching this video I can't understand why this channel don't have millions sub
This is the content I live for
Asa grundy Thanks! Trying the best :)
This is one of my favorite films of all time. Thank you for this.
Aye great taste! Glad you enjoyed
Princess mononoke is a film that has changed my life. Memories of The best time of my life are woven in to the film and every time i watch it i get hit with such nostalgia of times gone that i almost break down. It is by far the best movie i have ever seen, and i dont think ill ever change my opinion on that. I love your video man real good work and i totally agree with you
Adam thank you so much! I really wish I grew up watching this film, can’t imagine how mindblowing it would be. Such a grand movie for all
@@Clouddancer44 uum yea nah ur far from the truth. Its very hard for someone who doesnt have it to explain, but its called sensory sensetivity disorder+synethesia. the disorder in short strenghens my over all feelings and emotional connection towards things, for example movies n songs. It also leads the person effected to think far deeper on things and reasons for said thing etc etc. I have about as much of the disorder as one can have (physical effects grown out of) so basiclly when it comes to things like movies which in my mind show true beauty, my emotions go up to dial 100. Then the synethesia mixes itself in with the disorder, synethesia being where (usually) some of your senses are crossed, so like some taste color and see sound, or smell feelings etc. In my case all of my damn senses are crossed and are heavily linked with my emotions, which are boosted to fuck because of sensory sensetivity disorder. Basiclly i was wombo comboed at birth. so yeah this is why, feel free to read in to synethesia and sensory sensetivity disorder, its quite intressting :)
edit: these conditions are pre rare especially synethesia, and to have it with all senses even more so, and then on top to have both at the same time is idk, very unusual, so its not suprising to think i have a strange reaction towards the movie
@@Clouddancer44 no problem, and same to you :)
I used to watch this movie every day after preschool .. boy I was mature
Jeeeez, this would be the edgiest kids film I would have seen (if I had watch Ghiblis when I was young). Can't think of the darkest I watched when I was little besides that nightmare dream scene in Dumbo.
All That Film
😂 I’ve been watching the Exorcist since I was 5 😂😂
Now it’s very hard to scare me :/
I used to watch this too so many times when i was younger
Hey man, I recently watched Princess Mononoke and I loved it and when I usually finish a Ghibli Film I watch youtube videos on it. The way you expressed Mr.Miyazaki just gave me chills. You really enlightened me on how pure of a human being he is and how he inspires people. You also broke down this film way more than I ever had comprehended it. This is truly a great film and it will always be a great film. Thanks man, make sure to keep up the good work!
Thank you so much! Princess Mononoke is one of my favorite films so like I mentioned it took so long to even attempt to try and do this. It quickly became something more than just "Why I Love Mononoke" and more what makes Miyazaki fascinating. He's a really interesting individual, I'll definitely have another film on him. I'll do my best to keep things good haha
This is still my favorite movie. I enjoy it every time I watch it. I grew up watching these films, and they always uplift and inspire me
I really wish I had grown up with Mononoke. I definitely envy you having that experience throughout your life, I think it slots so well with Lion King as grand and extremely rewatchable. Also I agree Mononoke continues to inspire me.
Everything about this film is so beautiful and well done
Agreed! Truly a masterpiece
Princess Mononoke is besides Spirited Away and Castle in the sky my favorite. I love these Movies so much, I can never decide which one is truly number one.
I think that this might be the greatest animated film of all time. I personally prefer My Neighbor Totoro, and MAYBE Coraline, but this one is a little bit better.
Coraline gives me the hibeejibees but I lovveee that movie.
This is a more complex movie, the characters, drama and flow its the best movie from him
@@ruskisall Yeah I'd agree, but at the end of the day I think a lot of people don't need that stuff. It's why others love Totoro (like above) more than me and why I value you different things in Mononoke
ruskisall Yep!
@@HizzyHay thats true, great review by the way
My Dad came home from the video rental store with Kik's delivery service on tape back in the early 90's. omg, Blockbuster...a bittersweet memory because he died in 2012 and I miss him so much. I never watched anything else from this director but after seeing your review of this I will. TY for this :)
after watching this film I was just so complete one of the best-animated films and films I've ever seen. This movie owns real estate in my head
Miyasaki (sorry for spelling) is a genious, his movies are all masterpieces.
I watched Princess Mononoke two day ago and I absolutely loved it. It has surpassed Fantasia as my favourite movie.
Dreary Doll interesting, I really loved Fantasia as a kid. Really need to go back and check it out again
Great work man, looking forward for another videos!
Thanks bud! Got a extensive video I’m working on at the moment
The bell is on lol
Thanks for bringing back a Miyazaki classic into the public imagination. It's one of his darkest and bloodiest; but it was real and direct.
Of course! Mononoke is definitely one that needs more exploration in discussions, hope I can maybe make some other videos on other Ghibli films.
I came here to Salute Miyazaki's Masterpiece when i looked back in his previous films made by him.
I'm really hoping that his last project can top even this for me, we'll see. But yeah agreed this is such an incredible epic from him.
This was the very first of Miyazaki's movies I saw, its inspired me in so many ways through my entire adult life and still does. You really did this movie justice. Thank you ^_^
Thanks a bunch!
@@HizzyHay Anytime!
This is a really nice video and analysis, thanks for sharing. You are right; there is just something about Miyazaki's films that somehow are able to inspire you with each viewing - indeed a perfect remedy for when you are feeling low. I actually watched Princess Mononoke again last night and it is such a magical film that I get sucked into with each viewing. I just had to replay that ending a few times, each time smiling through tears. No other film has had that effect on me. It's the journey, the soundtrack, the designs, and the fully realised characters; the fact that no one stands condemned toward the end, no person embodies evil, rather each and every one is capable of both good and evil, which is much truer to life.
Really well put, yeah the end is so pure I love the sentiment it puts to cap off such an epic journey.
Thank you by the way! I''ve been so glad to see all these Miyazaki fans enjoy this.
The fact that neither sides were right or wrong is what makes Princess Mononoke stand out to me. This movie is a tragic tale of two sides with different opinions and understandable motivations who didn't even try to communicate or talk it out peacefully and everyone suffers as a result. It was a classic "trying to do the right thing, but doing it the wrong way" situation.
The entire movie is about not letting hate get ahold of you and cloud your judgment. That's why I love Ashitaka: he really does see everyone with "eyes unclouded by hate" and sees the good in both of them. One notable example is in the opening scene with the demon god where his first instinct is to try to appease it instead of trying to kill it. The demon god died while letting hate consume him. If you notice closely, you'll see Ashitaka's curse only gets bad any time he gets angry and embraces the hatred in him.
I like to think of the ending as a hopeful implication that both sides have learnt the error of their ways and will start a better future.
Thanks for coming to my Ted talk lol XD
"That which man doesn't understand he attempts to change, and that which he cannot change he destroys!"
A'HO MA'HEO
Got to watch this in theaters and as a 12yr old it blew my little mind. I could watch it over and over
WHAT, that would be amazing. The first theatre experience I can somewhat recall was Toy Story 2 and that was epic. Just curious was this your favorite theater experience as a kid?
Princess Mononoke is easily my favorite Miyazaki. Good video.
Kornbeeef! What are your other favorites of his?
@@HizzyHay I'll say Howl's Moving Castle is #2 and #3 would have to be Spirited Away.
3:36 I like how he uses male and female character. We need more people like him.
That trailer is so bad lol reminds me of those obscure disney movies trailers in the VHS
Dany Osuna it starts with the absolute most generic “IN A WORLD WITH BEASTS AND HUMANS” it definitely doesn’t give off the vibe that the film actually is
Hey hey hey, whisper of the heart fan over here. I loved your work on this film. You potrayed it really really well, , especially the greyness of the charecters. How Ladyeboshi isnt ur sterotypical evil villian...tbh, i dont even think shes a villian as such. And how princess mononoke herself is a grey "hero". Both who have been consumed by the hatred thst feeds them. Really epic Film here, probaly one if the best films out there
Hey hey hey, awesome! There's actually way more Whisper of the Heart fans out there than I thought (like the people that adore it). Thank you, yeah it''s a complexity that not a lot of kids films feel comfortable showing their audience as some films need to make it clear who the villian is.
7:30 What a wonderful quote. Just time-stamping this to show ppl haha!
a man of the people!
I completely agree and all of the ghibli films are so rewatchable for several reasons, one being their insane attention to detail in every scene making you see new things and elicit new feelings you never realised were there before. Thank you for this Princess Monokoke is one of my favourites too
No problem! Glad you enjoyed it!
What are some of your other favorite Ghiblis?
Princess Mononoke is so amazing. I’m so glad to see videos that recognize that.
For sure! I watched a couple others once I finished this and it's tons of fun
And I can't thank YOU enough for making THIS video!
Thanks bud! I can't thank YOU enough for enjoying THIS video! :)
Love this video, Good work!
Thank you!
This is a really good review for 8k views
Thank you!
All the talk about the world falling apart and everything seeming pointless hits really hard during Covid.
FINALLY!! SOMEONE WHO SEE'S MONONOKE HIME IS THE SAME WAY AS ME!! ALONG WITH A VIDEO THAT GIVES THE MOVIE THE REORGANIZATION IT DESERVES!!!
This video almost brought me to tears because of the nostalgia. Mononoke hime is my childhood film and is still my favourite film to this day, San was the closest I ever got to a childhood idol.
Thank you for doing this film a justice.
Glad you enjoyed it, it's weird (and I've probably left this on comments before) but as someone who didn't grow up watching these films there's still that nostalgia attached to it that I feel when watching it
this was excellent, thank you very much for making and sharing
Artist Marcia X thanks! Glad to know you enjoyed it :)
A beautiful take on a beautiful film
Thank you Froggy!
You Said it so beautifully,thank you.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed
Definitely the best animated movie. If I had to pick a flaw it would be that Ashitaka is too perfect of a person in a world where everyone else is so complex. However this is balanced by the fact that his role is more to be an observer of the conflict rather than a player in it.
I like that you went into Miyazaki's philosophy. Mononoke makes a good introduction to it, but it's in the Nausicaa manga that it's really fleshed out.
You're the third person mentioning the Nausicaa Manga, I definitely need to check it out!
Yeah, I think Ashitaka is meant to be a "perfect" hero because like you mentioned he's just an observer. I love the fact that all the characters are flawed but in a very realistic manner.
This just popped up on my recommended list. Maybe it knows. But i've just recently watched Castle in the Sky, The Castle of Cagliostro, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Films I've wanted to watch for a while, just didn't have the time. Well we got a bunch of time these days XD I watched Princess Mononokea few months ago. I had previously put it off alongside Nausicaä because of the hype. Was scared.
After watching Princess Mononoke, I was so happy because I thought it was amazing. Defo up there among my favourite animé films. Howl's is still #1 though. Then probably Rebuild 2.22. However I enjoyed Castle in the Sky way more than I did Nausicaä.
Awesome! Yeah a ton of people have been able to watch it because of the Netflix deal. I love your list! Need to rewatch Howls, Rebuild 2.22 is great!
@@HizzyHay I just love the English dub of Howl's Batman as Howl. What I get from Rebuild 2.22 is the same as when I watched The Matrix for the first time. Just in utter awe of it
Mononoke is actually the first Ghibli film I saw - 19 years ago - and is still one of my favourite films.
I tend to watch it in English as well 😅
I agree wholeheartedly. One of the best films ever made.
Amazing video and perspective. Thank you 😊
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
I'm pretty confident in saying that this movie (or any Ghibli movie) wouldn't have 90% of their magic without Joe Hisaishi providing the calm, atmosphere, beauty, majesty and longing in his soundtrack.
what the fuck this is an AMAZING video you are so underrated
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed
I love this video so much. Great work. I just wrote an essay about this movie for my film studies class and almost all of my points overlapped directly with yours. I'm so glad that the message that life is worth living is getting out there more and more despite fear and what seems like a crumbling world. Life is good! God is good!
So true! I'd love to read your essay if you'd want to share it. I'm sure it's great. I do hope the world slowly turns around and does become more positive.
Thanks for the feedback, have a great day!
@@HizzyHay yeah I'd totally send it over, is there an email that I should send it to? Also it's gonna seem like I took some ideas for this video because I mean I even used some of the quotes you used but I promise on all things holy i wrote the entire essay before i watched this video. That's part of why i was so floored on how much i agreed with this
@@IndyMuttProductions Lol I'm sure you wouldn't have just written in under 24 hours, but yeah send it to allthatfilm1@gmail.com
Princess Mononoke is my favorite Ghibli movie too ! If you have chance please visit Yakushima (small island in Japan) Yakushima is the model of mountain of Princess Mononoke :)
Oooooo I'll definitely check it out! Thank you
This is my favorite movie for a variety of reasons
It's so beautiful, the characters are flawed in ways that make them seem even more human
And so on, it's just amazing
But the end man that's just so bittersweet
Yeah I love it for all those reasons too, a truly marvelous film.
Completely loved this video! Thank you so much so much for your work!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and that's for the subscribe!
What a beautiful video😍, I am speechless this is truly amazing it made me tear up
best of the best
If you like any of Miyazaki's works I highly recommend you read his manga called "Nausaicaä of the valley of the wind". While there is the Miyazaki movie of the same Name it only covers about one fourth of what's in the manga. And oh boy there is A LOT in the manga.
It's full of Miyazaki's philosophy and his characters, you can really see the connection between the manga and all his films. In many ways it feels like the one truly complete Miyazaki story to me.
It's a bit difficult to find (at least it was for me) but it's so worth it! It's a shame not more people know about it.
I've been meaning to check it out, I've heard it's a phenomenal read. Is it easy to find online?
@@HizzyHay I had to import it on Amazon (from the UK to Germany). You can probably find it just fine if you look.
Thank you. This has been my favorite film for so long. Strangely however, it's hard for me to explain why. Since this video, you could say my eyes became unclouded, I've started writing. So far I've written 27 pages on this movie, and soon I hope to do something with this. Princess mononoke is somehow nostalgic to me, by that, I don't mean the movie itself, but what it represents.
That’s awesome!!! 27 pages is a ton of work, glad this worked to push your greatness out. Feel free to share it with us if you’d like someone to read it!
@@HizzyHay thank you! It's awesome that you are still responding months after he video was made. I'll try to make a video on the pages when I'm done writing it! Thank you
@@theemeraldaxe1414 Oh that's awesome, would love to check it out when its done
I Love Ghibli and Princess mononoke. I'm glad I had the chance to experience these movies
What are some of your favs besides Mononoke?
@@HizzyHay most of the Ghibli movies although journey to Agartha is also pretty good
@@seide2829 oh interesting, I've seen Agartha and like the concept but overall it let me down a little bit
@@HizzyHay I liked the visuals the most and the concept of fines terra
@@seide2829 definitely understand, Shinkai has incredible visuals for that world
I've just finished it yesterday at new years, I'm not even a Miyazaki fan, neither is ghibli my favorite studio, but this was a masterpiece film, the pacing and the mystery for which side ashitaka is in is perfect to me, the supernatural elements of the film and the animation is so good for it's time
It definitely feels more removed from a lot Miyazaki's charming work
I'm 32 years old. I first saw spirited away when I was a kid in elementary school. I was actually sick runnunh a fever so I stayed up almost all night watchinh tv. I saw this movie late in the night. Because of my fever couples with the weirdness of the movie I felt like I was on a trip or in another world. It was such an awesome movie. The forest spirit deer dude scared me lol
I love this video, thanks for giving this movie more meaning to me.
Thanks! Glad to add more to a film :)
As a former kid 1990 edition, I have to say that Miyazaki succeeded. I still remember the state of mind I went through when I was 7 in the theater in a little town in south of France.
And it's still emotional.
That's crazy you saw this in the theatre!!! What a wicked experience
@@HizzyHay it was with a class. Totally unexpected.
Full face.
@@PierreLucSex Even crazier, was it a field trip or for a particular class?
@@HizzyHay just the usual class trip
Personal favorite movie of all time
It is incredible, what are some of your other favs?
I love Princess Mononoke. grew up with it.
I wisssh I had grown up with Miyazaki when I was younger, but I still have some weird nostalgia that I can't explain having watched them as an adult.