This is it. Miyazaki's one true masterpiece, an animated classic that everyone will always remember in their hearts, Princess Mononoke. There some among us who would claim a film like Spirited Away to be his best film, or one of his other classic films, but none are as amazing as Princess Mononoke. The film was released in 1997 and blah blah blah, who cares really, because in all honesty I can tell you right now, you must experience this epic masterpiece and that's that.
Princess Mononoke is Miyazaki's most brooding, somber and mature film. In fact it is the only Studio Ghibli film that Disney didn't bring over here, it was actually Miramax that brought this film to the states in 1997. The story is definitely the most mature out of any of Miyazaki's films (and many of them do have rather mature tales); however, this one is definitely the best one.
Princess Mononoke starts big and maintains everything from start to finish. It all starts when Prince **** defends his village from a raging demon that is attacking it. While in battle, the demon curses ****. This leads him to venture into the western lands where he may find a way to lift the curse, for if he doesn't he will die. His journey eventually leads him to Iron Town, after we are introduced to many characters, where the story really takes place. In order to keep this review spoiler free I won't talk about the story, all of you can experience it on your own when the time comes.
Not only is the story absolutely spectacular, but also the animation is top-notch. It is all animated so well that you really become a part of this world. This is also animated in a rather mature way compared to films like Spirited Away. Yes the art style is definitely Miyazaki's unique style, which truly sets the magical feel of all his movies, but this one is much darker and is actually quite bloody and gory. However, everything is crisp and beautiful, it screams of high quality from beginning to end.
Can anything bad be said about the dub? I mean this is the best dub I have ever heard, it is as good as Cowboy Bebop and Fullmetal Alchemist, both of which have excellent dubs. The dialogue is superb and there are so many memorable lines in this film. This is one of the few times I will ever recommend listening to the dub version over the sub version. Sure Japanese is nice and all, but not when English sounds this good.
The music is truly something in this film, it works perfectly with every single scene. Some songs are soothing, others are foreboding and some truly get your blood pumping. Music like this is what all anime films should strive for (unless they area comedy or something like that). The songs are just awe-inspiring, I wish I could find a soundtrack for this film.
If you can't tell from this review, I love Princess Mononoke. It is absolutely spectacular. The action scenes are just brilliant; you won't find another Miyazaki movie with this much action in it. The story is Miyazaki's finest; it tries to send a message to us, though what that message is I won't say because I don't want to ruin the film for you.
There are moments in Princess Mononoke where your adrenaline is pumping, moments when the story sucks you in so deep it won't let go until the end. However Princess Mononoke does one very important thing: it humbles you, there are moments that will quite literally just sit back and realize that you are watching one of the greatest anime films ever, and in the end that really is something.
