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This movie in it's fansubbed form contains no inappropriate language. It contains non-spurting graphic scenes of dismemberment. (Those who have seen Fist of the North Star, Ninja Scroll, or various hyper violent shows know what I mean by non-spurting.) In fact one of the funniest scenes in the movie shows a samurai get his head lopped off. When you see it you'll laugh too. There are only 3 or so such scenes. So it's not too bad. There is no Nudity and there are no sexual situations. Bottom line is if you're above 12 or so go see whis when it hits these shores.
First off this is a movie of extraordinary merit and the plot is more intricate than that of your typical save the forest motion picture. It begins in a small town where there is a young man, Ashitaka, (possibly an oni re:demon the translation wasn't great so I'm not sure what his origins are) who in attempt to save his village is forced to kill a descendant of a forest god. These descendant of the forest gods take the shape of either wolves or boars throughout this story, this particular one is a boar. The boar has gone mad due to some sort of poisoning caused by reasons which are still unknown to me. This poisoning takes the shape of several wormlike creatures that inhabit and feed on the body of the infected victim driving it insane. It has something to do with the fact that there is a group of humans manufacturing guns in a nearby area.
This begins our story. In the event of spoiling the rest of the story I will be light on plot development and rely more on my perception of Miyazaki's art. The killing of this boar leads to a war between two bands of forest gods and a group of humans who are both manufacturing guns and also trying to take the head of an immortal creature that has healing powers and who's head is said can bestow immortality. Yes it is intricate and it is also over 2 hours long. There is a link to a synopsis of the story at the bottom of the page, and also a link to a website devoted to the life and films of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki's work. The artwork in this film is beyond even ghibli's standard fare. It contains a combination of CG and hand drawn animation unrivaled by even Disney (although I haven't seen Mulan yet so I can't comment on the artwork of that piece). The animation is still not as fluid as your typical 24 fps disney piece but the imagery and symbolism contained within this movie make it the piece of art worthy of being Japan's nomination for best foreign film (which it was nominated as in 1997). There are a few graphic scenes of decapitation but nothing on the level of Ninja Scroll (no squirting blood here). Kids probably wouldn't be as entertained by this movie as the 14 and up crowd is. And due to some of the violence it wouldn't be suggested to take your 8 year old brother to see it.
Overall I have to say I enjoyed this more than any other feature I have seen this summer. When it comes out here next year go see it. (The anime community has decided immoral to distribute fansubs of this movie so I count myself lucky I was able to see this masterpiece). GO SEE IT........whenever mirimax releases it. Art/Animation: (9) An almost seemless blend of CG and hand drawn animation. It also contains vast scenes of moving creatures. Imagery: (9) This movie is all art. From the giant wolves to the cursed bodies. Story: (7) Save the forest. The lack of a relatable human emotion kept it from getting higher. Maybe I'm just a sucker for human-human emotional banter. Better than most though. Sound/Soundtrack: (9) Some of Ghibli's best. Performance: My personal viewing was marred by an 8 year old yelling about wanting to play tekken 3 for about the last 45 minutes of the show. So I won't score it here. Drama/Comedy: (8) This has some hilarious scenes but also some very powerful ones. Overall: (84) |
Mononoke Hime
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If you want a plot summary or an update on the impending
release of this title in the US look at the links to the left. I was
lucky enough to see a fansubbed version of this Miyazaki
masterpiece.
There is even a little humor in the piece. My favorite
scene shows Ashitaka shooting arrows at two approaching samurai.
Due to Ashitaka's demonic (I think) origins his arrows can
sever limbs and heads of those he has aimed at. As these two
Samurai menacingly approach one has his head lopped of by
Ashitaka's arrow. At this point the other Samurai swiftly
turns around and runs the other way. Unexpected especially
during one othe more intense war scenes in the movie.