Princess Mononoke

I have seen all of Miyazaki's films but Princess Mononoke is the one I come back to the most. It doesn't get better but I just find it more entertaining. It begins serious and keeps it's tone through out. Some of the characters are talking animals. However, this is not on the level of saturday morning kids cartoons. This is a very mature anime film. The thing I want to point out right off the back is this may not be for a very young audience. Due to violence, a bit of cursing and gore. Seriously be very careful when showing this to young kids. I warned my friend about it before I let him borrow it. And his 7 year old is having bad dreams about the scene with all of the red eyed apes. And this has been going on for a while now.

The story begins when a village is being attacked by a demonic creature. The main character kills this creature and in the process he is cursed. He is then banished from his village and he seeks to put an end to his curse.

The story and the pacing is very good and well thought out. The action scenes aren't many but they happen for a reason to further the plot. The action scenes consist of a bit of sword play, archery, and guns. And I'm talking arms and heads getting shot off. There is more than enough going on to keep the interest level high. The main characters are likable but no one is really developed. But I didn't find the lack of development damaging. I think it worked out well all the way to the end.

The animation is very fluid and well detailed. Some scenes do a better job showing the strength of the animation. The soundtrack doesn't hold up well when compared to other Miyazaki films. But what little bit it has works out pretty well. The english voice cast is a mixed bag. Some of the voices are very well acted. My favorite voice talents come from Jada Pinkett Smith, Keith David, and Billy Crudup. While Billy Bob Thornton(especially) and Claire Danes were punishing my ears. It's rare that it happens but I actually prefer the japanese voices.

Princess Mononoke is a very good anime film that can appeal even to non fans. Some people actually say it's confusing. If you find this confusing and plan on getting into anime. Then you better be very careful where you dump your cash and do some research. There's series out there that will put your brain in knots, while this is very simple. Still, Miyazaki films are the best place to start for new fans.

We bought this movie, and a few others like it. I love it. It's incredible- the animations is stunning. Maybe even better than Spirited Away. It does say PG-13, but my nine year old watched it- not really anything that's not in the movies (less frightening that Lord of the Rings- if your kid can watch those kinds of things- mine hasn't yet- then they will probably be okay watching this).
If you're child is younger, Kiki's Delivery or Totoro is a great option.
The only way this movie could've maybe been better is if they stuck it on an IMAX screen. (That would be a great way for the US to be introduced more widely to anime.)

I bought the video for my 12 y.o. son to give to his best friend as a Christmas gift. Both boys are anime fiends. I think he'll love the movie.

All of Miyazaki's films are good. As a rule the worst are better than the best you get from other producers. This is one of the better films from the master and I recommend it.

"Princess Mononoke" is a fantastic film for pre-teens through adults. Highly recommend this movie if you liked "Spirited Away".