Princess Mononoke

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⭐ 8.5/10

(Originally written by Beans)

Studio Ghibli is well known for their strange, out of box, almost hallucinogenic style of movies and this one is no different. Although I would say this is one of their more tame, easier to follow films.

It follows our protagonist Ashitaka getting infected by a demon and needing to journey to the spirit forest to be healed by the forest god. Along the way he meets eccentric characters and friends alike.

The combat and sound affects were really great in this movie. The main character is very loveable and a good peacemaker; although a few times he dismembers people! For a 1997 movie it had very strong themes of environmentalism and feminism which really surprised me.

I won’t say I totally got what they’re trying to say with this film. I believe it has something to do with ecocide and industrialism and how we need to take care of our earth. It had some really uncomfortable scenes with some gore and demons that they were somehow able to make look so gross and terrible. And then some of the gods and voice acting was intense and uncomfortable.

I think studio ghibli makes some really unique, creative, and beautiful films and I’m glad I watched this.

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