...a magical fantasy world with its own mythology and its own topography that nevertheless recalls all of our collective, imaginative, childhood visions.
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What a relief I found it as a mature, sensible adult (well, adult, anyway) to be able to watch a full-length animated feature and not be bored or offended by the juvenile antics of its participants. "Princess Mononoke" is a delight from beginning to end, a mythical tale of epic proportions and a feast for the eyes and ears. It's no wonder this 1997 release from writer-director Hayao Miyazaki was the biggest-grossing animation in Japanese history as well as a major worldwide success. Lovers of imaginative adventure will not be disappointed with Buena Vista and Miramax's gorgeous DVD release.
The story and characters are standard fantasy fare, but the presentation is magical. More about that in a minute. First, a word about the plot, which is a bit complicated, especially for younger children, and doesn't matter much, in any case. It involves a young prince, Ashitaka, living in ancient times, who saves his village from a gigantic, demon-possessed marauding boar. But in killing the beast, Ashitaka is infected by the demon's curse and will die if he doesn't get special help. He is told by the village elders that the only one who can cure him is the Spirit of the Forest, who lives far away in an enchanted land. So off he goes on a fabulous adventure that takes him over rugged mountains into foreign realms, into battles with legendary monsters, and into contact with beautiful ladies and stalwart heroes. Among those he meets are a sly monk named Jigo; a spunky woman named Moro; a powerful leader, the Lady Eboshi; and the wild girl who gives her name to the film, the Princess Mononoke, also known as Sun, a girl raised by animal gods of the forest.
You see, in order to get to the Spirit of the Forest, Ashitaka has to deal with a rivalry that has sprung up between an iron-producing town of humans who are despoiling the land and three groups of animals--wolves, boars, and apes--who want their land back. It is to creator Miyazaki's credit that he points the finger at no one in particular in his criticism of Man's conflict with nature, that he creates no real villains to fault for any of the environmental messes the world may be in. Instead, he tells a fable in which everyone, Man and beast, shares the blame for death and destruction. While it is traditional to have a black-hearted scoundrel to hiss at in these types of narratives, Miyazaki's more realistic and ultimately constructive approach lends an air of responsibility to the tale that is often lacking in simpler stories.
I wish I could say that the voice talents of some of Hollywood's brightest stars help provide more color for the various characters, but in most cases they don't. Nor are any of the characters themselves particularly imaginative or memorable. Prince Ashitaka, voiced by Billy Crudup, is a fairly routine, handsome, young action hero, whose goodness and virtue keep his curse at bay while he seeks to help both sides, Man and animal, in their war with one another. Princess Mononoke, voiced by Claire Danes, displays a bit more personality in her fearless, if unruly, behavior. The Lady Eboshi, voiced by Minnie Driver, is surprisingly elegant, mysterious, and commanding, a person who will exact divided loyalties and opinions among viewers.
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