Hayao Miyazaki is considered to be the greatest storyteller of this generation, known for his iconic anime movies that have taken him and his Studio Ghibli to the top of the world. His notable works like Spirited Away, Ponyo, and his recent Academy Award-winning project The Boy and the Heron have earned him global fame.
However, one of his older works is still considered to be Miyazaki-San’s magnum opus; it is none other than Princess Mononoke, which was released in theaters back in 1997! The movie was one of the biggest names, as it became the highest-grossing film in Japan that year.
Interestingly, the film still captivates the otaku community as it continues to bloom and feature complex themes with unforgettable storytelling in medieval Japan during the 14th century.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke Continues to Charm Its Viewers
Deemed to be the most complex work of Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke was one of the biggest releases of 1997, grossing $150.3 million at the worldwide box office with a puny budget of only $23.5 million at the box office via The Numbers.
The film revolves around Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a demon while defending his village. The cure for the curse set him on a fantastical journey that showcased the consequences of industrial expansion and the struggle between the spirits of the forest.
He meets San, also known as Princess Mononoke, a wolf-raised girl. The story progresses, showcasing how the protagonist struggles to bridge the gap between the two factions.
The stunning piece of work turned 27 years old a couple of days ago. Immediately upon its release, it was labeled as Miyazaki san’s bloodiest film, which did not shy away from showcasing the gripping themes of environmental protection.
The movie featured a vivid and imaginative world featuring enchanted forests, mythical creatures, and breathtaking scenes, beautifully sewn together with the storyteller’s creative genius. The flick felt like a fusion of Japanese history, magic, and folklore that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking.
Moreover, it was sending one core message to its viewers: that human beings need to be more conscious of their actions and the effect they have on Mother Nature. Though at its foundation it serves as a fantasy epic film, much like our society, the film continues to weigh against the scale of harmony between civilization and its actions.
Their disproportionate exchanges have called for environmental awareness. Hence, keeping the flick relevant after 27 years of its release is a rare feat that anime movies these days lack, as they are watchable a couple of times at most.
Anime Fans Praise Miyazaki-San’s Princess Mononoke on Social Media
On July 12, 2024, the film turned 27 years old, and fans can not help but notice the deeper and more collective themes that will not only make them nostalgic on the one hand but also tensed by real-life disasters, making it both reflective and thought-provoking.
Culture Crave (@CultureCrave) shared the news on his feed and received overwhelmingly positive responses from the fans on social media.
One of Studio Ghibli's great classics and my favorite anime movie. pic.twitter.com/KSZ3UZ27gh
— Frank J. Cavill (sci-fi author) (@FrankJCavill) July 12, 2024
If you even have the slightest feeling of positivity towards anime you have to see this film.
— Sal (@SalCopywriter) July 12, 2024
Beautiful.
Still looks better than almost all animated movies do today.
— Rick. Eternal. Shiny and Chrome. (@Trick_Question7) July 12, 2024
Undoubtedly the 2nd best Ghibli movie after The boy and the Heron
— aniballer (@aniballerz) July 12, 2024
Still one of my favorites! This movie was very imaginative and I'm not sure I can count the times I've seen it. Legit the best!
— SpitfingersGaming (@SpitfingersX) July 12, 2024
I know what I'm watching today
— Jado 🫂 (@0xJado) July 12, 2024
Nevertheless, the fantasy film has continued to tap into the deeper conscience of its viewers, making them subconsciously think about the environment when the film comes to an end and the balance has been restored to the forest and once-ravaged land to go green again.
Princess Mononoke can be streamed on Max.
