The artwork and animation is stellar, this is one of the most beautiful shows ever made.

**MY THOUGHTS ON MONONOKE:** _**-WARNING: Spoilers Below-**_ This is one of the most beautiful anime I have seen. The artwork is phenomenal and the story is decent. The only issue I had (which currently has stopped me finishing it) Is that I struggle with subbed anime because I lose focus at times and I can't hear what's going on and I also struggle reading subtitles and watching a show at once. I had a few issues with the story with it getting a bit confusing at times and I had literally no clue what was going on, I tried to ignore that but that mixed with it only being subbed ended up getting too much and I had no clue what was happening. I didn't dislike this at all, at the beginning I actually really enjoyed it. It's just as the Anime went on I started to realise that I wasn't the biggest fan of it. I will happily admit that it is one of the best looking Anime I have seen and I honestly really wish I liked it enough to get through all of the confusion but unfortunately I didn't. I can definitely understand the appeal and why people love it as much as they do and honestly I really wanted to love it as much as others did. Especially with how damn gorgeous it is. Part of me wants to try and rewatch it but at the same time I know I won't be able to get completely invested into and I'll up back where I originally was and just confused and not able to understand what is going on. Maybe one day I'll try and get back into it but at the moment I really don't see that ever happening. Overall if you're a fan of anime and you love beautifully designed ones with a great leading character that is also quite creepy and intense at times then you'll enjoy this a **LOT** more than I did. It's a shame that I couldn't get into it but not every show is made for everyone. **Overall rating: 6/10**

Mononoke (2007) earns a strong 9/10 for its daring visual style, haunting atmosphere, and philosophical storytelling, though its complexity may challenge casual viewers. 🎭 Overview Mononoke (2007), directed by Kenji Nakamura, is a spin-off from the Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales series. It follows the enigmatic Medicine Seller as he confronts supernatural entities born from human emotions. Across five arcs, the series blends horror, mystery, and psychological drama into a uniquely stylized narrative. 🌟 Strengths Visual Brilliance: The anime’s kaleidoscopic, ukiyo-e-inspired art style is both gorgeous and unsettling. Its layered textures and bold colors make every frame feel like a living painting. Atmosphere & Sound: The eerie sound design and haunting score by Yasuharu Takanashi amplify the tension, immersing viewers in a world that feels both ancient and surreal. Narrative Depth: Each arc explores themes of regret, anger, and human frailty. The Medicine Seller’s ritual of uncovering Form (Katachi), Truth (Makoto), and Reason (Kotowari) before exorcising a spirit adds philosophical weight. Characterization: The Medicine Seller himself is a fascinating presence—stoic, mysterious, and seemingly beyond human, yet deeply empathetic in his pursuit of closure for tormented souls. ⚖ Weaknesses Narrative Obscurity: Some arcs conclude with ambiguity, leaving viewers puzzled about the resolution. This open-endedness can feel frustrating if one expects straightforward answers. Accessibility: Its experimental visuals and heavy symbolism may alienate audiences who prefer conventional anime storytelling. 🎬 Final Verdict Mononoke is a mesmerizing piece of art—a rare anime that fuses horror, philosophy, and avant-garde design into something unforgettable. While its complexity may deter casual viewers, for those willing to engage with its symbolism and atmosphere, it’s a masterpiece that rewards reflection. Rating: 9/10 — A chilling, beautiful, and intellectually rich anime that stands as one of the most distinctive works of its era.