This is one of my favorite movies. Its set in the middle ages of Japan where gods and demons still walk among us. The prince Ashitaka must go on a long and difficult journey to get rid of curse that slowly eats him alive. He makes new friends and enemies while he is sucked in a war between humans and boars 5 meters (16 feet) high. This movie should have gotten an Oscar for animation or at least been nominated. Its sad to know that outside Japan this movie did not receive the credit it deserved.

Unbelievably amazing movie. I first saw this before it was translated while with a dear friend. I next saw the preview screening only to discover Neil Gaiman was sitting behind me (he adapted the English translation). Very cool guy to talk about it briefly. Watched it again tonight (for maybe the 5th or 6th time). So beautiful. And the music is perfect. The kiddos loved it. First time for them.

I seriously think this is the best animw movie EVER!!!! No competition

Got a chance to rewatch "Princess Mononoke" after years thanks to the Japanese movie theaters initiative to bring back Studio Ghibli classics to the big screen. I was surprised to find it way more mature, grim, and violent than I remembered. The film deals with the relationship between man and nature as a problem that cannot be ultimately solved. Mankind's instinct is to progress, destroy, and conquer, but it's ultimately doomed to extinction like any other species, no matter how advanced its weapons become. Nature, represented by the gods of the forest, may seem to be subject to mankind's domination and manipulation, but still remains the only irrational force that can give and take arbitrarily. Ashitaka's position is neutral; he is just doing his best to keep living aware of his condition as a human being and avoid conflict. None of the characters is truly good or bad, but conflict is inevitable as part of our nature (corruption even drives Ashitaka to unwillingly kill people). The art direction is flawless as always, this time focused on the equivalent of Japan's medieval age and its animistic beliefs. Every Studio Ghibli film has its own unique atmosphere, but the mystic, grim mood of “Princess Mononoke” is still unsurpassed. Joe Hisaishi's soundtrack also heightens the epic quality and intensity of the film, with some of his most famous compositions. It gives me goosebumps every time. My only complaint is that, like in most of Studio Ghibli's films, the ending felt rushed despite the extremely long, slow-paced buildup.