Barnes & Noble

Arguably the magnum opus of artist/director Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke embodies all the qualities associated with the distinctive style of Japanese animation. Like much of Japanese anime, Princess Mononoke takes place in a dreamlike setting where mysticism and reality collide -- violently. Seeking a cure for the curse that afflicts him, young Ashitaka travels to a magical wilderness and is caught up in the struggle between the spirits of the forest and human miners equipped with powerful weapons. Yet even the perils of war can't keep Ashitaka from falling in love with the beautiful princess San, for whom destiny has grand plans. The English-language version of the film utilizes the vocal talents of actors Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Billy Bob Thornton, and Minnie Driver. Epic in scope, dynamic in execution, Princess Mononoke is an animated treasure that won't be easily forgotten. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

This $20 million animated adventure/fantasy quickly became the highest grossing Japanese film in Japanese film history (making $150 million in Japan during its first seven months). Set in the 14th century, the ecology-themed epic was directed by Hayao Miyazaki whose previous films were acquired by Disney for U.S. distribution plus other territories. Princess Mononoke depicts a mystical battle between Animal Gods of the forest and humans during Japan's Muromachi Period. Young Ashitaka receives a fatal infection after a demonic wild boar attacks his northern village. Seeking a cure, he sets out to locate the deer-like god Shishigami. Along the way, he sees the rape of the Earth by a mining village. The constant plundering by the village has brought the wrath of the Wolf God, Moro, who attacks the village along with San, a human who was raised by the wolf god. She communicates with the nature spirits -- which is why she is called Princess Mononoke ("spirits of things"). Ashitaka wants these opposing forces to co-exist, and he hopes to bring peace between San and the ironworks owner, Lady Eboshi. However, he is thwarted as higher powers, intent on killing the Shishigama, intrude, and a battle erupts over the future of all nature. Bhob Stewart

New York Times

This exotically beautiful action film features gods and demons locked in a struggle for the future of the unspoiled forest.... Frequent battle scenes, graphic enough to make a sharp distinction between Princess Mononoke and animation made for children...are often breathtakingly rendered, but it is the film's stirring use of nature, myth and history that make it so special. Janet Maslin

Product Details

• UPC: 717951007414
• Source: MIRAMAX
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Theatre Wide-Screen (1.85.1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français, Japanese
• Subtitles: English
• Time: 2:14:00
• Sales Rank: 1,037

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