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Princess Mononoke
Actors: Hisaya Morishige, Jada Pinkett Smith, Billy Bob Thornton, Yuko Tanaka, and Yoji Matsuda
Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Retail Price (not our price): $32.99
Release Date: 2000-12-19
Theatrical Release Date: 1997
Studio: Miramax
Run Time: 134 minutes
Format: Array
Format: Animated, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Discs: 1


Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) Amazon.com essential video
This epic, animated 1997 fantasy has already made history as the top-grossing domestic feature ever released in Japan, where its combination of mythic themes, mystical forces, and ravishing visuals tapped deeply into cultural identity and contemporary, ecological anxieties. For international animation and anime fans, Princess Mononoke represents an auspicious next step for its revered creator, Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service), an acknowledged anime pioneer, whose painterly style, vivid character design, and stylized approach to storytelling take ambitious, evolutionary steps here. Set in medieval Japan, Miyazaki's original story envisions a struggle between nature and man. The march of technology, embodied in the dark iron forges of the ambitious Tatara clan, threatens the natural forces explicit in the benevolent Great God of the Forest and the wide-eyed, spectral spirits he protects. When Ashitaka, a young warrior from a remote, and endangered, village clan, kills a ravenous, boar-like monster, he discovers the beast is in fact an infectious "demon god," transformed by human anger. Ashitaka's quest to solve the beast's fatal curse brings him into the midst of human political intrigues as well as the more crucial battle between man and nature. Miyazaki's convoluted fable is clearly not the stuff of kiddie matinees, nor is the often graphic violence depicted during the battles that ensue. If some younger viewers (or less attentive older ones) will wish for a diagram to sort out the players, Miyazaki's atmospheric world and its lush visual design are reasons enough to watch. For the English-language version, Miramax assembled an impressive vocal cast including Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup (as Ashitaka), Claire Danes (as San), Minnie Driver (as Lady Eboshi), Billy Bob Thornton, and Jada Pinkett Smith. They bring added nuance to a very different kind of magic kingdom. Recommended for ages 12 and older. --Sam Sutherland

2) Description
Claire Danes (THE MOD SQUAD), Minnie Driver (GOOD WILL HUNTING), and Billy Bob Thornton (ARMAGEDDON, SLING BLADE) head a cast of hot Hollywood stars who lend their talents to this exquisitely animated, overwhelmingly acclaimed adventure epic! Inflicted with a deadly curse, a young warrior named Ashitaka (Billy Crudup -- WITHOUT LIMITS) sets out for the forests of the west in search of the cure that will save his life. Once there, he becomes inextricably entangled in a bitter battle that matches Lady Eboshi (Driver) and a proud clan of humans against the forest's animal gods, who are led by the brave Princess Mononoke (Danes), a young woman raised by wolves! Also starring Gillian Anderson (THE X-FILES) and Jada Pinkett Smith (SCREAM 2), this monumental struggle between man and nature will have you transfixed as stunning artistry blends with epic storytelling to create a uniquely entertaining motion picture!

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5

1) Fantastic!!   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
The first time I saw this I was mesmerized! I watched it in Japanese with english subtitles and it was beautiful. I later on watched it with the english voices and wasn't as moved. I don't even know where to begin with a detailed review but trust me... this is a must see!!!

2) My favorite Miyazaki film   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
I have seen all of Miyazaki's films but Princess Mononoke is the one I come back to the most. It doesn't get better but I just find it more entertaining. It begins serious and keeps it's tone through out. Some of the characters are talking animals. However, this is not on the level of saturday morning kids cartoons. This is a very mature anime film. The thing I want to point out right off the back is this may not be for a very young audience. Due to violence, a bit of cursing and gore. Seriously be very careful when showing this to young kids. I warned my friend about it before I let him borrow it. And his 7 year old is having bad dreams about the scene with all of the red eyed apes. And this has been going on for a while now.The story begins when a village is being attacked by a demonic creature. The main character kills this creature and in the process he is cursed. He is then banished from his village and he seeks to put an end to his curse.The story and the pacing is very good and well thought out. The action scenes aren't many but they happen for a reason to further the plot. The action scenes consist of a bit of sword play, archery, and guns. And I'm talking arms and heads getting shot off. There is more than enough going on to keep the interest level high. The main characters are likable but no one is really developed. But I didn't find the lack of development damaging. I think it worked out well all the way to the end.The animation is very fluid and well detailed. Some scenes do a better job showing the strength of the animation. The soundtrack doesn't hold up well when compared to other Miyazaki films. But what little bit it has works out pretty well. The english voice cast is a mixed bag. Some of the voices are very well acted. My favorite voice talents come from Jada Pinkett Smith, Keith David, and Billy Crudup. While Billy Bob Thornton(especially) and Claire Danes were punishing my ears. It's rare that it happens but I actually prefer the japanese voices.Princess Mononoke is a very good anime film that can appeal even to non fans. Some people actually say it's confusing. If you find this confusing and plan on getting into anime. Then you better be very careful where you dump your cash and do some research. There's series out there that will put your brain in knots, while this is very simple. Still, Miyazaki films are the best place to start for new fans.

3) No Japanese audio track - please note this is a DVD review not a film review   [Rating: 1 out of 5]
There's nothing worse than watching anime dubbed in English. Throughout the course of the film instead of hearing film dialogue, you'll hear "Clare Danes here, I'm Clare danes?" "Billy Bob Thorton, Billy, Billy Bob Thorton, you know Slingblade, Bad Santa? Yes this is my voice in this movie." Awful. English dubs never match the tone of whats on screen. The fact that the original Japanese language audio track isn't offered on this DVD is just unforgivable.

4) Love it   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
We bought this movie, and a few others like it. I love it. It's incredible- the animations is stunning. Maybe even better than Spirited Away. It does say PG-13, but my nine year old watched it- not really anything that's not in the movies (less frightening that Lord of the Rings- if your kid can watch those kinds of things- mine hasn't yet- then they will probably be okay watching this).If you're child is younger, Kiki's Delivery or Totoro is a great option. The only way this movie could've maybe been better is if they stuck it on an IMAX screen. (That would be a great way for the US to be introduced more widely to anime.)

5) Movie-Princess Mononoke   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
I bought the video for my 12 y.o. son to give to his best friend as a Christmas gift. Both boys are anime fiends. I think he'll love the movie.