Princess Mononoke (1997) Dir: Hayao Miyazaki
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Hayao Miyazaki is one of the greatest filmmakers of all-time, and this 1997 fantasy adventure is, wothout a doubt, one of his, and Studio Ghibli's, best. I have watched this film countless times since I was a child, and, in that time, it has remained one of my very favourites. It has everything one could hope for and more, and is deservedly considered an animated classic.
For starters, it has one of my favourite film soundtracks of all time, composed by Joe Hisaishi. It encapsulates the beauty and emotion of the film so perfectly. The heart, the nature, the violence - its a perfect soundtrack, in my view. It mixes the feel of both the realism of feudal Japan, and the fantasy of Ghibli and the spiritual world.
Visually, this is one of the most beautifully animated films ever made. The use of colours, especially green, to bring out the vividness of its sweeping rural landscapes is utterly magnificent. The world that Miyazaki builds both looks and feels magical. It's a truly stunning film to look at, even by Studio Ghibli's high standards.
What makes this film even better is its meaningful and impactful storytelling, which addresses so many important themes, such as; life, death, greed, environmentalism, spiritualism, war, morality, redemption, and so much more - it's a goldmine of emotional heart and profound messaging. It's a brilliant narrative, which has informed so much of my life as an adult.
I have always watched this film with its English audio dubbing, which means my actor credits reflect that. Billy Crudup's turns as the film's cursed protagonist is phenomenal. He has the gravitas, the softness, and the determination befitting such a great lead character. There are so many good supporting actors in this film too, chiefly Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, and Billy Bob Thornton, each of whom provide some immaculate voice acting.
Beyond those talented names, there were a number of others, in slightly less significant supporting roles, who are also absolutely wonderful; John DiMaggio, John DeMita, Jada Pinkettt Smith, Gillian Anderson, and Keith David. It's absurd how good this cast is - they are all excellent.
Overall, this is not only one of the best Studio Ghibli films ever made, but it's also one of the best animated films ever, full stop. It's a fantasy masterpiece, and it will always remain one of my favourite films of all-time. It's a must-watch for all Studio Ghibli and fantasy fans, and, honestly, just anyone in hopes of finding a good film.
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