Ghiblapalooza Episode 5 - Princess Mononoke

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I’m still not sure how I feel about this one. I own it and I still have no idea how I feel about it.

The first time I tried anime, I blindly checked out an infamous hentai flick that put me off anime for several years. After a few years, I saw a couple of great ones, including Princess Mononoke, which opened me to the possibilities of the medium. My girlfriend is a huge anime fan, so I have been exposed to more since then, including good, bad, and really weird anime. Most of my favorites are Miyazaki, but the only one that I own is Princess Mononoke. I liked the nuanced portrayal of the various factions, but the only character that I side with is Ashitaka. Haven't watched this in many years, but will do so again soon.

I can't wait for Spirited Away, it's the only one that really fires me up. I'd be curious to see another take on Only Yesterday and Ponyo as well though. I still have Barnes' comments on Only Yesterday branded in my mind. I don't think he was wrong at all.

Thanks for writing all these, Jeff. They're fun.

Josh Look wrote: I’m still not sure how I feel about this one. I own it and I still have no idea how I feel about it.

I'm totally with you here. I know it's quality. I know it has a message but I'm not sure I enjoy watching it.

It's crazy violent compared to most Miyazaki fare. Some stone-cold heads getting shot off in this one. Fair warning to folks that have formulated Miyazaki-is-Ok-for-Little-Kids ideas.

Probably my third favorite Ghibli movie. Very beautiful with interesting themes. Also, Neil Gaiman wrote the English screenplay.

I have this print framed on my wall. The only anime-related thing I own other than discs.

Obviously without the watermark.

Fans of the weirder, more sublime moments in this film should take a look at the anime series Mushishi.

Man I gotta watch this one again. I've been holding out till the kids are ready but that is a while off yet.

What i remember - nothing is simple; people have light and dark in them; nature is to be respected and feared; mutual dependence, shades of grey everywhere.