As animation moves inexorably towards exclusively being computer generated, we can still revisit 'Princess Mononoke' and point to this, and many other examples within the movie, that simply would not have the same horrifying effect if rendered in three dimensions. Watching that creature is horrifying and satisfying all at the same time. An out-of-this-world technique mastered by Miyazaki and his animation staff. The detail, it's movements, the unnatural way it undulates, it's all very disconcerting. After the demon creature is spotted and it starts chasing after our hero Ashitaka (voiced by Billy Crudup), it's unlike anything I've ever seen in animation. Right from the outset we know that this isn't a normal movie-going experience. Not only that, but 'Princess Mononoke' has been regarded, in history, as one of the best animated feature films. It went the opposite direction, telling a story only adults would understand and appreciate, all the while including extreme adult situations and violence. So, while animation was tending toward kid-only entertainment, Miyazaki's 'Princess Mononoke' did an about face. He never really strayed from his roots, as he continued to create animated movies that challenged everything about modern day animation and its childish predilections.Īs far as animated films go, the year 1997 saw the release of Disney's ' Hercules' – a fun, colorful, kid-centric hero movie 'Land Before Time V: The Mysterious Island' – yes, they were still making these for whatever reason and Don Bluth's ' Anastasia' – which ended up being one of his most Disney-esque movies as far as modern Disney animation is concerned. It's difficult not to take into account Miyazaki's illustrious career, even when reviewing his earlier work in hindsight. Truly an ethereal experience as we observe an impossible world playing out, quite possibly, in front of our eyes. Miyazaki's animation is freeing to the point you feel like you're floating. A showcase of unbelievable things that would not be possible in live action. Like Miyazaki's 'Howl's Moving Castle,' 'Princess Mononoke' is a wondrous animated wonderland. It's a convoluted, but rich exploration into myth, legend, and the danger that comes with investigating them. 'Mononoke' strays from the loveable qualities of ' My Neighbor Totoro,' and enters a realm where dismemberment and decapitations seem commonplace. Perhaps that's because it's one his most adult-oriented animated films (besides recently released ' The Wind Rises'). 'Princess Mononoke' has long been considered one of Hayao Miyazaki's best films.

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