A masterpiece of Hayao Miyazaki that unites poetry, epic and reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature-and that remains more current than ever
When Hayao Miyazaki launched Mononoke Princessin 1997, he not only delivered a masterpiece of the Studio Ghiblibut redefined what animation can achieve. More than a movie “for children” or a Japanese folkloric tale, it is a cinematic epic that, while fascinating visual beauty, plunges into philosophical, political and environmental dilemmas. This is why, almost three decades later, the film returns to unsurpassed cinemas in depth and relevance, as the best animation of all time.
The film tells the journey of Ashitakaa prince cursed by a deadly disease that goes in search of a cure in the east. On the way, he finds himself at the center of a conflict between forest animals and humans who exploit their resources, led by Santhe enigmatic Mononoke Princess. It is a simple synopsis for a movie that, in practice, is great in every detail and rich in meaning layers.
The first reason for this greatness is in the very direction of Miyazaki. Few filmmakers can reconcile both lyricism with narrative power. In Mononoke PrincessHe builds a world that seems simultaneously mythical and palpable, populated by analis, warriors and forest spirits. The atmosphere is of reverence: when a character cries out “Inominable God of the Forest, because it is so furious, stop please”We feel the sacred dimension that the director gives to nature. It is a work that transforms the forest into a living character, not just a scenario.
Secondly, the current themes impresses. The film speaks of deforestation, ambition and violence as direct consequences of human arrogance. “Do you say you’re cursed? So, the whole world is also”, Says one character, opening the idea that the curse is not individual but collective – a reflection of how humanity corrupts the environment and itself. This phrase resonates even stronger today, amid climate crisis and disputes for natural resources. It is impossible not to recognize in the mirror that Miyazaki Offer.
Watching the movie in theaters, in its new IMAX version, expands this experience to another scale. The images supervised by ATSUSHI OKUI They recover details of traditional animation, while pioneer digital touches for the time remain impeccable. Each movement of the forest, each fantastic creature and each battle gain a grandeur that makes the session a true sensory spectacle. It is not just reviewing a classic: it is diving into its epic dimension as if it were the first time.
Another element that raises Mononoke Princess It is the soundtrack of Joe Hisaishi. Compositions that oscillate between intimate delicacy and orchestral stature guide our emotions perfectly. In cinema, sound power surrounds the viewer, as if music were also a spirit of the forest leading us along the way. It is impossible to dissociate the images of the strength of melodies – a perfect marriage between sound and vision, which makes experience unforgettable.
Finally, it is necessary to recognize the historical impact of the work. By mixing traditional and digital techniques, Miyazaki and the Studio Ghibli have established new aesthetic and narrative patterns for world animation. But Mononoke Princess It is not just a technical milestone: it is a work that touches universal issues, inspires generations and proves that animation can be as grand as any epic in live action. Reviewing the movie today is, above all, an invitation to reflect on our place in the world and the respect we owe to what is beyond us – gods, forests, or the planet itself.
Also read:The 14 films that will be screened in part 1 of the Studio Ghibli Festival
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Source: Rollingstone

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.