Rating: 
Summary: "Disney" who?
Review: I initially avoided seeing "Mononoke" is theaters, not because it was animated (far from it), but because it looked a little too artsy for me. At the time, the only anime I cared about was brainless ninja stuff with super powers. But after seeing the DVD, I'm kicking myself for not experiencing this on the big-screen. In a weird sort of way, the story is actually more political than theological, even with the gods and demons and talking animals.This is the kind of movie that should really be held up as a shining example of Japanese animation. It has a beautiful story, realistic characters, and a great mix of cell and computer animation. Even the English voice cast was terrific, which is something I almost never say. It also doesn't hurt when the original script is adapted by comics legend Neil Gaiman, who has a real respect for the work. It's unfortunate that "Mononoke" wasn't as big a success over here as it was in Japan (where it was narrowly beaten out by "Titanic"). It could have opened a whole wave of anime movies being released theatrically over here. All I can suggest is to buy this movie, and maybe let Miramax know how much you enjoyed it.
Rating:
Summary: A review from an Otaku
Review: Okay let me get this out of the way, all you people talking about how anti-human this movie is, know what your talking about before you even think that. The movie sends no such message, it's a mythological story it's almost like this anime is teaching us a lesson: Don't mistreat nature. I don't know, that doesn't sound anti-human at ALL. Second of all, I read a couple of reviews that say it's too violent, well, it's rated PG 13, so to the people who show their 7 year-olds this movie and say it's too violent-- well read the rating and make sure your child is mature enough to watch this movie. This movie did not disgust me at ALL. Sure the boars do look ugly, but that's to show how one-sided they are. Now on to the review.
Animation: Superb
Dubbing: No anime's dubbing is too good, but this one is pretty nice
Plot: Here is the movie's strong point
Creativity: Definitely
There are tons of reviews that tell the story, so I'll skip it. The animation as I said is superb from the character's facial expressions to their body language it's all done masterfully. The backgrounds are as impressive from the smallest leaf to the largest river they're all done in incredible detail. The movie is definitely creative, there are little glowing clicking beings (I forget what they're called), also the NightWalker is a most fascinating creature. With the plot, you might think it's over, but then BAM something changes. Also, what some call the "boring" parts are to build the characters, plot, and frequently give hints on what's going to happen next. As I said earlier, I think it leaves us wondering why we're doing what we are doing to the environment. The dubbing, well, it isn't necessarily bad, but let's face it no anime's dubbing is particularly memorable. So, all in all this is an Anime classic please, do yourself a favor and watch Princess Mononoke.
Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: wow... amazing movie...freaky princess...giant boars...lots of blood...and an evil curse taking over the main characters body...shoots the limbs off of soldiers with arrows!!!!
A MUST BUY FOR ANY ANIME FAN OVER 12!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Watch it more than once.
Review: The more you watch this film, the more you will appreciate all it has to offer. I suggest viewing the English version first to get a general idea of the movie. Then watch the film in Japanese with LITERAL English subtitles. To access these language options, you will need to go to the setup menu since they are not directly accessible. Do not use the "hearing impaired" subtitles, since these are for the English dub, not the Japanese original. Differences appear subtle, but are important. For example, a bounty hunter with a commission from the Mikado to kill the Deer God says we are all under a curse in the dubbed version, but in the literal sub, he says the world is cursed. To me this represents the struggle between human progress and nature that is not conveyed in the dub. Finally, reading subtitles forces one to pay more attention to minute details that definitely help to understand the story. Although there are some violent scenes, they are not senseless and perhaps that makes them more appropriate for younger viewers than some of the less graphic violence on TV. One note about the DVD: the special features are a waste of time. The featurette is an interview with the voiceover actors who offer no insight whatsoever into the film. Comments are about a shallow as they come. I give the extra features one star.
Rating:
Summary: Vivid, Crisp, Brilliant
Review: First, some concessions. I do not speak Japanese, so I can say nothing about the Japanese language version or the quality of the translation. Also, I am not an rabid anime fan, and in fact this was the first japanese-animated feature film I ever saw (I have seen more since). Finally, this movie takes maturity to watch and appreciate - there is some graphic animated violence and mature themes throughout. Now, on to the review. This animated film by Hayao Miyazaki is absolutely amazing. It embodies all the things you should look for in animation, and it stands as one of the greatest films - and, along with Ran (directed by Kurosawa), my favorite film from Japan. First, let me say that the story was terrific, using developed characters and tackling real-world problems of environmentalism and technology tastefully and without an abundance of feel-good Sierra-club nonsense a la Captain Planet and Ferngully. It explores humanity's relationship with nature, the struggle for human survival, and the difficulties of human advancement. While there is a large degree of sentimentalism (Randians beware) the story should appeal to a wide range of audiences. The most amazing thing about the movie is the art and art direction, all masterfully done. The entire movie is a feast for the eyes, both characters and backgrounds are drawn with fascinating detail and rich, crisp color. The artistic and directorial talent deserves the utmost respect. You'll have to see the movie to believe how good it is. The sound is well done, but for those of you wanting to utilize your overly expensive surround sound systems, you'll find yourself missing out (sorry). The sounds are crisp, though, and complement the visual experience beautifully. The music is a chapter all to itself, both complementing the other senses and leading your emotions throughout the whole film. The voice talent is mixed. Americans will certainly recognize Jada Pinkett Smith (horrible), Minnie Driver (excellent), Billy Bob Thorton (so-so), and Claire Daines (excellent). A fellow reviewer claims that the poor voice actors hurt the movie beyond repair, but this is nonsense. The dubbing is excellent (read: does not look stupid and mismatched). Regarding translation, see the concessions. This movie showcases japanese animation and animation in general. The crispness of sound, enchantment of music, and vividness of color make this film a thrill ride for the senses. The movie avoids the problem of having many things happening at once, and clearly shows what is happening even during the fast-paced battle scenes -- a sure sign of directorial experience. Praise for Hayao Miyazaki is practically neverending. If you enjoy Japanese animation, you probably already own this film. If you absolutely hate it, watch this movie anyway - I think it will change your mind. This movie is essential for any DVD library. Buy it.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece of True Creativity and a Touching Story
Review: The Movie was absolutely spectacular. I remember the first time I watched it at my house with a friend. It was on T.V. and we only saw the second half, (May I remind you this Movie is very long and your butt will get sore, and that was just the first half.) I was never a big fan of anime then. But this Movie totally blew me away. The only thing that threw me off was the boars in their demon form. (Covered in vains or maggots and throwing up gallons of blood.) I loved the design of the main characters and the fact that Miyazaki saw both sides of the enemies and made it so that no one was evil. You felt bad for both humans and animals. No bad guys. That's what American movies are all about. Any way I reccomend this and The Rurouni Kenshin OVA's and Spirited Away. I don't even watch Disney any more it lost its touch a long time ago. If you want twisted plots, memorable characters, and unexpected endings go for Anime!
Rating:
Summary: Another great anime film from the mastermind, Miyazaki
Review: I finally got to watch "Princess Mononoke" on DVD. I was blown away!!! What can you say about Miyazaki that hasn't already been said? Beautiful, breathtaking, fantastic, wonderous... etc!!! I hope there are many more such films coming from the pen of this visionary of film. It is a must see for all fans of Japanime and especially of Miyazaki.
Rating:
Summary: The King of Anime
Review: When I first viewed this movie, it was an Internet fansub, burned onto a simple 650 MB CD-R. Even though the quality of the format was terrible, the absolutely stunning animation shone through. The script was translated by fans and some words had lost their meanings, as did some passages. But the moving story and heavy meaning still shone through. My point is that even in it's lowest-quality form, this movie is on par, if not better than, movies like Akira or Ghost in the Shell. As a professional production, this anime transferred to DVD with a Dolby 5.1 soundtrack is going to be the pinnacle of animated film. Any anime fan would do well to pick this one up. If you are and you don't at least watch Princess Mononoke, you'll probably come to feel that you're missing out through the reviews of people like myself. As for those who gave this movie less than 3 stars due to over-complicated plot or "gratuitous" violence, they know not what they speak of. This movie is simply a work of art, and deserves to be viewed by those who can appreciate fine things in all forms. Order now! I am!
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful animation, you can't go wrong with this one.
Review: This Miyazaki movie is for keeps! This is one of the few anime films from the many I have seen, that I will give a full 5 stars. You must give yourself a chance to see this movie at least once. I will definitely buy this DVD when it comes out. Plot is set in ancient mythological Japan where humans clash with humans and damages the environment. Great story, beautiful animation, very strong character development. Lots of action. You will see that a lot of work went into this film. Too bad, I can't recommend this for kids for all ages, maybe around 15 yrs up, but you parents will be the final judge. No nudity, but there are quite a few blood and violent scenes (such as beheading). Don't get me wrong, the story does not really focus on the violence. Watch it and you will know what I mean. I sure hope the other Miyazaki Anime will be released on DVD soon! (Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Nausicaa, etc...)
Rating:
Summary: Awesome! In the full sense!
Review: This is definitely the Star Wars of Japanese animation. If the Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences had made the Animated category years ago this would have definitely won for 1997. It is probably the most epic animated feature I can think of recently.
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