TotalTelly.co.uk
Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV
Princess Mononoke (Special Edition)
Set in medieval Japan, Miyazaki's original story envisions a struggle between nature and man. The march of technology, embodied in the dark iron forges of the ambitious Tatara clan, threatens the natural forces explicit in the benevolent Great God of the Forest and the wide-eyed, spectral spirits he protects. When Ashitaka, a young warrior from a remote, and endangered, village clan, kills a ravenous, boar-like monster, he discovers the beast is in fact an infectious "demon god," transformed by human anger. Ashitaka's quest to solve the beast's fatal curse brings him into the midst of human political intrigues as well as the more crucial battle between man and nature. Miyazaki's convoluted fable is clearly not the stuff of kiddie matinees, nor is the often graphic violence depicted during the battles that ensue. If some younger viewers (or less attentive older ones) will wish for a diagram to sort out the players, Miyazaki's atmospheric world and its lush visual design are reasons enough to watch. For the English-language version, Miramax assembled an impressive vocal cast including Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup (as Ashitaka), Claire Danes (as San), Minnie Driver (as Lady Eboshi), Billy Bob Thornton, and Jada Pinkett Smith. They bring added nuance to a very different kind of magic kingdom. Recommended for ages 12 and older. --Sam Sutherland
RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £9.60 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
This epic, animated 1997 fantasy has already made history as the top-grossing domestic feature ever released in Japan, where its combination of mythic themes, mystical forces, and ravishing visuals tapped deeply into cultural identity and contemporary, ecological anxieties. For international animation and anime fans, Princess Mononoke represents an auspicious next step for its revered creator, Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service), an acknowledged anime pioneer, whose painterly style, vivid character design, and stylized approach to storytelling take ambitious, evolutionary steps here.
OVERLONG AND UNDERWHELMING?
Review date: 2008-08-27 Rating: 6 out of 10
There's no denying that Princess Mononoke looks amazing. The animation throughout is stunning. Environments are rendered in exquisite detail and are epic in there scope. Rarely do you see such attention to detail. The beasts, such as giant boars and wolves to strange white figures of the forest are lavished with as much attention as the detailed environments.
Even though the menagerie of animals and the bright vivid environments are beautifully handled, the people dont seem to recieve the same treatment. In stark contrast to the attention lavished on the environments the people within the film look simplistic and lack the depth and richness of there suroundings. They are at odds with the rest of the film and dont feel a part of it. This is a shame as the characters play a significant role in the story and it seems bizarre that they haven't received the same treatment as the rest of the film.
Even though the characters may have been forgotten by the animators, they form a central part of the story. A story which is rewarding and enjoyable, yet ultimately leaves you feeling a little disappointed. There are many villains within the film, yet despite all the destruction they cause are never really punished for there actions. The ending is light-hearted with every one living happily ever after, which considering the dark premise of the film is a bit of a cop out.
PM is a fantastic experience, yet it feels incomplete. The animation is wonderful, yet the main protagonists, PM herself and the other characters lack the same detail that has been lavished on the environments. The story is rewarding and enjoyable, however at over two hours is overlong, and at the end, the story feels unresolved with none of the characters really being punished for there actions. Considering this is a 'special edition', The DVD is also poor value. At nearly thirteen pounds you don't get a lot for your money. You only get the one disc, witch includes the main feature and storyboards, thats all.
Is PM worth buying? It is a beautiful film, however it is too exspensive for what you get. There are films avalible such as Akira - The Ultimate Collection [1991] or the stunning Ghost In The Shell Movie Double Bill which are just as good, if not better and offer better value for money.
Similar Products
- Nausicaa Valley Of The Wind
- Laputa - Castle In The Sky
- My Neighbour Totoro
- Howl's Moving Castle [2005]
- Kiki's Delivery Service
Reviews
best film ever
Review date: 2008-03-24 Rating: 10 out of 10
Not just the best studio ghibli film but the best film ever. The storyline is brilliant. The animation is breath taking and to top it off the characters are excellent.
I would recommend this film to anyone anime fan or not.
I just didn't see what all the fuss about this movie is about!?!?
Review date: 2008-03-02 Rating: 6 out of 10
I was extremely disappointed with this film. I didn't connect with the characters very well and found the storyline a little weak. Nowhere as good as Spirited Away. :-(
one of myazaki's best
Review date: 2008-02-24 Rating: 10 out of 10
if not the best. Spirited Away may have been the commercial breakout and it was a great film - but at times the narrative wandered from a coherent storyline into seemingly random dreamlike events and motivations.
Mononoke suffers from none of this - events unfold according to motivations both expected and surprising, but always natural, involving you in the story and giving the characters substance. The journey into the world of Miyazaki's imagination - a world which is always beautiful and fantastic - is relaxing and enjoyable with no jolts or bumps from inscrutable actions or events.
Classic storytelling at it's best.
Scary for kids!
Review date: 2008-02-14 Rating: 8 out of 10
Brilliant, and fantastic animation but fairly menacing for children. Our boys, 5 and 8 were a bit disturbed, although they enjoyed it the 5 year old wouldn't go to bed on his own. If your kids are of a delicate disposition or under 10 they may be scared.
Great for adults though!
Product Details/Specifications
Recording label: Optimum Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Optimum Home Entertainment
EAN: 5060034573418
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Special Edition,
Release date: 2006-03-27
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 133 minutes
Language: Japanese (Original Language)