Princess Mononoke (1997)

Princess Mononoke (1997) is a sweeping animated action-adventure about a doomed young prince, Ashitaka, who leaves his home to seek a cure for a deadly curse inflicted by a monstrous boar-god. His quest brings him to the clash between the spirit-inhabited forest and Iron Town (Tatara), an industrious mining settlement led by the determined Lady Eboshi. Caught between both sides is San — the fierce “Princess Mononoke,” a human raised by the wolf-god Moro — and the ancient gods and creatures who will do anything to defend their home. Watching the film, you’ll experience spectacular, hand-drawn animation and bold, cinematic battle scenes alongside quieter, intimate moments that explore grief, rage, and compassion. The story refuses easy answers: both humans and spirits are portrayed with empathy, making the conflict feel morally complex rather than simply black-and-white. Expect visceral action, haunting supernatural imagery, and a powerful emotional core as Ashitaka tries to heal the land and its people while bearing his own burden. Ultimately, Princess Mononoke is an epic fable about industrialization versus nature, the costs of progress, and the hard work of reconciliation. It’s visually gorgeous, emotionally rich, and thematically mature — a moving experience for viewers who enjoy mythic storytelling with real moral depth.

Actors: Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Runtime: 134 min

Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation

8.0 /10 78 /100 8.3 /10 8.0 /10