Summary: Princess Mononoke

In the fifth chapter of the book "Hayao Miyazaki, Master of Japanese Animation" which was published by Stone Bridge Press in 1999, Helen McCarthy analyzed the story, origins and commentary of Miyazaki’s animation “Princess Mononoke”

Story:

Far in the past, when what would become Japan was still a collection of warring tribes fighting for control of land and resource, a young man called Ashitaka sets out to find the cure to a strange curse that behind in the north, the forest, running with wolf-gods and fighting with them against the humans who are trying to build a life on their territory. An epic struggle between gods and men is building.

The author reported that the reason of making this animation was some people found that Japanese people began to feel they could control nature, rather than having to placate or worship it. McCarthy also implied that the elements of this animation not only from his own experience, but also from Japanese history and folklore. Moreover, the author indicated that Miyazaki returned again to the themes that had inspired him in earlier works- the strength of nature, the struggle of lesser peoples against greater oppressors, the search for utopia, and the eternal importance of love. Also, Miyazaki wanted to express that whether the world loses dogma of does whatever, love remains. Miyazaki said: “I don’t like a society that parades its righteousness.” which showed the original intention of this animation. McCarthy also mentioned that modern agrochemical companies are promoting genetically modified foods for what they tell us are good reasons, but will future generations, both plant and animal, be cursed with change we can neither predict nor control. In the end, the author concluded that technological progress can make life easier, but it also brings loss.

Critique: In this chapter, the author explain the origins and the deep meaning in an object way. First, the author talked about the elements which affected Miyazaki in this animation, and then she implied the deep wisdoms of this animation from many different aspects. McCarthy also connected the story with the Japanese culture in order to avoid the culture alienating. However, the author only talked about the active aspects of “Princess Mononoke” in this chapter, the readers would also want some negative aspects about this animation in order to get the information more complete. Also, for the English readers they would want more information on the influence of this animation in the western counties.