Princess Mononoke (1997)★ 8.4/10

thought it was just a good movie about demons and stuff when i was a kid, it was only when i rewatched it later as an adult that i realized how meaningful the commentary on the environment was in this film and it STILL resonates today, maybe even more so than ever

Miyazaki is a genius

This is Miyazaki’s finest work—richer in narrative, more nuanced, and more far-reaching than "Spirited Away." Joe Hisaishi’s sweeping score echoes with grandeur and melancholy, like something out of this world. The characters do not embody moral extremes; they’re just authentic humans. The film juxtaposes scenes of gruesome carnage with the innocence of forest spirits, forging a haunting beauty. It’s a story about hatred and forgiveness, relentless conflict, and the cyclical clash between humanity and nature—a world with no way out, where we carry on anyway.

Despite being trimmed from a five-hour cut to just two, which leaves parts of the narrative murky, and despite the inclusion of arguably excessive romantic elements for broader appeal, this is both a creative peak and a turning point for Hayao Miyazaki. With an unprecedented 135,000 hand-drawn frames, visceral imagery, and the rare use of CGI and graphic violence for Studio Ghibli, the film is a visual and emotional shock to the audience. Here, Miyazaki lets go of idealism, framing humanity and nature as fundamentally opposed forces, and posits survival—not harmony—as our most urgent concern.

This is my top pick out of all Hayao Miyazaki's movies. It's intense, intricate, and covers a lot of ground. Joe Hisaishi's composition is grand and touching. The characters are so much more than just good or bad; they're complex and multi-faceted. And the intense, bloody scenes starkly contrast to the adorable creatures. This movie dives deep into hate and forgiveness, the perpetual struggle between humans and nature. It's basically saying to never give up, even when all seems lost. 9.5/10.

Having explored anti-war themes in his earlier works, Hayao Miyazaki started thinking about something even bigger in this one - how humans relate to nature. He didn't give us a clear answer, but he made this epic animated movie that really tugs on heartstrings. Joe Hisaishi's music is the perfect addition, giving the film this ancient Japanese feel. The melodies are poignant but powerful.

The animation is full of tenderness to the world, and the music makes me feel healed~

The struggle between humankind and nature comes to life in one of the best movies by Studio Ghibli. The enchanted forest in the movie is home to several of the most original and sacred anime creatures.

This movie illustrates in a very creative way man’s eternal quest to conquer nature. A beautiful story about peace, teamwork and consensus.

This film focuses on the fight between the guardian spirits of nature and humans who are willing to exploit its resources. Although it may seem a superficial struggle between good and evil, it is a story that invites us to reflect on the ethical positions of nature exploitation.

Esta es la mejor obra de Miyazaki: con una narrativa más detallada, más matizada y mucho más amplia que El viaje de Chihiro. La banda sonora extraordinaria de Joe Hisaishi resuena con grandeza y melancolía, como algo fuera de este mundo. Los personajes no representan extremos morales; son solo humanos auténticos. La película yuxtapone escenas de matanza terrible con la inocencia de espíritus forestales, lo que forja una belleza inquietante. Es una historia sobre odio y perdón, conflicto incesante y el choque cíclico entre la humanidad y la naturaleza; un mundo sin salida, donde seguimos adelante de todas formas.

Este é o melhor trabalho de Miyazaki — mais rico em narrativa, com mais nuances e mais abrangente do que A Viagem de Chihiro. A trilha sonora arrebatadora de Joe Hisaishi ecoa com grandeza e melancolia, como algo fora deste mundo. Os personagens não incorporam extremos morais; eles são apenas humanos autênticos. O filme justapõe cenas de uma brutal carnificina com a inocência dos espíritos da floresta, criando uma beleza assustadora. É uma história sobre ódio e perdão, conflito implacável e o choque cíclico entre a humanidade e a natureza — um mundo sem saída, onde continuamos seguindo em frente de qualquer maneira.