Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most important and influential Japanese animators in the history of animation. His feature-length animated films have all garnered nearly universal acclaim, and his track record with fantastic films matches that of Pixar Animation Studios. 'Princess Mononoke' is perhaps Miyazaki's most famous work, and there's no question as to why it is. The film's balance of great storytelling, beautiful hand-drawn and computer-generated imagery, and insightful morals and themes, makes it an especially unique experience.
Two of the biggest themes of 'Princess Mononoke' is the co-existence of good and evil, as well as the the co-existence of different cultures. The interesting thing about this film is the fact that many of the major characters have redeeming qualities, even when they're bad and antagonizing. The film's hero, Ashitaka, is pretty much pure of heart from the start. He's heroic, brave, and engages in actions based purely on what is right. Ashitaka is the epitome of good in 'Mononoke'. However, every other important character has a mixture of both good and bad qualities. San, Ashitaka's love interest who was born and raised by wolves, is a ferocious warrior with good intentions. She wants to destroy the town of Iron Works, as well as their leader Lady Eboshi, in order to protect the natural world. It's good that San has a meaningful reason for wanting to wipe out the village and kill Eboshi, but it can be considered bad that she's driven to the point of murdering someone. The act of killing another human being is almost universally considered a sinful act, and personally I would never condone murder. But in order for San to achieve her pure intentions, she must commit a terrible act. As for Eboshi, she initially appears as an evil, power-hungry woman. However, we soon find out that she's done a lot of good for Iron Works. Though she is polluting the natural world, Eboshi has brought work to the women and lepers of the town and made them important contributors to their society.
The co-existence of different cultures is presented in 'Princess Mononoke' between man and animal. The human side is taken in the form of Iron Works and Lady Eboshi, whereas the animalistic side is taken in the form of animals, animal gods and spirits, and San. The humans want to wipe out all of the opposing animals in order to get more natural resources for the survival of their town, as well as to allow Eboshi to rule the world. The animals want to wipe out all of the opposing humans in order to protect the natural world. Both sides want to destroy and get rid of the other, but I think the film's message is that both "worlds" need one another and must learn to co-exist. Humans cannot live without natural resources and animals. The animals' position in the film remind us that humans are also born from nature, thus they are animals, too! The humans represent progress that the world is headed in.
Picture 1: http://wallpapers-diq.net/wallpapers/33/Princess_Mononoke%2C_Anime.jpg
Picture 2: http://media.lunch.com/d/d7/527530.jpg
Picture 3: http://tabsie.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Princess_mononoke_wallpaper1.jpg
Picture 4: http://www.homemademech.com/Uploads/Areview/1211085150255.jpg
Picture 5: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuRUrLhQ2EgUDtu1chu4fluO8qzA1caFNgO9FYFmI_z-bl5PhoN0ZwrmxzK-kaibhCuGOyZumo6WG8gHg2AupfJxaypkFw9MsAN2AkGBsMqlbWXp7gmqfhn1sdiEqE2-0X5eC9h-H-Tr-/s1600/MPW-26176.jpeg
An interesting thing that you said in your blog was that both cultures need each other in order to survive. You’re right, in order for the world to progress; the humans need to continue what they are doing. On the other hand, the humans need the natural resources, which are provided by the animals and forests. However, the two sides will not realize this because they are too stubborn with their own personal goal. As a result of this, this creates what’s good and evil. As you also explain, most of the important characters, except for the main one, are a mixture of good and evil. Their obligations or goals are good for their side or culture, but intended to be evil for the opposing side. The animals are protecting their home, while Lady Eboski is trying to improve. So, this will cause major conflicts for both group and make it difficult for them to co-exist.
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