Many of Hayao Miyazaki’s films have been celebrated multiple times on the global stage, withSpirited Awayseemingly championing them all as his signature piece. The widely acclaimed film featuring a captivating story that is rooted in a fantastical world isundoubtedly among Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces.Spirited Awayenchants viewers of all nationalities with its childhood nostalgia and gorgeous fairytale.
However, despite its recognized success, it doesn’t have as much recognition in Japan asPrincess Mononoke.Princess Mononokeis a Japan-centric tale that tackles complex themes, such as pacifism, humanity & nature, and love. Set in an ancient era inspired by Japanese history and culture, the film resonates with Japan on a different wavelength compared to the rest of the world.
Princess Mononoke Is A Landmark In Animation With Cultural Depth And Historical Ties
Princess Mononoke Was The Game-Changer That Helped Studio Ghibli Break Out Globally
After looking back at the development process ofPrincess Mononoke,one would realize that the title’s recognition as a landmark in animation is a worthy tradeoff. Not only did it take Miyazaki years to flesh out the storyline, but he was willing to go the extra mile to make his hand-drawn dream an animated reality. He stretchedStudio Ghibli to its limit, requiring a budget that exceeded any they had aimed at before, requiring five directors to cover different aspects of the film.
Clearly, the investment paid off. The film was well-received by the masses. It became a huge hit at the box office, earning the title of highest-grossing Japanese film at the time of its release. The reviews? Stellar.Princess Mononokeearned a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics describing the epic fantasy tale as a “landmark in the world of animation.”
And this is true in every word. It was the first Studio Ghibli film to grace the international entertainment arena, breaking several records and earning nominations and accolades in Japan and beyond.One could even attribute the massive success ofSpirited AwaytoPrincess Mononokeas its ground-breaking predecessor.
Comparing Spirited Away to Princess Mononoke Highlights Miyazaki’s Versatility
Spirited Away May Have Won The World, But Princess Mononoke Speaks To Japan’s Soul
Spirited Away’scharm stems from its unorthodox childhood theme and its perspective on coming-of-age nostalgia. It’s an experience common to all, not barred by nationality and history. Yet,Princess Mononoke’smajor selling pointembraces the issues that the Japanese relate to the most.
Set in the Muromachi period, a time of political unrest and significant cultural development,the film depicts ancient Japan in ways that seem like a relived experience rather than an imitation.Susan Napier, a renowned author and Professor of Japanese literature and films, viewed it as an “elegy for a lost Japan,” a time when nature dominated.
It also portrays the nuances of the Japanese shift to industrialization —Man vs. Nature, as many fans like to refer to this theme. Centuries after the Muromachi period, World War II left Japan with no choice but to abandon its traditional ways, embracing modernization.
A sharp reiteration of this inevitable development is evident in Iron Town in the film, which clearly mirrors this shift. Even though the concept of modernization symbolizes progress, theJapanese people had to sacrifice nature and their cultural identity to fully embrace it.
Coupled with Ashitaka, who holds the bridge for peace between humanity and nature, and San, who represents nature’s rage at its abandonment,Mononoke heavily reminds Japan of itself. It delivers its message clearly, inviting its audience to reflect rather than just review. And who better to appreciate this reflection than those who experienced it?Spirited Awaymade its mark on the outside world on a grand scale, but it doesn’t hit home for Japan as much asPrincess Mononoke.
A Divergence Between National And Global Reception
Spirited Away Comforts, Princess Mononoke Confronts, And That’s What Makes It So Important
Spirited Awaymay have been accepted more by the world for its surrealityand emotional richness, butPrincess Mononoke,on the other hand, is a thought-provoking elegy grounded in reality. While the former commonly graces discussion tables featuring topics like “Best Movies of All Time,” the latter is not just the subject of fan debates but of scholastic reviews and acknowledgment.
Academics have had exceptional things to say about the classic, considering it is heavily doused in culture and history. For instance, Author Shiro Yoshioka makes a profound statement about the historical title in his book “Princess Mononoke: A Game Changer.”
Princess Mononokesparked several debates and essays, standing as a leading example ofanimations inspiring in-depth researchof a country’s history and environmentalism; a concept Miyazaki is known to slip in his movies. Essentially, it was not just a feast for the eyes but also food for thought.Spirited Awaymay be the more popular choice, butPrincess Mononokeis a love letter to Japan; it’s a cinematic masterpiece the country holds dear.
The Japanese media generally promotes a comforting and harmonious style of communication, so content that contradicts the status quo is bound to make a statement. The consequence of this departure is present in Princess Mononoke’s achievements.Spirited Awayis a slice-of-life masterpiece, comforting, childlike, and delicate.Princess Mononoke, on the other hand, is much more challenging, using themes like environmental destruction to directly pass its message, almost literally.
Princess Mononoke Is More Deserving Of Intense Global Recognition Than Spirited Away
Princess Mononoke Should Have Been More Than A Trendsetter For Spirited Away
Miyazaki’s works often leave fans, who like to arrange their movies by preference, in a bind because of the beautiful and distinct storytelling in each title. The vast array of his works tackles different themes in novel ways that make them a treasure trove of sublime artistic expressions. In this regard,Princess Mononokeis deserving of global recognition, rather than just in Japan alone. Animations that tell historical stories are grossly underappreciated, despite their worth in the film industry.
Historical stories are not just a mirror for those they concern to reflect from, but also a window for others to peer into history.Princess Mononokecould have been more than just the first in its line. It could have been the best, globally. Nevertheless, it is most celebrated where it matters most — at home.
