Princess Mononoke by Hayao Miyazaki

article by 𝕃𝕪𝕕𝕚𝕒 𝕄𝕖𝕝𝕠𝕨

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Synopsis:

The traditional Emishi community lives hidden in the reliefs of northeastern Japan where its isolation is the cause of a gradual decline (the population is mostly elderly).

One fine day, their village is attacked by a "Tatari-gami", a god who has been cursed by suffering and hatred. This curse materializes by a multitude of black worms swarming on him, destroying all vegetation on contact. Unable to appease the destructive anger of the god, the prince of the village, Ashitaka resolves to neutralize him. After injuring the prince, the boar, before dying, expresses his disgust for the human race and curses the inhabitants.

Unfortunately, through his injury, Ashitaka has inherited the curse.

To try to ward off his dire fate and in accordance with the rules of the clan, the young warrior must leave his people that very night. He thus sets off to discover the world in search of an explanation and a cure for his illness. He will head west, guided by the tracks of the wild boar and by a strange metal projectile removed from the animal, which caused its death. During his journey, our warrior realizes for the first time that the curse increases his warrior abilities tenfold.

Along the way, he meets Lady Eboshi, a strong-willed woman who runs forges. The forge makes many enemies, between the lords of neighboring lands envious of these new riches, and especially the gods of the forest threatened by deforestation. Among the protectors of this forest, there is a young girl nicknamed "Princess Mononoke", educated by the Wolf Goddess Moro.

The protoganists will have to fight this destructive cycle of hatred and protect the forest as well as its guardian: the "Shishi-gami" deer god ruling over the fauna and flora.

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My Opinion:

Indeed, in a period where conflicts are omnipresent, nothing is totally black or white.

The example of Lady Eboshi is the most striking. Our feeling towards her oscillates between anger and deep admiration. Even Ashitaka, the "purest" soul in the story, is not devoid of hateful feelings at times.

The protagonists have a different vision of the future and defend their interests. They each have their faults, but animals and blacksmiths alike fight for their survival.

The conflict arises from misunderstanding and the absence of dialogue, each sticking to their positions.

Hatred is everywhere in this film, which really gives a common thread for this curse that Ashitaka will bear and from which his entire universe will have to get rid. Hatred is present between men, between animals (monkeys, wolves and wild boars) as well as between men and nature.

Apart from the relationship between Ashitaka and San, the one that touched me the most during this film is the one

that San and his mother, the wolf Moro, have for each other. Although San has never been and will never be completely a wolf, Moro loves her like his own daughter. San but also Lady Eboshi perfectly embody the image of the woman that Miyazaki wants to share:

Strong and determined women who oppose the powers of men.

Miyazaki has told us the story of a confusing moment in history, that of the rupture of a balance that inevitably leads to another. Better? It's up to each of us to judge.