Mononoke-hime (Princess Mononoke)

1997

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Distributor: Studio Ghibli / Miramax

My Review:

This is my second favorite Anime movie – Also from Miyazaki.

The story is about two kids who fight to protect the wild, holy forest from people who want to kill the forest god and take control of its resources.

Typical of Anime films, the themes of this story focus on the importance of respect for the environment and anti-war/anti-hate messages of peace. Both good messages.

There’s just something about this all hand-drawn movie that is just brilliant. I really enjoyed watching it.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• In ancient times, the land lay covered in forests, where, from ages long past, dwelt the spirits of the gods. Back then, man and beast lived in harmony, but as time went by, most of the great forests were destroyed. Those that remained were guarded by gigantic beasts who owed their allegiances to the Great Forest Spirit, for those were the days of gods and of demons.
• These days, there are angry ghosts all around us. Dead from wars, sickness, starvation, and nobody cares. So - you say you're under a curse. So what, so's the whole damn world.
• To see with eyes unclouded by hate.
• Huh, I didn't know the Forest Spirit made the flowers grow.
• Look, everyone! This is what hatred looks like! This is what it does when it catches hold of you! It's eating me alive, and very soon now it will kill me! Fear and anger only make it grow faster!
• It's over, the Forest Spirit is dead now.
  - Never. He is life itself. He is here with us now, telling us, it's time for both of us to live.
• The Forest Spirit gives life and takes life away. Life and death are his alone.
• Ashitaka... can you save the girl you love?

Stills:

Hauru no ugoku shiro (Howl’s Moving Castle)

2004

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Distributor: Studio Ghibli / Buena Vista Home Entertainment

My Review:

So a buddy and me went through this phase where we were watching a lot of Anime, and this one blew us away.

Miyazaki is basically Japan’s Walt Disney, pioneering animation and making advances in both form and story.

Howl’s is based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones and tells the story of how a cursed girl and a tormented wizard develop and friendship and romance while saving their world from darkness and war.

I honestly can’t pinpoint what I like about this movie. Gorgeous animation, beautiful music and loveably understated characters - It’s just a good watch.

Trailer:



Quotes:

• What's going on? Someone just told me you floated down into our balcony! - So that did happen, it wasn't a dream.
• Wow! He must have been a wizard then.
  - But he was so kind to me. He rescued me, Letti.
  Of course he did, he was trying to steal your heart. You were so lucky Sophie, if that wizard were Howl, he would have eaten it.
  - No he wouldn't, Howl only does that to beautiful girls.
• What a dump. When I think of castles, it's not what I picture
• She was once quite beautiful, so I decided to pursue her, then I realized she wasn't, so then, as usual, I ran away.
• I give up. I see no point in living if I can't be beautiful.
• He's calling the spirits of darkness... I saw him do this once before when a girl dumped him!
• You shouldn't keep flying around like that. Soon you won't be able to turn back into a human.
• That boy is extremely dangerous, his powers are far too great for someone without a heart. …If he stays selfish, I'm afraid he'll end up just like the Witch of the Wastes.
• This war is terrible, they bomb from the southern coast to the northern border. It's all in flames now.
  - I can't stand the fire and gunpowder. Those dopey guys have absolutely no manners.
• My own kind attacked me today.
  - Who? The Witch of the Wastes?
  No, some hack wizards who turned themselves into monsters for the king.
  - Those wizards are going to regret doing that. They'll never change back into humans.
  After the war, they won't recall they ever were human.
• I'm such a big coward, all I do is hide. All of this magic is to keep everybody away. I can't stand how scared I am.
• A heart's a heavy burden.
• They say that the best blaze burns brightest, when circumstances are at their worst.
• Sorry, I've had enough of running away, Sophie. Now I've got something I want to protect. It's you.

Stills: