More than a cartoon The first thing that stands out after completing Princess Mononoke is its extreme complexity compared to many American animated films. Often, the American public is told simple stories with an inherently good person who is contrasted with a bad person, or there is a group of good people who go on a quest to find something. However, in the case of Princess Mononoke, the only thing that can compare it to an American animated film are the talking characters. That aside, it's a complex film set in medieval Japan that deals with characters who are neither right nor wrong, environmentalism and, surprisingly, above all, feminism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay As mentioned above, the film is set in medieval Japan, but after seeing the film, the setting/time period doesn't really stand out as it is negated by much of the fantastical aspects of the film, thus making it seem that the film could be set in Japan at any time. The fact that there are weapons doesn't really help to truly define a time period as the fantastical elements lead to a suspension of disbelief, signifying more of a timeless feel in a period of pre-modern Japan on the brink of industrialization. With this in mind, it was difficult to view it as a piece of historical fiction in the same way one would look at Grave of Fireflies. Instead it felt more like a normal Studio Ghibli film, focusing on story, characters and themes. The most important theme addressed in the film was the concept of environmentalism. Miyazaki is very interested in this idea of ​​the role a human being has in preserving the environment, but also how a human being should be aware of their need for nature. The ending of the film gives no real answer as humans more or less destroy nature literally by killing the Forest Spirit, but also metaphorically through the deaths of Okkoto and Miwa. However, they are willing to rebuild Iron Town into something more amenable to the persevering nature at Ashitaka's behest. The film suggests an optimistic ending that they are willing to fight side by side with nature as the audience sees Jigo give up his quest to kill the Forest Spirit, due to the destruction he has caused. However, there is still the lasting image that humans have attributed such enormous destruction to the earth. The film ultimately examines the concept of humanity's capacity and susceptibility to destroy nature, but that there is hope through people like Ashitaka and, to some extent, San, who understand that nature is a gift and a privilege that must be used, but correctly. and persevering manner. Despite the pre-industrial period, the film still holds true for Miyazaki, issuing a warning to modern Japan and the world to watch and care about the world and its environment, thus solidifying it as a timeless environmentalism film. The problem in the film is the role of women. While the film begins with a young man's quest to free his body from a demon's curse, the film's main focus is actually on the women, young and old, in the film. From the beginning, a woman gives Ashitaka the advice he needs to potentially save himself. Without the guidance of a woman, Ashitaka could very well have died, thus citing the ending of the film. From there, Ashitaka only encounters more powerful and dominant women, sometimes not in human form. Without a doubt, the most dominant and looming figure in the film is the cold and harsh Lady Eboshi.