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Sir Moggy examines MONONOKE HIME!
I have seen Mononoke Hime, but I didn't understand a word since I did not have a copy with subtitles, but I can say that it did embody some of the best animation work I've seen from Miyazaki (of course that's with me only having seen PORCO ROSSO (which I loved), KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE, LAPUTA and NAUSICAA. I still haven't seen TOTORO, which is a huge hole in my Miyazaki education as I understand it. His framing, use of music and attention to the smallest of details of life speak volumes about his powers of observation. Personally I am eager as can be to see a great subtitled version of this projected... and I am excited about the Gaiman scripted dub coming this October from Miramax!
Hi there Harry!
This is Sir Moggy from Stay Tooned (http://www.staytooned.com) with a
review of Hayao Miyazaki's "Mononoke Hime." I read your reviews of "Tarzan"
and "Iron Giant," but I couldn't help but notice a number of postings about
"Mononoke Hime" in your talkback. People were demanding coverage of this
film.
As you probably know, Miyazaki's "Mononoke Hime" is being re-released with
an English dub in theatres October 29th under the title "Princess
Mononoke." Although this film has already been released, I think you'll do
your fans justice by posting my review of this film. I'd say most Americans
have never seen this film. Also, it seems as though a lot of American's are
unhappy with the state of feature animation. ('Iron Giant' seems to be
different by your rave review, however). "Princess Mononoke" is the
solution. I've also supplemented the review with a couple of images so that
your readers will be able to visualize the film.
I'd like to add that after viewing "Mononoke Hime," I've watched every
Miyazaki film except "Porco Rosso." Between "Nausicaa of the Valley of the
Wind" to "My Neighbor Totoro" to "Laputa," I'd say I'm hooked.
Let me just say out front that I reviewed this film off a pure Japanese
copy. I watched the film five times, then came across a word for word
script. I watched it again, then wrote the following analyzation.
In its most rarest occasions, a film will touch your heart with such utter
beauty and enlightenment that only silent emotions are evoked. "Mononoke
Hime" is exactly that type of film. In a world of endless imagination and
fantasy, director Hayao Miyazaki has composed a painting of
nature's spirit in unthinkable depths. The examination of man and nature's
place in the universe is the underlying theme and whether or not good and
evil are simply subjective ideas. I've watched this film about half a dozen
times and I've come to the conclusion that it is probably better than any
animated film ever made. The film is executed with exact precision: the
animation, the score, the characters, the storyline, the cinematography ...
everything. At times, "Mononoke
Hime" is more than an animated feature, it is an absolute of art and film
composition.
"Mononoke Hime" was released in Japan on June 12th, 1997. It soon became
the largest grossing film in Japanese history at about $150 million, only
to be surpassed by "Titanic" a year later. Not only was the film large in
box office draws, but it was also the most expensive Japanese animated film
ever made: estimated at 2.4 billion yen (about $20 million). Although these
statistics don't seem to rank up to American standards when considering an
epic film, "Mononoke Hime" cost twice as much as Japan's "Akira." Timing in
at about 133 minutes, "Mononoke Hime" uses some 144,000 cels and although
it is predominantly composed of traditional animation, it
does incorporate its share of computer graphic techniques. Roughly 15
minutes of CG were used in the film, 10 minutes of which, were for digital
painting. The remaining utilized digital composition and computer generated
images. Hayao Miyazaki, who is considered the Walt Disney of Japan
(although that is quite a misnomer), is credited for the original story,
screenplay, and direction of the film, as well as the supervision of 80,000
key cels! Miyazaki, who works at Japan's foremost animation
studio, Studio Ghibli, has some of the industry's most talented workers on
the project. People like Masahi Ando, Kitaro Kosaka, Yoshifumi Kondo,
Satoshi Kuroda, Nizou Yamamoto, and many others, all helped
to create a visually stunning feature. As an example of Miyazaki's
influence in the animation industry, Pixar's John Lasseter once said that
the works of Miyazaki are "the most inspirational films" for him and his
own movies.
"Mononoke Hime" is set amidst the Muromachi Era of Japan, around the time
of the War of Onin (1467-1477); a pivotal time in history in which the
modern world has begun to suppress the eroding medieval era. The human
population had been increasing drastically and in turn the production of
iron and higher advancements in civilization became a thing of demand.
Virgin forests were being cut down into land and supplies for the humans,
but the destruction left nature at war with civilization. It's interesting
to note that Miyazaki chose this period of time mainly because he sees this
same sort of revolution happening in this day of age.
The story unfolds during a period of tension between the humans and nature.
Deep within the remaining forests, lies the habitation of many animal Gods
(mountain dogs, deer, boars) and mystical creatures; the Gods of whom can
understand the human language. The protagonist, Ashitaka
(voiced by Matsuda Youji), a young Emishi boy who was born into a Royal
family had been living in a hidden mountain village in the northeast region
after his people had been driven away by the Yamato
government. Ashitaka is infected by an incurable disease by a possessed
boar God who had turned into a Tatari Gami (Curse God). His only hope of
survival is to travel to the far reaches of the West where he may find a
cure. Ashitaka finds himself amidst a fierce battle where he struggles to
find a path of coexistence between the animal inhabitants of the forest and
an iron mining town that is exploiting and killing the forest. The leader
of the human society is Lady Eboshi, who runs the iron production mill that
is also called Tatara Ba. On the side of the animals is San (the Mononoke
Hime - spirit/monster/ghost princess), a human girl who was brought up by a
wolf God named Moro. The film also
introduces a number of mystical characters such as the kodama (or a tree
spirit) that lives for the God of the forest, Shishi Gami. At night, the
Shishi Gami (a multi-antlered deer with a human face) turns into the
form of its Didarabocchi.
"Mononoke Hime" has a very complicated storyline that incorporates a number
of characters and animals that all part side in the existing war. Rarely do
we see such original material, but let me inform you that this film is
hardly a picture for young children. The MPAA has issued a PG-13 rating for
the films October 29th release this year, due to the amount of violence and
war scenes. For example, many limbs are taken off, including heads from
vicious attacks between humans and animals. Coming in at over 2 hours -
which seems like quite a stretch for an animated film - "Mononoke Hime"
will capture you attention during every waking second. This not your
typical animated fare, being far more of an action adventure
movie than that of a fun and carefree picture. None the less, your eyes
will be gaping in raw amazement.
Without a doubt in my mind, "Mononoke Hime" is the most beautiful and
technically challenging animated film ever made. Walt Disney films pale in
comparison. There are scenes when my viewing mate and I look at each
other in absolute marvelousness over the shear beauty the film's animation.
Scenes within Shishi Gami's pond where the majestic light reflects
perfectly upon the slithering water, or rush shots of the characters riding
through the dense forest. The detail that goes into the environment is
breathtaking, especially when the climate is changing among the characters
within the scene. Miyazaki is a master of the art of clouds, rain, and even
mist. The flawlessness is riveting. Birds that seem tinier than a pin glide
across the scene, while dragonflies and
other minute creatures live almost unnoticeable to the seeing eye. You're
going to find a new found love for anime films, and a new found resentment
for American-made cartoons (especially Disney).
Not only has Hayao Miyazaki mastered the art of animation, but he also has
shown an profound understanding for the medium of filmmaking. If you
carefully analyze his camera movements and shot selections, it is
apparent that Miyazaki in extremely talented in both respects. In two
instances, Miyazaki utilizes an amazing CG technique called "texture
mapping" which allows elaborate backgrounds to move in fluid
motion. He also uses a difficult technique where the subject morphs from
one object to the other in the most subtlest movements. This is illustrated
in scenes where the grass and flowers grow as if time had been sped up
months at a time.
To supplement the film's visual brilliance, Joe Hisaishi composed the score
of the movie. Matching the emotions of the characters and the overall
ambiance of the setting, Hisaishi has created one of the best scores I've
ever heard. The absence of musical numbers sung by the characters adds to
the overall maturity of the film and where I personally believe animation
should be headed.
We Americans are really in for a treat to be able to see such a brilliant
animated film on the large screen. It's quite remarkable that "Mononoke
Hime" (pronounced 'mono' 'no' 'kay' 'eemay') or "Princess Mononoke" (as it
is translated in English) has seemingly been lost in the whole shuffle of
Hollywood's big summer extravaganza. I'll have to make additional comments
on the new dubbed format, but after seeing the work done on "Kiki's
Delivery Service," I wouldn't worry. But let me assure you
that by the end of summer, after viewing all the big animated features like
"Iron Giant" and "Tarzan," "Princess Mononoke" will rank above them.
October 29th, 1999 is when America will finally find a place in their heart
for Japanese animation.
If you have any questions/comments, e-mail me at sirmoggy@staytooned.com
Cheers!
Sir Moggy
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..this is the one I've been waiting for. I know I've asked before, but does anyone know if there is a date for a UK release? I would be very upset if it doesn't make it over here (which seems possibke as Kiki didn't)
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But will we get Joe Hisaishi's score in the english dub? And will it get theatrical release in Australia?
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I've seen this film and it's visually amazing. I really do think audiences here are going to be blown away by Mononoke if they just go see it. Also, if you like Miyazaki, check out Castle Of Cagliostro. It's back in print in July, I think.
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I've seen Mononoke-Hime as well, and I agree with the above review whole-heartedly. Miyazaki is a genius. Pure and simple. However, Laputa remains my pure favorite of his when it comes to overall majesty.
Now, what about the new Vampire Hunter D due out in late-99/early-2000? I've hear NO fanfare given to this movie what-so-ever. I find it rather difficult to swallow that this film isn't "worthy" of a mention by AICN, let alone anime in general. What is it? Is anime not cool enough for ya?
Featuring Princess Mononoke is a GREAT step in that direction, and I agree other anime pales by comparison. But PLEASE, at least make a mention of other worthy projects like the new Kawajiri-esque Vampire Hunter D. It would be in your best interest, as well as mine. If you don't know where to look for info on this, try the Urban Vision web-site at www.urban-vision.com
The preview trailer is downloadable there. It's spectacular. Trust me. -
I saw "Warriors of the Wind" when I was eleven, and I've never been the same since...
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Or rather, I didn't know it, but I should have guessed that Miyazaki made "The Castle of Cagliostro," one of my favorite movies ever! Steven Spielberg went on record to call "Cagliostro" one of the greatest action-adventure movies ever made, animated or not. Absolutely hilarious and thrilling, and it makes prime use of its animated format to give us stunts that just wouldn't be possible (or, hell, even PLAUSIBLE) in a live-action movie. Rent this today! [And I can't wait for "Mononoke Hime" either!]
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I agree with the review. I've seen all of Miyazaki's major features and have them all on tape in Japanese plus the English versions of Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro) and Majou no Takyoubin (Kiki's Delivery Service). I saw Mononoke Hime during its first week of theatrical release in Japan. It blew me away! I also obtained the video in the US within 36 hours of release in Japan. I can't wait to see it again in a big screen.
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For those of you who jumped all over me for questioning Iron Giant because the review didn't thrill me, this is the type of review that gets me excited about seeing a movie, particularly one I know nothing about. I want to see this now, I still don't want to see Iron Giant.
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Grunter: Well, this must be bad news for you. If you hated _Akira_ (most likely because you couldn't fucking understand the complex story), then you'll want to stay away from this film as well. It has something we like to call "a unique plot".
_Vampire_Hunter_D_, when *IS* that film coming out? A few months ago, Sci-Fi Channel aired a _Masters_of_Fantasy_ episode dedicated to Anime, and showed clips from various upcoming films - VHD remake included. The shots they showed, while few, were excellent. I'm so fucking jazzed up to see that remake.
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Will there be a subtitled version released in the US? I'd much rather see the subtitled version before watching a dubbed version, and it would suck if I don't get that opportunity.
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Again, you are the biggest fucking moron to ever exist.
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Jun 18, 1999 8:59:31 AM CDT
Obviously a lot AICN readers care, Grunter, you ethnocentric men
by rodzilla
We now live in a global society, in case you haven't noticed. I suppose you only use the Internet to see what's playing in Peoria, but there's more to life than Disney, apple pie and white bread animation. Maybe if you spent a little time learning about other cultures, you would learn to understand and appreciate their distinctive styles. This website is a forum for people with curious minds who are actively seeking something fresh and different. Most of us applaud limited releases and midnight shows, so that we can experience what "Ma & Pa Kettle" and the rest of your clan don't care about. You clicked this subject to read this review, Grunter, so you knew exactly what you were getting into. If you're not interested in adding to the discussion then don't use talkback.
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Jun 18, 1999 9:21:38 AM CDT
DWD: Unless, of course, Disney balks at the violence in an anima
by dwdunphy
Stranger things have happened, people. And if that happened, we'd finally know what Disney's true agenda was all about.
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I saw this film a year and a half ago (Miyazaki sat 2 seats in front of me), and while I do LOVE most of his films, this one is a self indulgent mess. Beautiful as it may be, it's NO "Totoro" or "Valley of the Wind." I struggled to figure out what it was trying to mean. I wanted to see it again--I mean, I thought the film was taking for granted that American audiences would understand the Japanese legends as well as the Japanese. Unfortunately--many of my Japanese friends never HEARD of these legends--and were every bit as confused and bored as I was. I'm crossing my fingers that Japanese animation gets a wider audience in the US--BUT THIS FILM AIN'T IT.
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...aren't the ones who will make this movie succcessful any more than they were responsible for the box office success of the Phantom Menace, Austin Powers or the Matrix. If properly marketed, this film has a chance of finding an audience. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the company with the "mouse ears," IS distributing this film in the U.S., which would pretty much answer the marketing question.
You probably don't even realize this, but your attitude towards animation says more about yourself than it does us. Only in the U.S. does this superficial, elitist "if its animated, it's for kids" attitude exist. No wonder we're looked upon as close-minded cultural neanderthals by most other industrialized countries. In other parts of the world, animation is considered a legitimate story-telling tool. Believe it or not, some movie makers can't afford to spend $100-plus million to make a film. Does this mean a good story should go untold? In many cases, animation provides the most cost-effective and dramatic means of telling a epic-scale story. If you can't appreciate it, that's your loss and you have our pitty.
Based on your description of anime, I take it you haven't seen Mononoke Hime yet, which is understandable considering your obvious bias. In terms of execution, this film is as close to perfect as any "traditionally" animated film I've ever seen. I'm actually in agreement with some of the other posters here that a subtitled version would be the superior way to see it. The Dolby Digital soundtrack on my Japanese laserdisc of Mononoke Hime is one of the most outstanding mixes I've heard recently, making maximum use of the 5.1 channels. It would be a shame if they screwed it up for the U.S. release.
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I would like to cast my vote for more Anime news here on AICN. I have read this page for a very long time and love it with all my heart, yet there has always been a hole here and that is the lack of Anime news. Anime is a great and wonderful world of movie making and most worthy of coverage. I am sure there has not been any negative thing at all associated with this lack only something which has really not been tapped yet. Thanks for the great news on MONONOKE HIME!
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i think Castle of Cagliostro is one of the only few animated films that can match the sheer brilliance of Mononoke Hime, and thats not saying a lot because it also comes from Hayao "japanese Walt Disney" Miyazaki himself. Castle of Cagliostro was hard as hell to find, so if you see a copy, steal it, plain and simple. what do you guys think is the better film? Castle of Cagliostro, or Mononoke? and yes, i've seen Nausicca and KiKi, those aren't quite as good as these 2..
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Which is better?
An Action-Adv. and a Coming of Age film? Idon't know they are both very different. My favorite is Laputa (Castle of the Sky) I saw a english dub on the big screen when I was 13. It is my favorite piece of animation ever. What has happened to the Disney release? I aw a trailer for it before KiKi's and haven't heard anything since. Come on Harry!! Keep us informed! I want to add that I'm Happy to see something about Princess Mononokime and talk backs that mention Kawajiri (ninja scroll and VHD). This is my first post -peace -
I saw this movie a few months back... my friend snagged a copy back at college. The animation was beautiful... well drawn, crisp and clean, and the backgrounds were gorgeous. The story is truly something to think about... though I'd have to say that honestly, it left me flat. Especially the ending, which seems a little quick, and is very surreal. The one thing I loved however was the action... yes, it is gory at times, but very well done and not gratuitous. It's an okay movie... but many will be disappointed. It's probably a matter of taste.
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Wow, you guys are defensive. The fact that Grunter doesn't believe this movie will do well in the U.S. does not mean he is an 'ethnocentric bastard.' History pretty much bears him out on this one, in fact, because no anime has really EVER done very well in the states. He expresses an opinion, backs it up with a reason, and you guys jump all over him. I think you're taking it much too personally. Despite what someone up there said, this is not a forum for lauding anime, this is a Talk Back page, which is here for everyone to express their opinions. My opinion is that it's pathetic how quickly many of you seem to puff up your chests and adopt a 'more worldly-than-thou' attitude whenever someone tells you they don't like anime. Not everyone has to think the exact same way you do.
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All the characters are drawn looking the same. Why pay money to see movies like this? Go rent "Star Blazers". It's all the same shit.
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I guess it's not my "cup of tea" per se. I just don't understand the appeal. It seems that it's geared more for kids than adults, so why are adults so into it? Somebody explain.
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.. is one thing, but even you have to admit that anyone who starts a post with a subject line like "Who the Fuck Cares?" is asking for an equally strong response. If you whack a hornet's nest with a stick and you get stung, is it the hornet's fault?
As far as anime not doing well in the U.S. theatrically, you're right. But then again, I can't really remember anyone giving a Japanese animated feature film a shot at wide distribution, can you? Again this goes back to preconceptions by film exhibitors in the U.S. that animation is strictly for kids, and since lots of anime is not really appropriate for children, there's no sense bringing it in. -
i saw mononoke in straight japanese at college a little bit ago. sorta knew what was going on. anyway, wasn't this supposed to be released on july 9 or something like that? i heard that piece of news a month or so ago and now its delayed til october? i remember reading news about it being released like a year ago. but then people said that disney didn't want it competeing with mulan. well, i dont have exact dates but hasnt disney/miramax delayed this film for almost 2 years now? i have doubts that it will even be released by 2000.
i can just imagine disney exectutives, so much like garth algar, murmuring to themselves: "...we fear change..."
(right before they smash their mechanical arm with a mallet)
well, good or bad, i want to see mononoke released and see what people think. movieline said it was one of their top movies to see this summer. well, looks like they will have to wait with the rest of us. -
For one, Mononoke gets better every time you watch it. The first time I saw it, it left me flat. But, being a rabid Miyazaki fan and unwilling to admit that, I watched it again. And again. I then proceeded to analyze every line closely in order to prepare a subtitling script. Now, I _love_ it. (I don't like to give out that script, but Harry, if you want it, ask.) Miyazaki has crafted every scene perfectly, and put in so many tiny details. I've watched the film 15 times, and I still see something new every time.
Grunter: I doubt you've actually seen MH, so don't criticize it for the failings of whatever (probably bad) anime you've seen. Yes, if you ask me, most of what's on video shelves here in America is shit, especially with companies like AD Vision buying up everything they can get without any attention to quality. And why are Americans so obsessed with lip synch, anyway? Do you know how much synching up lips in animation costs? I watch stuff on Saturday mornings, and the animation looks like it was done by four-year-olds, but the lips are all perfectly synched up. Why?
Zeylan: Anime is an industry, not a genre. It's as broad, with as much variety, and as many cliches and conventions, as Hollywood. So just about anyone can find some anime they like. It eventually comes down to which set of cliches you prefer; anime's or Hollywood's. For me, it's anime, but I don't pretend that everyone, or even a majority, will feel that way.
Miyazaki actually doesn't like having his work referred to as "anime," by the way. And you'll hear many Japanese people say "I don't like anime, but I like Miyazaki movies."
Also, you have to remember that Mononoke was done for less money than the Rugrats movie. Compare the quality of those two and _then_ say Miyazaki's not a genius. ^_^ -
OK, here's what I know: Disney bought the rights, then gave the film to Miramax to release. The movie was originally supposed to see US release in March '98. That obviously didn't happen. It was pushed back a few times as Miramax gradually realized that it took more than a week to dub a feature-length film well, and it wound up on July 9. But it seems Miramax wanted to take some extra time to do a really good job on the dub (cost so far of dubbing alone: $3 million) (or perhaps they wanted to avoid competing with Tarzan) and they moved it back to October 29. This date is looking good, as Dimension (Miramax's genre arm) has bumped the next Crow movie from that date into spring 2000. Information sent to movie theaters has it being a limited release (300-500 screens) while Japanese newspapers are reporting "1000 screens in 100 markets."
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One last thing: Miramax cannot make ANY changes to the movie without Miyazaki's personal approval. This was explicitly stated in the contract.
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The fansub I saw of Mononoke Hime was very impressive. (If it was that good from VHS, the effect of a theatrical presentation may leave many viewers speechless and ready to beam up to the mothership.) The story seemed straightforward and consistent to me, but I was raised on science-fiction, fantasy, comparative religions, and metaphysical studies.
Nevertheless, the Studio Ghibli film that comes closest to my ideal of storytelling is "Whisper of the Heart". Kondo directed, Miyazaki wrote the script. Whisper is gentler, and optimistic in its theme, but still is passionate and involving in its own quiet way. It is also joyous, which Mononoke pretty thoroughly isn't.
Sadly, Whisper may the Ghibli film that Disney will have the most trouble bringing to the American public. It is a quiet and thoughtful film. It would appeal to the (disappointingly few) viewers who went to see "October Sky".
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Could someone give me a pronounciation of the director and the title of this? I have a tough time with accents and syllables in Japanese. Thanks!
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Hey, friends. This will be as short as i can possibly make it. My insight into Japanese animation comes from my very limited knowledge of their art and theater. I
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I've seen the Japanese version of "Mononoke Hime" 4 times (I speak Japanese) plus every one of Miyazaki's work at least 5 times, and I can say that he is a true genius, you some time forget that their animated, very opposite from these stupid unintelligent, unemotional hollywood movies that are being made now days (Scream, I Know What You Did...) just so that Idiots like my friend Grunter can sit in a movie theater, kill some brain cells and maybe even talk during a movie! Tarzan = Cartoon Mononoke Hime = Work of Art
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Hey everybody! I read through every talkback and I'm extactic to hear so many people excited about this project. (yeash, I'm the one who wrote this review).
It's funny, I sent the same review to Harry a few weeks ago and he overlooked it. So this time I added my few words at the beginning and three images. Also since he just reviewed "Tarzan" and "Iron Giant," I think he felt it was time. Bravo Harry!, I'm glad you posted this. Take a look at the happy faces through practically 95% of the posts.
Many people asked a lot of questions, and I think most of them were answered though.
Some people commented on "Grave of the Fireflies" which is not a Miyazaki film, but it was made in Studio Ghibli. I'll tell you, that film is one of the best films I've ever seen. And I'm not just talking about animation here. For those of you who haven't seen this, find it through EBAY or try www.nausicaa.net.
I'd also like to say that "Lupin: Castle of Cagliostro" was fantastic. What a delightfully energetic film! And it was released in 1979.
I'm glad to see so many anime fans b/c I'm sort of the new guy on the anime front. In a few months span I watched "Mononoke Hime" 5 times, "Grave of the Fireflies," "Lupin: Castle of Cagliostro," "Laputa: Castle in the Sky," "Kiki's Delivery Service," "My Neighbor Totoro," "Akira," "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind," and, yeah, that's all of them. Now I have to watch "Porco Rosso," "Whisper of the Heart," "Wings of Honeimaisey," and "Ghost in the Shell."
Now I have to get myself a plush Jiji, Yakkul, and Totoro!!
Take care everyone!
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Grunter, were you the one who loved Phantom Menace so much that any other movie coming out this summer was a piece of dogshit to you? I guess anime is nothing compared to the "lifelike" and "realistic" animation that brought the wonderful Jar Jar Binks and Boss Nass to life. Your problem is that no matter how bad you know Phantom Menace is, you still love it.. and any other movie that threatens to take attention away from their marketing campaign is the work of Satan. Guess what? Austin Powers was a better movie, Matrix was a better movie, and Princess Mononoke will probably be a better movie.
And Jambalaya, thanks for keeping it short. -
Send this guy Pi and a couple of David Lynch flicks to fiddle with his mind...we don't see enough spontaneous cereberal combustion enough in this day and age.
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dreadpiratebob,
Say the following English words in succession and you'll get a general idea of the vowel pronunciation for Mononoke Hime: "No, No, Okay, He, May" Miyazaki is a little more complicated. The closest I can come up with is: "Me, Ma (as in mother), Sock, Key." One cool thing about the Japanese language is that there are only five vowel sounds which rhyme with "ma, me, you, hay, go." Unlike English, there really aren't any variations. So as a rule, whenever you see Japanese words spelled in English remember the following: a=ma, i=me, u=you, e=hay, o=go. I hope this helps. -
I didn't see that anyone mentioned
that Neil Gaiman is doing the translation. For those that don't read comics, Neil is one of the better writers out there. I believe he's re-writing the literal translation to have the most dramatic impact. Translation for Grunter, so it doesn't sound like a Godzilla dub. Who is this Grunter? You're a fuckin moron! -
I'd like to thank Jambalaya for writing that really insightful piece on Japanese culture and animation styles. It's not every day that I actually learn something on this website, and I'm looking forward to watching some of my favorite anime with this new knowledge. Brother Gumbo writes like a follow pilgram of the old English department. Which brings me to Grunter and his brethren stooges that suck up precious oxygen and take up too much space on this site each day. My blood boils each time I have to read something as thoughtless as his "commentary."
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As I remember, Grunter originally
asked for a recommendation of a movie to see, BESIDES Akira, to get an idea of what all the fuss is about. My recommendation is "The Wings of Honneamise - Royal Space Force". An extra special film to me. I remember when it was originally released, Bandai/Gainax had it dubbed into English, and premiered it at Mann's (Graumann's) Chinese Theater in Hollywood. It is not flashing strobe lights, but a thoughtful look at how a different culture might have had their first space flight. I remember early on that someone described it as a Polynesian "The Right Stuff". I have actually impressed more people with Wings than with Akira. And that was with a subtitled copy, too. So, to someone who wants to see another good example of storytelling with well drawn characters, please check out The Wings of Honneamise. -
I have seen all of Miyazaki's films except Mononoke Hime. The characters of Totoro, Nausica
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Sorry to insist on this, but I've just found some evidence here in www.nausicaa.net, even though it's not about Miyazaki, but Ozamu Tezuka. This comes from an article by Andrew Pollack in The New York Times (9/17/1995): "More than 40 Japanese cartoonists signed a letter of protest to Disney last year complaining that "The Lion King" seemed to borrow from Tezuka's "Jungle Emperor," which was shown on American television in 1966 as "Kimba, the White Lion." In both stories the father lion is killed and the son is sent into exile and later returns to recapture the throne. In both stories the lion prince is aided by a wise baboon and a talkative bird while the evil lion has hyenas as henchmen. But Disney
defended its work as original." -
OK, this might take a bit. I have the good fortune to be (this next semester) the president of my college's anime club, so i kinda know what I'm talking about. Of course, with the way rumors run rampant in the anime community, maybe I don't ^_^ but this is what I've heard:
1. Disney bought the rights to (AFAIK) all of Miyazaki's works, under the following agreements:
A. Disney would fund ALL production costs for Mononoke Hime, which ran aout twice what was expected.
B. Disney agreed not to cut ANYTHING from the works it had acquired.
Now, obviously Disney couldn't release a picture like Mononoke Hime under it's own name (gasp!), I mean, who wants to make the Southern Baptist convention any more mad? (sorry, i'm agnostic) so it sub-licensed it to Miramax, which I believe will release it under the Dimension Films name. That's right, the same people who brought you The Faculty. Now for some not-so-apparent reasons the movie has been pushed back, but i can't say I'm sorry because I'd rather have a GOOD job done on it, and this way it will be in the theatre when school is in ssession so me and my club can go watch it.
Now, as for the Lion King/Kimba the White Lion controversy, this is how I heard it:
1. It is undeniable that Disney ripped it off.
2. Disney still denies it.
3. Many Japanese artists are mad at Disney.
4. Many Otaku (means Fanatic, used in English to refer to Anime fanatics) are mad at Disney.
However,
5. Tezuka (he did Kimba) doesn't mind, he admires Disney and is flattered that they stole his story. Go figure.
Pronunciation: Mow-no No-kay He-may, the capped syllable getting the stress. Me-ah Zah-key. and there ya go.
And for those of you who are jsut getting into this Anime thing, check out the Anime Web Turnpike (www.anipike.com) for the net's most comprehensive list of anime links.
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... is also an excellent example of modern Anime. Its characters ae drawn very differently from the stereotypical "Anime" look. This is also one of the few examples where I found the dubbed version to be almost the equal of the Japanese/subtitled version. It still bugs me though that Polygram's DVD didn't have the Japanese version in 5.1 since it was released in Dolby Digital theatrically in Japan.
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For those who wish to see really good Anime as an introduction (Akira is pretty hard-core if you're unfamiliar with the Japanese style), here are some other options which I would highly recommend. As mentioned before, Grave of the Fireflies (also studio Ghibli) is an excellent film, though I would recommend a family-size box of Kleenex if you're not a Vulcan. On the lighter side, but still excellent and very engaging, I highly recommend Tenchi Universe (a TV series available on tape). Don't confuse this with Tenchi Muyo! the OVA's or Tenchi in Tokyo (that's a discussion for another place and another time).
I am greatly looking forward to Mononoke finally showing the US what animation is about (even if they don't listen). I am enamored with Japan's use of animation as an art form in the same sense that we use live action, and I think it's terrible that only the so-called "freaks" are familiar with the richness of viewing material that Japan puts out; the best everyone else around here ends up being exposed to is Sailor Suck and Pokecrap. Not trying to offend those who for some reason like them, just irritated that they should represent what people think of the animation industry of Japan--it's like Hollywood being represented by Howard the Duck, rather than The Princess Bride or Schindler's List. Now people will at least get the chance to be exposed to what it's all about.
Now, about Grunter and his henchdorks, here's a good saying for you to take with you: "It is better to keep quiet and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." Now try keeping an open mind and a closed mouth rather than the other way around, caveboy. Here's a bone--see if you can find a black oblong to go beat it against. -
Regarding "The Castle in the Sky" release... It was originally slated for direct to video release. That plan has ben alter to have a limited theatrical release follow by a video release.
A new score has been comissioned with the original composer Joe Hisaishi. The new score will be a full orchestrial as opposed to the partially electronic music of the original soundtrack.
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Having seen it twice i can only wonder why this film has to be dubbed into english, The japanese dialogues only add to the atmosphere of this beauty.
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Jul 28, 1999 1:37:50 PM CDT
I hope mononoke will finally wake america to anime so we can fin
by fan boy
I saw a bootleg copy of princess monoke hime about a year and a half ago at an animefest hosted by my local comic shop, and i must say it is the best anime i have seen to date. it has stunning animation, a very creative story line, intresting characters, and a great sound track. it is a must see for any anime fan or anybody who enjoys animation in general. and for all of those fucks who say no big deal its just a feature motion picture length super freinds, you don't know how fucking wrong you are. japanese animation is fastpaced, has complex story lines, and deals with very mature situations. in japan the majority of movies is anime, for god sakes you can see bussiness men reading manga(japanese comics) on the subway. so for all of you people who think animes just japanese cartoons, you don't know what your missing.
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