Comment

Dec 06, 2015Love_Legolas_111 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Where do I begin with this movie? I've put off watching it for so long but now that I've seen it, I can clearly see why lots of people I talk to who love Studio Ghibli tell me that it is Miyazaki's best film. The story-telling was gorgeous. The art, as always, captured the true essence of the genre and the plot, and the way all the subplots and inner conflict wove together to create this complex story was very interesting. The characters were varied and different. Interestingly enough, there really was no one antagonist who the "big baddie" of the story. There were semi-antagonists (Lady Eboshi is one good example, and even San herself, depending on whose perspective you're looking from) who have good qualities and good motives behind what they do, but are too caught up in what they want to see the big picture. Or, as the movie puts it in Ashitaka's own words, to "see without eyes full of hate". Ashitaka himself was moving, one of the most strong, noble, interesting male main characters I have ever seen in a Ghibli film. He is so calm and confident, skilled with a weapon, but also compassionate, good-hearted, and protective of all: humans, nature, and a certain princess in between. His peaceful outlook brings balance to the otherwise chaotic ongoing war betwixt the other main characters of the cast. The pace of the movie flowed relatively well. Things escalated generally in a climatic order, and there were some scenes/moments that make you wonder if your eyes are working right. I have only one complaint when it comes to the story: at the very end, when the major battles took place, it was a little hard to keep track of which sides people were on and who was fighting who. There seemed to be this third party (no spoilers) that showed up near the end that hadn't even made an appearence till then and just served as means to an end. I really don't know if I missed something or what, but it was just a little confusing. Otherwise though, the plot of the movie flowed decently. Granted, this movie is much heavier than Miyazaki's others, more violent (with fights scenes, blood, gore, gun wounds, stab wounds, explosions, etc.), more thematic, and containing more complex themes. Definitely something for older audiences, at least 14 or 15. But this movie is definitely worth a watch for anyone old enough. Please, give it a chance. You will not by any means regret it. I can say truly that it is one of the best Studio Ghibli films I have ever seen, right up there with Howl's Moving Castle, Castle in the Sky, and Spirited Away.