What kind of theme were present in the animation “Princess of Mononoke”
The movie “Princess
of Mononoke” is an animation both written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The
outline of the story are basically disasters that happens to Ashitaka (main character)
on the way to cure his cursed arm. He was cursed when he was killing a demon
boar which was set free and landed on his arm.
Firstly, I have identified symbolism in the “Princess of Mononoke.” The main symbolism in this movie was the demonic marks. It can be spotted on the boar and Ashitaka’s arm. These demonic features symbolizes hatred. At the very start of the movie, you can see that Ashitaka’s cursed mark is very small. However, it grows into a larger surface which covers his whole arm. The power of his arm grows stronger. This symbolizes greed. The demon curse gives stronger power which one day will overcome and control over him. You can also see that the boar is covered in demonic curse which made him lose his own mind. Okkoto, who was the god of the boars and also a leader. He turns into a demon. This symbolizes uncontrollable anger.
Throughout the movie, there are many fight scenes. The main battle was between the lady Eboshi and the beast of the forest. Lady Eboshi fights with hatred and greed. She wants to build bigger land for her and her people. On the other hand, princess of Mononoke fights to protect her land by trying to get rid lady Eboshi and her iron town. However, Ashitaka was always involved in the battles trying to stop the fights. He was trying to put stop to the war and make peace to both sides.
At the end of the movie, both side including lady Eboshi and princess of Mononoke make peace and co-operate to make a better future. They both realize how foolish they were Ashitaka’s was cured and was set free from the curse. The movie has a clear message by using symbolized theme (Hatred and greed). Director and also the writer, Hayao Miyazaki gives clear message to the young audience by letting them know hatred and greed is not the way to live in this society but to co-operate with others to make better future.
Firstly, I have identified symbolism in the “Princess of Mononoke.” The main symbolism in this movie was the demonic marks. It can be spotted on the boar and Ashitaka’s arm. These demonic features symbolizes hatred. At the very start of the movie, you can see that Ashitaka’s cursed mark is very small. However, it grows into a larger surface which covers his whole arm. The power of his arm grows stronger. This symbolizes greed. The demon curse gives stronger power which one day will overcome and control over him. You can also see that the boar is covered in demonic curse which made him lose his own mind. Okkoto, who was the god of the boars and also a leader. He turns into a demon. This symbolizes uncontrollable anger.
Throughout the movie, there are many fight scenes. The main battle was between the lady Eboshi and the beast of the forest. Lady Eboshi fights with hatred and greed. She wants to build bigger land for her and her people. On the other hand, princess of Mononoke fights to protect her land by trying to get rid lady Eboshi and her iron town. However, Ashitaka was always involved in the battles trying to stop the fights. He was trying to put stop to the war and make peace to both sides.
At the end of the movie, both side including lady Eboshi and princess of Mononoke make peace and co-operate to make a better future. They both realize how foolish they were Ashitaka’s was cured and was set free from the curse. The movie has a clear message by using symbolized theme (Hatred and greed). Director and also the writer, Hayao Miyazaki gives clear message to the young audience by letting them know hatred and greed is not the way to live in this society but to co-operate with others to make better future.
Hey Daehun,
ReplyDeleteI like your blog for ‘Princess Mononoke’ and I agree that the curse on Ashitaka’s arm symbolises greed and anger. I think that another theme would be the constant battle of greed and anger that human’s face within us as well. Ashitaka doesn’t want to get over taken by greed and anger because he doesn’t seem like he is that kind of person but because we are only human, we do have greed and anger within us. I agree that Lady Eboshi fights with anger and greed but do you think that lady Eboshi is still filled with anger and greed at the end of the film?
I wouldn’t really agree that Lady Eboshi and Mononoke made peace in the end because Ashitaka just convinces Mononoke not to kill lady Eboshi but to help him save the forest. Mononoke even says near the end ‘she can’t forgive the humans for what they’ve done.’
Thank you for the comment. Yes I agree that another theme would be greed and anger on human's face due to constant fights. I also agree and respect with your point about the relationship between Lady Eboshi and Mononoke. However, I personally believe that the main subtext or the hidden message in this film is about washing away the anger and greed. I personally think that Lady Eboshi and Mononoke both washed way their anger and greed to make better future for the next generation. Princess Mononoke may not forgive lady Eboshi for what she have done, but I believe that there will be no trouble between the two characters.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree that as long as Lady Eboshi doesn't attack the gods or destroy the forest like she did before then Princess Mononoke would be okay with that. I actually think that by the end of the movie Lady Eboshi and Princess Mononoke have changed into a better person. Lady Eboshi says she wants to rebuild iron town the right way and I noticed that her tone of voice from the beginning was quite angry, then at the end her tone was more soft. Same with Princess Mononoke she was so blinded by anger and revenge on Lady Eboshi, then at the end she seemed she was more at peace.
DeleteThank you for your reply Clarice. like you have commented, both of the characters voice tone changes from anger to soft. I also noticed that their facial expressions have changed as well, from anger to peace.
ReplyDelete