The Universal Appeal of Princess Mononoke

A tribute to my favorite film, and favorite filmmaker.
Follow me on Instagram: / sdeanhughes
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Music:
Joe Hisaishi
All footage courtesy of Disney, Studio Ghibli, etc. [This video fall under the Fair Use clause as it comments on the works in question.]

[@vigneshs9587]

Princess Mononoke is the kind of film you'll never forget. When you look back years after you watch it, you'll think, "wow, what a beautiful movie".

[@akuljamwal3085]

Because it's implication will stay relevant as long as humankind exists

[@ianalanneilgrant4626]

It's probably 12 years since I saw it. Can anybody tell me whether I am right that it is this film that has a scene in a huge cavern underground where the crystals in the cave walls all light up? I can't exactly remember why. I think it was something to do with an old man. He lived down there, or had worked underground most of his life. I recall he had a beautiful moustache! 😂♥️

[@vigneshs9587]

@@ianalanneilgrant4626 That film is called *_Castle in the sky_*

[@saferrr]

my dad did that and told me to watch it and when i have kids one day i will too because this is the best movie ever

[@CDHfilms]

My first thought after watching was, "What a gory movie. I'm surprised I didn't throw up once!"

[@salinaguzman7976]

The five people who thumbsed down have not seen with eyes unclouded by hate.

[@ferrarifan9406]

Hahahaha That explains it ;-)

[@denizofthebees6042]

曇りなき眼で見定め、決める！

[@marcushuff1092]

princess mononoke

[@salinaguzman7976]

@Sam Smith lol! So long as you corrected it 😂

[@mattway18]

16 now

[@antoniocarniero5138]

I never entirely understood people who hate this for being to preachy about the environment. It's main lesson isn't about saving the environment but rather about hatred for each other, the main villian is practically hate itself.

[@cheetoduster]

its better than avatar for sure but god i hate the english dub its hella cringe

[@adamjohnson2914]

@@cheetoduster it's so corny lol. aShiTaKa!!!!!!!

[@Der.Geschichtenerzahler]

@@cheetoduster I agree. Seeing San sounding like a Californian valley girl is too cringy for me. That's why I usually watch animes in Japanese.

[@miltontontonton]

My god. This was seriously one of the best video essays on youtube. I love this

[@katherinelambert4662]

Completely agree

[@58jn89]

You guy's think there will be another Princess Mononoke movie sequel? Because it was a greatest movie of all time. And plus do you guy's think that Princess Mononoke is a Disney princess? Because princess mononoke is a part of Disney even though she's ghibli. San is a princess like a Disney princess and San's princess dress will look similar to Pocahontas princess dress from Pocahontas 2. Do you guy's agree with that idea?

[@58jn89]

Are you guy's interesting to see a sequel of graves of the fireflies when Seita and Setsuko survive insteading of them dying and the new character will be joining with them and help them to survive name Yuki? The sequel of the movie will be call Light of the fireflies: Survival when Setsuko and Seita survive and the new character will be joining name Yuki so they can live happily ever after like a Disney princess ending Style. Would you guy's like to sign this petition as well chng.it/SLH2SFhS

[@matshepherd118]

Jaime Nieves Fuck no. Keep that garbage ass woke SJW evil company the fuck away from Studio Ghibli. One of the worst fucking idea I have ever heard.

[@58jn89]

@@matshepherd118 no it's not a bad idea. It's a great idea pal besides Disney should buy Studio Ghibli like it with Star Wars, Fox and Marvel. And all the female Ghibli characters will be Disney Princesses and they will dress up as princesses as well and they would love too.

[@tylermacdonald8924]

Princess Mononoke has a soundtrack that will bring me to tears almost everytime I listen to it.

[@samuelperezgarcia]

I think it's Joe Hisaishi's best.

[@ishmaelforester9825]

Eveything about this film gets better every time. I really liked this movie when I first saw it, now I love it. It's sublime.

[@ishmaelforester9825]

You know a transcendent work of art if it keeps getting better every time you look at it or think about it. this movie has that for me.

[@CDHfilms]

The music was the only thing I enjoyed about the movie.

[@gregwolf1]

the problem is, every time I click on a video essay about a ghibli film, I can't stop tearing up due to the nostalgia I feel.

[@cal5964]

GregWolf same buuuuut I don’t feel nostalgic because I’ve first watched all the Movies some days ago

[@gregwolf1]

@@cal5964 these movies are my childhood. especially castle in the sky, howl's moving castle, spirited away and totoro.

[@cal5964]

GregWolf you must have had a great childhood with all this wonderful movies :)

[@gregwolf1]

@@cal5964 This video sums up the essence of why ghibli is so special I think. Most ghibli movies give such a good sense of real-life problems and situations, how they are never black and white but shades of grey, I think it really changed how I looked at the world as I grew up. In a good way I think. I hope. It made me a much more understanding and compassionate person I feel like. If I ever have children I will show them many of these movies. Disney films as well ofc, but these can't be left out imo. They have the potential to be in your heart for a very long time, if not even for all of one's life. :)

[@cal5964]

GregWolf TRUE you speak to me from my soul with your comment their Movies are definitely staying forever in my heart and in everyone else’s hopefully too :) the only thing I regret is watching all the movies for the first time just few days ago I’m 20 and are watching them soooo late in my life :(

[@edwardmarakhov80]

just watched the movie, then watched a video complaining how the movie is preachy about how we need to save the environment, and now watched this beauty of a vid. Thanks so much

[@kaytlinjustis5643]

Where'd they get that crazy idea? A lot of Miyaozaki's films often have Conflict as a general antagonist where war prevails in many different worlds, until both sides see the cost of war is too great to continue, before making what will be a shaky peace. What I like best is the mix of behavioral realism along with the mix of child-like fantasy. You love the characters, because they reflect our own emotions, regardless of where they came from or what they are! Princess Mononoke was actually the first film of Miyaozaki's I've ever witnessed! I love wolves and nature in general, but I can empathize with both the Imishi people as well as the people of Iron Town; they are outcasts struggling to live in a dangerous world, while the film also shows the importance of protecting something as precious as Nature's Bounty for future generations to enjoy. Another constant shown in films is the fact of Change; nothing ever remains the same, but perhaps something new will be just as beautiful as before, as long as we 'see with eyes unclouded by hate.' I will always be grateful for this lesson, Hiyao Miyazaki! ^^

[@princessthyemis]

Yeah! I heard people say that this and nausicaa were the same movie made twice. But after recently watching nausicaa, I can see that they are totally different. Nausicaa was more about war. Well this one is too I guess but that film focus on a different aspect of it.

[@matshepherd118]

Although I do care greatly for the environment it usually does annoy me when movies try to push that agenda on me but I have never felt that way about this movie at all.

[@dhivaansalig6398]

@@matshepherd118 I'm writing a story about saving the environment, and I want to avoid making it come off as preachy as Princess Mononoke did. What I'm considering is my main protagonist. He is a morally good young man who's passionate for animals and nature like Steve Irwin and I want him to speak powerful words about saving nature, but I'm thinking to myself how can I avoid making him come off as preachy and shoving his agenda down people's throats and make him a protagonist who the audience can root for and his cause?

[@sethmyers174]

princessthyemis those people just look at movies and art on surface levels. They are completely different movies and have completely different tones

[@nathanielscreativecollecti6392]

Finally! Someone sees what this film is about beyond simple and drab environmentalism. Way to be. This is how I interpreted the film as well.

[@ShadowCatGambit]

Even just looking at the environmentalism, it still deserves praise. The message is made clear and not force fed.

[@Apelles42069]

Miyazaki's environmentalism is anything but drab. It's humanizing.

[@linkthepig4219]

It's not a cliche to have an environmental message bruh. It's more complex to show how hate is in everyone alongside a natural message, but it's not boring to say nature is better than humanity, because it's completely true. Also... nobody ever said this film was about only environmentalism, everyone I've seen review the film except one person has said it also dives into our own hatred. I personally think this film only has 1 big issue; and that's the way it pretends hatred is in the wildlife. It's not realistic that the wolves hate the apes, the boars loathe humans or that wolves and boars think each other are evil. This idea that hatred is in everyone, including wild animals, is where it's clear the deer, boars, wolves and apes are humanized too much.

[@gpgaming3155]

I was waiting for this aswell

[@123Mathzak]

@@linkthepig4219 I think everyone’s problem is they keep seeing humanity as bring fundamentally separate from nature, when in reality we’re two halves of a whole meant to operate in tandem, not in opposition.

[@hyperfluous4751]

Extremely good quality recap of the moral message of the movie, and then zooming out to how it applies to life in general. A++. Well done man, I wish more KZbin was this mature.

[@jhowardsupporter]

penis

[@gpgaming3155]

Finally I found a person that sees what princess mononoke really is Its my favorite film of all time. It truly is a 10/10 film

[@sethmadison6413]

Princess Mononoke is such a fantastic film. Honestly my favorite. When I look at pieces of entertainment, the characters are what I look at the most. Every character in Mononoke is a realistic and understandable person. The fact that each and every person is also flawed and shown to have love and hate for different things is such a good move.

[@jessshnarcky1089]

I always felt that Lady Eboshi and San would have been sisters in a different story.

[@meaniiiie]

Same flame

[@oliviamads]

It’s insane how such a beautiful review of a favorite from a favorite company has such few views. I hope more people notice this.

[@james-ce2lq]

I don't know if you realized but fire means good. lol

[@nocantry]

This movie is the pinnacle of animated storytelling. It will forever be a part of my heart as a beautiful life story with many life lessons.

[@_taimurahmad_6373]

“I have come from the west,to see with eyes unclouded by hate.” -Ashitaka,1760. Also.....THANKS FOR 10➕ likes!!

[@emanuelcazarez940]

I thought it took place on the 14th century?

[@Alesayr]

@@emanuelcazarez940 No guns anything like the ones shown in the 1300s.

[@pedrogheventer2566]

​@@Alesayr the chinese fire lance that is in the movie first appeared in the 10-12th century

[@konradskilainen]

I honestly feel like Princess Mononoke is the most important film of all time.

[@Aethersan0]

This film is such a beautiful masterpiece, as are the rest of Studio Ghibli's projects. But this one in particular will forever hold a place in my heart. Thank you for this video. 🌿💕

[@cal5964]

Same it’s my favorite Movie of all time 💚

[@Ben-kd7ug]

They better not make a live action or cgi remake of this movie(one of my favorite ghibli film and yours)

[@princessthyemis]

GOOD LORD NO

[@Ashitaka421]

Jesus christ no

[@nicklloyd3090]

wont happen as long as miyazaki's around

[@digitaltoaster4956]

Somethings are best left untouched

[@captainclaw-i5k]

No never....Ghibli should not degrade themselves to as low as Disney or Pixar.

[@Jujuoak]

I first saw this film when I was 2 or 3 years old, I’ve since seen almost every single Miyazaki film, but Princess Mononoke will forever be my favorite one. I have such a deep love for nature and also a huge interest in the progression of technology and furthering humankind’s knowledge about everything, that I feel like this film is something I can feel for, for both sides of the stories within the movie. Every time I watch it it just further cements itself as my favorite animated film of all time.

[@raybellace6674]

You put this beautifully. I always loved the morally grey areas in this film, and always adored the fact that all the characters are well developed. Even if you agree with San more, Eboshi gives women a chance in society, she builds a town from almost nothing, she accomplishes much. If you side with Eboshi, you still realize what San wants and how she's also justified. I always loved San because she reminded me to keep fighting even when people disagreed with me or tried to stop me. She's the biggest protagonist I've idolized all my life, but not only did I love her message, I loved the messages she herself learned and how I learned from her mistakes. It's such a complex film that speaks truth while also remaining fantastical and whimsical. It's so beautiful, artistic, and poetic, and with all the hate and terrible things happening right now, a part of me wishes the whole world would just watch this.

[@bloodhat3097]

Guy comes, makes one great video, leaves

[@greenmareviews]

Bro made one masterpiece than dipped...tragic really.

[@cosmic2859]

I was gonna say, I went to his KZbin to be surprised by the fact that this was his only video And then I went to his profile to see how many views he had He only made this video from the looks of things, That’s so crazy

[@princessthyemis]

OH MY GOD THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! Such a well-written and consice statement! I LOVED your closing about being vigilant with love. I really appreciated your lack of long clips from the movie to show a point since that would have slowed down your own pacing. I'm totally showing this to my sister and my mom. This movie is truly LEGENDARY. Merely watching the animation on display here bowled me over with AWE. and your message only improved that! I love you for making this!! I GOTTA see this movie again!!!!! It makes me want to own it on blu-ray!!!

[@GyroZeppel]

One of my favorite films.

[@decimatorentertainmentstud8523]

No matter what age you watch it , ghibi movies age like wine

[@antoniocarniero5138]

This and Nausicaa of the valley of wind is perhaps one of my favorite films. This films was just such a classicly structured film and I love it so much Nausicaa is similar to this in message though.

[@axelpettersson1482]

Princes monoke best ghibli movie

[@julius6366]

Just watched this because it popped up on my recommended, and I can't stop thinking about your last sentence "To ward off the demon of hate that dwells within us all, we must be ever vigilant in the pursuit of love". That. Is. Beatiful. Thank you for this video essay

[@wyvern938]

Great points made in this video. Princess Mononoke is a captivating movie, and one of my favorite movies I've ever seen.

[@ianfink2751]

I hate it when people say this is a "furry film", it's not in the slightest! Sorry, I just had to vent 😞

[@DevilSoldier100]

This is absolutely incredible, I teared up dude. I have always, always loved this movie, this experience. I never could really explain to myself why, since I don't handle or understand my emotions well, but each word you've used hits home. You're awesome, I hope you make it in whatever you're trying to achievee

[@jacqjacq0]

This video is so well done and your description of the movie has never been spoken so eloquently. A timeless classic worldwide. Thank you

[@james-ce2lq]

I love Ghibli films and found this on my recommendation. I had tried to watch the film so many times but in the middle of this video, I found a pirated version and then came back to this video. This is now my favorite movie EVER. But now after watching it, everything feels so empty. I only get this feeling after watching something that I really love. It's a shame that Miasaki retired and would love more ghibli.

[@jeffrey4105]

So Princess Mononoke is a masterpiece. Got it.

[@95_nishanraisulkarim62]

Princess mononoke is my most favourite ghibli film of all time

[@ww_artemis]

Your video literally says exactly what I think about the message of this movie. It is obvious to see the ecologist message of the film but I was certain that deep down there was this hidden message about love, hate and acceptation. It is all summed up by.. "To see the world with eyes unclouded by hate". Princess Mononoke is my all times favorite movie ^^

[@BruhMoment-si9wm]

I really want to see a sequel , do you think we’ll ever get one ?

[@ww_artemis]

@@BruhMoment-si9wm no

[@BruhMoment-si9wm]

Artemis that’s sad , I wanted to see them expand on san and ashitakas relation ship I think it’s 50/50

[@BruhMoment-si9wm]

and would you want there to be

[@MissMisnomer_]

What a legend. Dropped one beautifully poignant analysis of a beloved film that was meticulously edited with so much obvious care and attention, and then peaced out entirely. No other videos on his channel. Iconic.

[@robertwhittick6427]

This film is a complete and utter masterpiece

[@We3dCraftLP]

Since i have watched it 2013 for the first time, it has stayed at the number 1 place of my fav movies list

[@zacknoneofyourbees6470]

This is why I show kids forign animation films like this and not crap Disney films.

[@randyquaid3381]

This movie is 100% the best animated movie I've ever watched and quite possibly the best movie period. I absolutely adore this film and it stirs up so much emotion every time I watch it

[@ghiblikami5329]

Princess Mononoke is my most favorite Ghibli movie ever. I just love everything about this movie.

[@50CAO]

this was deep bro, i fucks w it.

[@jacobmcdonald8911]

Very good ending line. "... we must be ever vigilant in the pursuit of love."

[@druidl]

I come back and watch this often. Incredibly professional in all ways, thank you

[@uzah88]

Just watched this and then found your video. It was a great tribute.

[@athrunmania]

I just watched this movie for the first time last night. It captures so many themes and lessons, I'm so glad you put out this video as it so beautifully summarized the learnings. You've helped me get a deeper appreciation for this movie.

[@pedro_a_martins]

Fantastic video! One of my favourite films. And the way you concluded it was perfect!

[@heavytenrook]

Excellent video, and excellent usage of the movie's OST. This movie and it's soundtrack are also my favorites.

[@DK2ez]

You encapsulated everything I loved about this movie in such a beautiful and concise way. Incredible video.

[@KillroyX99]

After taking the lessons learned for Princess Mononoke, Its interesting to reflect that so many leaders rally people by hate and not love. Hate seems to be the easy way.

[@cocasurfboards]

One of the best videos on KZbin.

[@agogogoogdesart4797]

This will forever have an effect on my life thank you

[@chaeyoungvideos5742]

This is the best analysis of princess mononoke on youtube!

[@hungeryllama8456]

This video comes up in my recommended just about once a month and I have to watch it every time, because it’s just so damn good. I love your videos so much please make more!!

[@cabrondemente1]

I stumbled upon this film as a young and naive twelve year old boy in a Blockbuster. I saw the film at least 4 times during that weekend before returning it. It truly affected who I am as a person today.

[@mrfoxx9121]

I think this film is more than just a love moral. It teaches us something about ecology: each party has its own interests, and each party defends them. No one can win apart from the conflict itself, and the only person who opposes it is not even human. Ashitaka is just a wandering being, from the moment he cuts his hair he is no longer a human being. Just as nago fled to the east to find death by finding hatred, ashitake fled to the west to find life by looking at the world without hatred. But it also teaches us that we must persevere, for even in the most total destruction, ashitaka saves people from the forges. It also teaches us that one cannot win a conflict without destroying both sides. Which makes this film a less optimistic fable than it seems.

[@ishmaelforester9825]

It's a basically tragic vision. More true than optimistic or pessimistic per se.

[@sam_8290]

Princess Mononoke ♥️♥️ My favourite Studio Ghibli movie ever ♥️♥️ Studio Ghibli you are immortal ♥️♥️

[@lexiwhite8796]

This will forever be one of my favorite movies. It’s very underrated.

[@oukifou69]

0:15 Wait a minute, WAIDDA MINUTE!! Don't put The Iron Giant in the ''as two dimensional as the animation cells they were drawn on'' bag, please. Great essay, though... I'm subscribing :3

[@adrianfernandez2010]

He mentions “some are” two dimensional, he was just using the Iron Giant as an example of animated films produced in America.

[@lolwhatidk]

it kind of is though. the "evil" side of the giant is purely one dimensional.

[@adrianfernandez2010]

@@lolwhatidk That is true.

[@635abhishek6]

my favorite film also...

[@tophue7051]

This was the video I was looking for. Beautifully said. Thank you!

[@KaneSoulbreaker]

1:32 that was so smooth

[@moonhawk81]

Gorgeously succinct. Well done!

[@dlrsnate5100]

Aye, how’d you get me to cry in the last 20 seconds wtf

[@gpgaming3155]

Lmao

[@Indeeee]

One of the best. The music is absolute masterpiece.

[@tobiasmoser7079]

beautifully done and elegantly written! Princess Mononoke is also my favorite Ghibli film :)

[@miameowmeow123]

Princess mononoke feels intimate, I always get surprised when other people watch it even though it’s so famous 😅

[@jscott4reel]

Just stumbled across this video and was very pleasantly surprised to discover it was Dean from Corridor Digital/Crew!

[@cosmic2859]

WAIT, Do you know what this guy is up to nowadays? All the comments are talking about how unfortunate it is that he hasn’t made more videos

[@jscott4reel]

@@cosmic2859 Yeah! He works for Corridor Digital - usually showing up in their Corridor Crew videos, which I highly recommend. More recently he’s been doing the voice and motion performance for their Anime Rock, Paper, Scissors series which has been making waves for its implementation of AI generated art.

[@justalittleguy733]

bro idk but i watched this video and i teared up?? like i actually started crying hghshsh and it's not even sad i just?? i just love princess mononoke so much ;-; and this was a beautiful video encapsulating everything i love about this film. thank you so, so much for sharing this. all the best!

[@brendenjohnston7946]

It is not the kind of person you already are, it’s the personality and path you choose to take upon yourself. Some choose to be greedy and filled with hate while others choose to fix problems and be truly strong.

[@nholmes86]

I saw this movie back in 2001..it just blow me away

[@rathalomaniac6212]

You, sir, just earned yourself a subscriber.

[@nathanielrodriguez8406]

Also my favorite movie, I grew up with it on cassette tape.I think it www the best movie to grow up on

[@bhanuuuuuu]

Thanks. For making me understands Princess Mononoke much more than I ever could by watching it repeated times.

[@ikialyfe2646]

So deeply relevant for our times...

[@GuillaumeTANNEUX]

You explained the masterpiece exactly right. Thank you.

[@Jujuoak]

Words just can’t describe the love I have for these films

[@trentbuskirk4990]

miyazaki is a god at putting messages and themes in his films

[@guiotair]

Wish you had more videos like this, it is GREAT. Princess Mononoke is also my favorite animated movie for the reasons you talked in the video and the amazing soundtrack.

[@thatverseguy]

This is the only video this channel has? Wow. I really liked this a lot. Would love to see more.

[@william32811]

man what a beautiful video. truly touched me

[@ferrarifan9406]

My Favourite movie of all time. Great video man

[@swmaron7116]

Same here man

[@noname-dk7ri]

castle in the sky, nausicaa, mononoke. these my fvorites.

[@dongholiothesecond3324]

I honestly think princess mononoke is the most appealing movie by studio ghibli unlike some of the others which are bit depressing or it lacks much action.

[@plamenenew]

What a beautiful essay! The lesson is apparent to me now, to strive for Love and let go of hate!

[@MrOskarthebest]

What a terrific analysis!!! Thank you so much for it! It is my alltime favorite movie and I watched it every year for the last 20 years and just now I understood why, thanks to you.

[@XSV2]

Absolute legend. Dude posted only one video on youtube and it's a classic. Great video for a great film!

[@mihagolod2393]

I only have watched 2 minutes and this is on point. Until now such well put words and well edited video. A truly deep and understanding interpretation of Miyazaki’s work. You can see that you really tried and did understand this movie on a deep and core level which Miyazaki implemented into the movie.

[@Ledonail]

I think i've seen this video when it came out, and after spending a solid 30 minutes I found it again today. I was quite shocked that it only lasted for 5 minutes, but everything that was in it stayed with me, somewhere in my head, and it helped me well to explain why this movie is appelling by it's complexity during one of my oral prensentation for my cinema class. Thank you again for this excellent video.

[@toeshie100]

Hayao Miyazaki had children in his mind when he made Mononoke, not for the broader audience. According to an interview when he made this film, he said he made it for children.He made films for children always except for one film, Kurenai no Buta. According to the producer Suzuki, Suzuki told Hayao Miyazaki to make a film he actually wanted to make, not thinking about how the audience would look at it. Then MIyazaki made "Kurenai no Buta". That's why "Kurenai no Buta" has a totally different taste and clearly its theme is not for children.

[@kalebphillips9281]

This was my first Miyazaki film, and it will forever be my favorite.

[@tanjianyang8915]

Its like jungle book movie but better. Even the animation and story line was better than some of the modern anime. What a masterpiece

[@RidentGaming]

just wanna say this video was really well written. maybe I'm biased because this is my favorite movie as well.

[@unsubme2157]

Funny thing is, my mom used to manage at a vhs rental store and i would always come to work with her to pick out stuff to rent. Every week i would get this movie and she was totally fine with it thinking it was just a kids show

[@nitysjournal]

I was looking to understand the story and you just took me without any hindrance and you are a story teller mate.

[@nilpybilpy4346]

Amazingly done. I only watched Princess Mononoke last week, but it's time to watch it again. Yus.

[@Ghosteo]

How do you only have 1.48K subs, you deserve 100x that! Best video essay on Mononoke I ever saw; you truly delved deep into the movie and extracted the most important parts of it it. Bravo.

[@Flare_jobless]

Dropped an absolute banger of a video essay and dipped

[@laneyj]

This was awesome. Thank you!

[@sherwintavarez8539]

All You Need Is Love - John Lennon That's really the most important thing in the world