An allegorical tale on man and his desire. Having such dark and deep themes, Princess Mononoke is unlike most Ghibli films. The title is very misleading but the film magages to set up it's serious tone right from the very beginning informing viewers what kind of world they're getting into. Taking the fantasy approach, the film brilliantly puts up a divine perspective on nature and animal life questioning humanity's desire to conquer everything in order to preserve one's existence above all else. But it can't be boiled down to just that as it develops and presents multiple perspectives on both sides in an eye opening way. And having such a serious political setup it does feel grounded and whenever fantasy unveils, it hits hard and feels very real.

<b>Director Series</b> <i>Day 12: Hayao Miyazaki (3/3)</i> Internet furries have ruined me with the cringe I imagined when San said she was a wolf and not a human.

film terrified me as a child , still kinda does?? purrr

<i>"Urgh I smell like a human."</i> Fuck human beings, we deserve to be extinct actually

What an epic film. Also what a bloody film? I wasn't expecting so many severed limbs and heads flying off but I'm here for it. Did Ashitaka just become my favorite Ghibli character? Yes. I also adored Yakul and San's wolf brothers - I'm a real sucker for animal companions. I really love a complex antagonist. I found Lady Eboshi fascinating. I really love when no one side is purely evil. The social commentary is really well done here. I feel like this is everything Miyazaki wanted to achieve with Nausicaa but better realized. The lore and worldbuilding are so rich, I'm left wanting more from this world and these characters. Now for my main criticism - for a movie titled "Princess Mononoke," she's actually rather under utilized.