In 1997, the initial marketing surrounding the release of Hayao Miyazaki‘s Princess Mononoke saw it promoted as either an anime or an arthouse film. This vague labelling seemingly pushed it out of the money-making mainstream avenue, but this did not deter audiences, who – thanks to word-of-mouth and a then-unprecedented international release through a partnership with Walt Disney Studios – ultimately saw the film in their droves. As of 2025, 28 years since its cinematic release, it is still one of the highest-grossing films in Japan, with a 4K IMAX version being released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its acclaimed animation studio, Studio Ghibli.
In Muromachi-era Japan, Prince Ashitaka is exiled from his village to find a cure for a curse inflicted on him by a demon. As he ventures west, he soon becomes embroiled in a chaotic feud between an industrial community led by the ruthless Lady Eboshi and a pack of wolves and wolf-girl San, an abandoned human who was adopted as a baby by wolf goddess Moro.
At the heart of Princess Mononoke is a contentious battle between man and nature. The enmity among the characters, whether they are human or animal, emanates from the tense and fractious dialogue that fuels the deep-seated hatred of each ‘side’. Lady Eboshi’s secluded community is about securing a future by both forging iron and arming themselves against other parties. But her ambitions require the deforestation of the area that puts them in the firing line of the local wildlife, who want to destroy Irontown before the forest ceases to exist.
Miyazaki’s environmentalist tale of two sides fighting for a future may feel conventional, but he doesn’t paint one or the other as a clear villain. Instead, he allows the audience to feel empathy through their respective causes, but with both sides at each other’s throats, it paints a pessimistic picture of a world that might not exist without their co-existence. This is further emboldened by the final act that sees the stubborn characters (man or animal) face their darkest fears – such as San’s humanity and Eboshi’s mortality – as well as the consequences of their merciless actions.
It may sound black and white, yet Ashitaka, a prince accidentally cursed by a boar corrupted by Eboshi, is not blinded by hatred or pride. Instead, he is driven by survival. In a mission to keep his eyes ‘unclouded’ (a clue to finding a cure), his valiant attempts to create peace between man and nature shape him as one of, if not the most, noble characters in the film, as he refuses to choose sides. His ability to remain neutral brings a rare sense of compassion that brings a glimmer of hope that helps ground the fantasy film amid the hate.
Princess Mononoke‘s remastered 4K animation restores its intricately hand-drawn details in all their glory, ranging from the vibrant colours and the melee of creatures to fast-paced fights and chases that are as mesmerising as they are thrilling. With an overall budget of Y2.35 billion (nearly $16bn in 2025), Studio Ghibli pushed the boat out to accommodate modern concepts such as illustrated backgrounds, digital animation and 144,000 cels, of which an eye-watering 80,000 represented key animation frames. Combined with Joe Hisaishi’s stunning score, the result is 133 minutes of rich animation.
Nearly 30 years on, Princess Mononoke‘s strong characters, powerful screenplay and beautiful visuals are a testament to Miyazaki’s craft as both storyteller and animator, creating not only one of Studio Ghibli’s greatest works but one of the greatest animated films of all time.
PRINCESS MONONOKE will be specially re-released in 4K in UK and Irish IMAX cinemas from 15 August 2025.
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