Harri - Week 6

What are the underlying thematics of Princess Mononoke? How does it ‘defamiliarise’ its historical setting, according to Napier (2005)?

I would say there are many underlying thematics of Princess Mononoke, but as a viewer or audience we have different interpretations of what we believe to be the themes in this anime. This film has many female characters especially those women who are under the care of Lady Eboshi. We clearly see that the women who are always carrying riffles are in charge and most likely have the authority figure within relationship status. There is also the greed of materialism where the humans who want the power from the gods of nature almost end human race itself. 

Napier (2005), states ‘the film defamiliarises two important icons in the Japanese culture, the myth of the feminine as long-suffering and the supportive. The myth of the Japanese as living in harmony with nature, often expressed through a union of the feminine. This is seen through the major concept of the film where there is war against nature, led by Lady Eboshi. Her army of army of independent women depicts the idea of an un-natural’ army which is typically a male only crew. The historical setting is defamiliarised as her army operates with riffles, made by the lepers, whereas swords are more factual and authentic.

However seems that Lady Eboshi has a strong tendency of her women not becoming the stereotypical woman staying at home, doing housework and providing the main needs for the family. San who is adopted by the wolves and known among the spirit gods as ‘the wolf girl’ goes against her own human race to save the forest god. Although she doesn’t see herself as being human, she is aware of their deception and greed for power as it overcomes the realisation of destroying humanity. Her determination to protect to the forest has the underlying theme that she is also doing it for her people.

With reference to Cavallaro (2006), what distinguishes Mononoke technically as being – it is generally agreed – a great work of anime?

Cavallaro (2006), has conveyed the idea of ‘shojo’ being a subgenre of anime as it defines the film of Princess Mononoke. What makes this film popular or ‘a great work of anime’ is the passion and attraction of Japan’s myth, legends and folklore tales, as this is what Princess Mononke is based on.

I’d have to agree with Cavallaro, in the sense that Japanese culture is fully portrayed throughout the film. The characters clothing, the mystical characters used and the significance of the setting. Miyazaki’s characters certainly stood out for me, especially Lady Eboshi. Although she appears as an elegant sophisticated woman, her manners are totally different. She’s very persistent and stubborn, but she she makes an effort for her women (army) to feel safe and comfortable in their living. Even though her main agenda was to gain the power of the forest god, her persistency and stubbornness was never lashed out on the women and lepers of her camp, as she took them from brothels and whorehouse as they were all abandoned and rejected from society.