Princess Mononoke (1997)
Hayao Miyazaki's landmark animated epic pits humanity against nature in a breathtaking world of forest gods, iron, and moral complexity.
Princess Mononoke - Movie Information
- Original Title: もののけ姫
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 2h 14m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 12, 1997 (Japan - G), April 3, 2022 (United States - PG-13), November 26, 1999 (Canada - 14A), October 19, 2001 (United Kingdom - PG), July 25, 2000 (Germany - 12), January 12, 2000 (France - TP), January 10, 2001 (Australia - M), December 25, 1999 (Brazil - 14), May 19, 2000 (Italy), March 30, 2000 (Spain - 7), April 25, 2003 (South Korea - ALL), May 1, 2025 (China)
- Alternative Titles: Mononoke Hime (JP), Принцеса Мононоке (BG), 원령공주 (KR), Princeza Mononoke (RS), 魔法公主 (CN), Принцезата Мононоке (MK), شاهزاده مونونوکه (IR), Princesa Mononoke (BR)
- Production Companies: Studio Ghibli, dentsu, Tokuma Shoten, Nippon Television Network Corporation, Nibariki, TNDG
- Production Countries: Japan
Princess Mononoke - Plot
Ashitaka, a prince of the disappearing Emishi people, is cursed by a demonized boar god and must journey to the west to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters San, a young human woman fighting to protect the forest, and Lady Eboshi, who is trying to destroy it. Ashitaka must find a way to bring balance to this conflict.
Princess Mononoke - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Princess Mononoke come to life:
The fate of the world rests on the courage of one warrior.
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Princess Mononoke - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hayao Miyazaki
Main Cast
- Yoji Matsuda
- Yuriko Ishida
- Yuko Tanaka
- Kaoru Kobayashi
- Masahiko Nishimura
- Tsunehiko Kamijô
- Akihiro Miwa
- Mitsuko Mori
- Hisaya Morishige
- Sumi Shimamoto
Writers
- Hayao Miyazaki
Producers
- Toshio Suzuki
Princess Mononoke - FAQs
Where can you stream Princess Mononoke online?
Princess Mononoke is available to stream on Max (HBO Max). It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current options near you.
What is Princess Mononoke about?
Princess Mononoke follows Ashitaka, a young Emishi prince cursed by a demon boar, who travels west seeking a cure. He becomes entangled in a fierce conflict between San, a feral girl defending the forest gods, and Lady Eboshi, whose iron town threatens to consume the ancient woodland.
Is Princess Mononoke based on a true story?
Princess Mononoke is not based on a true story. Hayao Miyazaki created an original screenplay drawing on Japanese folklore, Shinto mythology, and the historical Muromachi period. The film's environmental themes and spiritual imagery reflect real cultural traditions, but the characters and central narrative are entirely fictional.
Who voices the main characters in Princess Mononoke?
The Japanese voice cast features Yoji Matsuda as Ashitaka, Yuriko Ishida as San (Princess Mononoke), and Yuko Tanaka as Lady Eboshi. Akihiro Miwa voices the great wolf goddess Moro, and Mitsuko Mori portrays the wise woman Mrs. Hii.
Does Princess Mononoke have a happy ending?
The ending is bittersweet rather than conventionally happy. Ashitaka's curse is lifted after the Forest Spirit's death and rebirth, and nature begins to slowly recover. However, San and Ashitaka choose separate paths — she remains with the wolves while he pledges to help rebuild Iron Town, reflecting Miyazaki's nuanced view of coexistence.
What age rating does Princess Mononoke carry?
Princess Mononoke is rated PG-13 in the United States, reflecting its intense battle sequences, graphic violence including decapitation, and mature themes surrounding death, environmental destruction, and moral ambiguity. It is notably darker and more violent than most Studio Ghibli films and may not be suitable for young children.
Who directed Princess Mononoke and when was it released?
Princess Mononoke was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. It premiered in Japan on July 12, 1997, where it became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time. It received its US theatrical re-release on April 3, 2022.
What movies are similar to Princess Mononoke?
Fans of Princess Mononoke often enjoy other Studio Ghibli films such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Castle in the Sky, and My Neighbor Totoro. These films share Miyazaki's signature blend of environmental themes, rich world-building, and emotionally complex characters.
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