Dramatic anime finally comes to U.S.

'Princess Mononoke' is a great combination of artistry and plot that is worth seeing

By ALAN KHAMOUI
Staff Writer

The charm of animation lies within the fact that it can break down creative barriers set up by reality. It accomplishes the extravagant, bringing to life visions that could not be done justice in live action."Princess Mononoke" is a triumphant celebration of this unique aspect of the big screen.

Originally released in Japan in 1997 and costing about $20 million, it contains a certain magic that transforms a seemingly simple fairy tale into one of epic proportions.

The movie follows the adventures of a young Ashitaka (Billy Crudup), prince of the dying Emishi clan, through feudal Japan. In a marvelous opening action sequence, the protagonist is forced go west to "see with unclouded eyes." Along the way, he meets the enigmatic monk, Jigo (Billy Bob Thornton), who helps guide him on his journey. After rescuing some men from death, Ashitaka aides them back to Iron Town, taking a shortcut through the forest.It is here that he first encounters Princess Mononoke (Claire Danes), human daughter of the Wolf God (Gillian Anderson).Upon arriving at Iron Town, he is celebrated for safely returning the injured men and thanked by the Lady Eboshi (Minnie Driver), the leader of this enterprising city, and he learns of the rising conflict between the humans and beast gods of the forest.

Hayao Miyazaki, director of anime classics such as "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "My Neighbor Totoro," brings a level of creativity rarely seen in American animation. He truly brings out the grandeur of nature. The landscapes of cliffs, forests and lakes leaves one in awe.

Not only the magnificent scenery, but also the style and look of the characters in Miyazaki's artistry is revealed.The Kodama, Japanese tree spirits similar to nymphs, heightens the audience's affection for Mother Earth.Adding an adorable touch to the film, they look like miniature versions of those fluorescent green aliens with the big foreheads and black, buggy eyes.

Don't be fooled by this animated production. It contains issues mature audiences can relate to and, amazingly, the film works on several levels. Perhaps this is the film's only weakness - it touches upon too many themes.The attempt to live in harmony with one another and nature, the idea that the world is one big mess that can be redeemed through dedicated human intervention, the struggle for balancing industry and the environment, the good and evil that exists in everyone, sexism, prejudice against the disabled, coming of age and the recognition of a harsh reality - it's all in there.

The action scenes contain a quick, sharp flair without losing any fluidity. During his quest, Ashitaka walks though a village being pillaged by marauding samurai, who provoke him into a standoff. Riding on horseback and firing arrows never seemed so fast-paced or engaging in an animation.

Miramax managed to attract a unique cast affirming the extraordinary quality of the movie. Crudup and Danes do a fine job, but the performances to marvel at belong to Driver and Thornton. Both actors possess a graceful control of voice, creating subtle, yet forceful moments in the film.

With this film, Driver makes a run for Meryl Streep's title as the voice inflection queen. She adds to Lady Eboshi a dimensional ambivalence - the audience despises her unsentimental veneer, yet understand her need for practicality. She never lets us forget that this woman is regal and in complete control. Toki, voiced by Jada Pinkett-Smith, has a supporting role, but is loads of fun. Pinkett-Smith exudes an amusing sassiness that is delightfully surprising to find in ancient Japan.

Hopefully, even if only for its visual spectacle, audiences will go and check this film out. Before "Titanic," "Princess Mononoke" was the top box-office record holder in Japan, breaking the $150 million mark within weeks of its release.Only 10 percent computer generated, this film brings animation to another level - one which breaks the tradition of typical kiddie fare. This three-year production has built an imaginative world with realistic, honest, and complex characters and situations. "Princess Mononoke" weaves realism and fantasy beautifully, transporting one to a world unseen by eyes weaned on a Disney diet.

Copyright 1999 by the Daily Trojan. All rights reserved.
This article was published in Vol. 138, No. 43 (Friday, October 29, 1999), on page 5.