The story unfolds during Japan’s 14th-century Muromachi Period. Young Prince Ashitaka, the last of his line, slays a wild boar that attacks his village. However, the boar, driven mad by rage and hatred, infects him with a curse that will eventually transform him. He sets out to find a cure, seeking Shishigami, a deer-like god. During his journey, he discovers that the anger within him grants him incredible strength – demonstrated when he easily defeats armed samurai warriors. Along the way, he witnesses an attack by wolves on a group of travelers and rescues two men who are from Irontown, governed by Lady Ishobi. He brings them back to Irontown, where women perform foundry work and handle chores while men provide security – though the women are also capable defenders, with guns manufactured specifically for them by lepers whom Lady Ishobi supports. I found these scenes quite funny. Upon returning with the men, Ashitaka is welcomed by Lady Ishobi and learns that the wolf pack is led by Moro, and San, a young girl who can communicate with nature spirits and is known as Princess Mononoke (“Spirits of things”), was helping them. Ashitaka grows concerned about the damage Ishobi's activities are causing to the forest, which is also why she’s at odds with Moro. Adding to the conflict, Ishobi has hired samurai warriors who have their own motives: one is to retrieve the head of the Forest Spirit for the Emperor, believing it will grant him immortality, and another is to seize Irontown from Lady Ishobi. That provides a summary of the plot. Miyazaki incorporated computer-generated graphics into this film for the first time, but most of the animation was done by hand, which I think greatly benefits the movie. The artwork is stunning at times, and scenes like the Forest Spirit’s transformation into the Nightwalker and the initial appearance of the demonized boar are truly spectacular. I don't believe it’s suitable for children due to its scary and violent content, although a friend tells me this type of imagery is common in Japanese children’s films. The film runs over two hours and manages to pack a great deal into that time. I found the story very engaging and watchable; I was eager to see what would happen next, and it certainly wasn't predictable. The world presented felt believable. You have to let a movie draw you in (unless it’s ridiculous and asks too much of you – which this isn’t). A key reason for the film’s ability to hold my attention is that the characters aren't easily categorized as "good" or "bad." While Moro and his pack attack people, they are also trying to protect their way of life by defending the forest. Similarly, Lady Ishobi is damaging the forest but providing opportunities for women who were previously in servitude, offering them security, work, and a home; she’s also given shelter and purpose to lepers. Neither side seems particularly malicious; Ishobi's actions are largely about self-preservation, and her alliance with the samurai is an attempt to eliminate a constant threat. It’s possible that a more peaceful approach could have led to a truce, but the wolves repeatedly insist on killing humans simply because they are human – demonstrating what appears to be a “racist” attitude. Conversely, the humans don't demand the deaths of animals or their habitat destruction; those are unfortunate consequences of industrialization. My point is that this isn’t a simple battle between good and evil—it’s nature versus industrialization, and finding a compromise is difficult, something the film reflects. Fortunately, the film concludes on an optimistic note, though it's not entirely predictable, in my opinion. I highly recommend seeing this film.

Source on TMDB