I finally got round to watching Spirited Aw
ay and Princess Mononoke...eons after these two shows were released...:)
well, for one thing, i admire Miyazaki's genius in creating stories that cut across language and culture, and his genius in characterisation is not to be underestimated.
his ability to create characters that are neither pure evil nor pure goodness, who are absolutely believable is almost magical...i particularly enjoyed the role of Lady Eboshi in Princess Mononoke whom most people would categorise as the villainess of the piece...however, upon closer inspection, one discovers that she is a strong willed woman willing to do whatever necessary to safeguard all that she has built up in the interests of her workers in Irontown and that she cannot be said to be entirely evil. the end sees her realising all she has done wrong and a desire to rebuild Irontown in harmony with nature. there is always a better way.
Mononoke (the title role) is not a very likable character in the beginning, but Ashitaka manages to melt her heart with his courage and love.
Haku's role in Spirited Away is also not straightforward, and one finds oneself wondering on whose side he is on...until the ending comes and takes your breath away. my heart raced along with Chihiro/Sen's heart as she tried her best to save the dying Haku.
Spirited Away is whimsical, with lovable characters and a strong storyline. there's lin, chihiro's friend and kamaji, the spider and the many other gods and demons in the bath house who are both endearing and amusing. Chihiro/Sen passes all her trials with flying colours and becomes at the end of a story, a strong and responsible girl. i was most attracted to Zeniba who was at heart a kind and loving witch.
the same can be said of Princess Mononoke, although the whimsy factor is somewhat less in this movie. in fact, at some parts, it got kind of scary. but all in, an enjoyable and engaging ride.
to see with eyes unclouded by hate...
watch them, well worth your time...:)
1 comment:
Hey girl!! I love Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke!! Studio Gibli rocks! ;)
Yeah, Spirited Away is more whimsical especially with the cute little coal ash balls, and Mononoke's mythical characters are quite scary. But very very good movie. Can beat Disney any day ;) I thought it really portrayed Japanese culture and beliefs, especially the fact that they believe that every object has a spirit.
I have Spirited Away in my VCD collection, if you want to watch it again, can borrow from me ;) My sis has Howl's Moving Castle, going to watch it when I get back. Cheers!
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