P is for... [part 2]

Before it ever arrived in the U.S., this epic, animated 1997 fantasy had already made history as the top-grossing domestic feature ever released in Japan, where its combination of mythic themes, mystical forces, and ravishing visuals tapped deeply into cultural identity and contemporary, ecological anxieties. For international animation and anime fans, Princess Mononoke represents an auspicious next step for its revered creator, Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service), an acknowledged anime pioneer, whose painterly style, vivid character design, and stylized approach to storytelling take ambitious, evolutionary steps here.

Set in medieval Japan, Miyazaki's original story envisions a struggle between nature and man. The march of technology, embodied in the dark iron forges of the ambitious Tatara clan, threatens the natural forces explicit in the benevolent Great God of the Forest and the wide-eyed, spectral spirits he protects. When Ashitaka, a young warrior from a remote, and endangered, village clan, kills a ravenous, boar-like monster, he discovers the beast is in fact an infectious "demon god," transformed by human anger. Ashitaka's quest to solve the beast's fatal curse brings him into the midst of human political intrigues as well as the more crucial battle between man and nature.

Miyazaki's convoluted fable is clearly not the stuff of kiddie matinees, nor is the often graphic violence depicted during the battles that ensue. If some younger viewers (or less attentive older ones) will wish for a diagram to sort out the players, Miyazaki's atmospheric world and its lush visual design are reasons enough to watch. For the English-language version, Miramax assembled an impressive vocal cast including Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup (as Ashitaka), Claire Danes (as San), Minnie Driver (as Lady Eboshi), Billy Bob Thornton, and Jada Pinkett Smith. They bring added nuance to a very different kind of magic kingdom. Recommended for ages 12 and older. (synopsis provided by Amazon.com)

directed by Hayao Miyazaki

released 1997

Perfect Blue [1997]

Mima is a pop idol who wants to shift gears on her career and become an actress – but one extremely dedicated fan has a major issue with that.

I’ve been very picky with my anime consumption – and Perfect Blue is most certainly an interesting film that keeps you on your toes. It works well as a film about a pop idol struggling for credibility – as well as a surreal thriller. I liked how that even though the internet is quite new when the film was made – but it plays a crucial element in the film. I also liked Mima’s eagerness to change her image compromises her morals – as well as eggs on her regret to stay a meaningless pop idol. It features some pretty racy scenes of nudity and even a rape scene – and it’s also violent as people in Mima’s life begin to be knocked off. It’s trippy and interesting – and I’ll give it a 4 out of 5.

[directed by Satoshi Kon]