Princess Mononoke

こんばんは。

In keeping with my promise to provide a show which may give a glimpse into culture, I have written the following. If I come up with a good modern cultural reference, I'll certainly share it!

Knowing about my enjoyment of mythology in media, a friend recommended もののけ姫 (Princess Mononoke) to me.

NOTE: Spoilers below!

As promised, there were nods to かみ (gods or spirits), but there was a central tension to the movie; a question that seemed to have been asked, but was left to the viewer to decide. The movie was exploring the idea of industrialization and its impacts on established ways of life.

The main character is forced from his home after an enraged boar spirit leaves him with a curse born of its hatred and pain. The curse would slowly kill him unless he can resolve it Within the boar's body was an iron ball; the sole clue to breaking the curse.

Human civilization had advanced to the point of working iron and even using gunpowder. Not only did they turn their backs on the spirits, some planned to destroy them and claim their power for themselves.

Many かみ, as well as San -- a human raised by the wolf god -- prepare for violent assault against these humans to defend themselves and their livelihood.

Is outright war inevitable? Which side will be successful? I'll leave you to find these answers, reader.

And while you watch, you may wish to consider what role industrialization has played in shaping human history, and how completely it has changed our own cultural identity, both for good and for ill.

じゃあ、また。