Princess Mononoke: Humans vs. Nature

In a translated video interview, visionary director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki shared a key idea: “You cannot do this because you have never seen it if you do not spend time watching real people.” This statement highlights what sets Miyazaki’s work apart from other anime of his time. Unlike much anime, which often leans into exaggerated or fantastical themes, Miyazaki’s films are rooted in human behavior’s small, real-life details.

Even with their supernatural elements, his stories and characters are carefully crafted to capture the nuances and complexities of real life. His characters feel real and relatable because they are portrayed as layered individuals—with hopes, flaws, and virtues—who could exist offscreen. These well-developed characters help tell stories that offer sharp insights into the human condition and society.

In his films, the realism is not diminished. It is because there are surreal elements. However, the elements enrich such realism. Therefore, it has a surreal character, inviting the audience to reflect on their lives through meaning and metaphor. Miyazaki’s films generally have an enduring international appeal due to the combination of realism and imagination.

We can take an example from Princess Mononoke. On the other hand, it is an example of Miyazaki’s influence because it is still relevant today. In addition to being long-lasting, the popularity of the film comes from the study of the relationship between the environment and humans. In such a way, the film is a timeless concept.

In filmmaking, Miyazaki’s approach injects a living energy into his films, which continue to captivate audiences after their release. Princess Mononoke is particularly captivating with its originality and conveys a message that becomes more meaningful as challenges in modernism’s environmental and social spheres increase.

Indeed, his films are famous for their visuals. However, it is important to note that their success relates to how the films address real issues. Through his films, Miyazaki enjoys asking complex questions about philosophy and society and incorporating real issues into his animations. His ability to combine art with meaningful storytelling makes people not forget his films.

Princess Mononoke examines the clash between industrial progress and the environment, presenting moral ambiguity in a way that makes it timeless. Its impact only deepens over the years, sparking reflection and conversation across generations—a true testament to Miyazaki’s vision and the lasting power of his work.

On the surface, Miyazaki’s films cross-cultural and social boundaries. Princess Mononoke depicts the story of human expansion that has thrown nature out of balance and fought back. The film reflects a familiar pattern: the drive to progress always comes at a high price, to the point of destroying ecosystems and other species.

The film, which runs 133 minutes, captures firsthand the conflict between the drive for progress and the need to preserve nature. Miyazaki’s depiction reflects a keen awareness of the consequences of human progress, which are often overlooked, especially in the destruction of nature. Despite moving away from realism, Miyazaki imagines a scenario in which nature is personified and given agency. On the other hand, it opposes human exploitation.

In such ways, the film shows the victims of ambition being silenced and ignored; it highlights the perspective because of its invisible nature. It discusses morals and ethics in balancing environmental issues and progress.

Miyazaki decided to let nature “speak.” However, the decision was not taken lightly. His vision was shaped by a variety of factors. Yakushima, an island in southern Japan, had another impact. In the film, it serves as a model for dense forests. With its ancient trees and biodiversity, Yakushima provides a reference point.

The setting also has a fictional dynamic (rooted in Shinto). It is the indigenous religion of Japan. Meaning “the way of the gods,” Shinto teaches that nature is filled with spiritual entities. People refer to it as kami. Unlike Western gods, kami are not always human-like or influential; they can embody elements and forces of nature.

In Princess Mononoke, Miyazaki brings this Shinto concept to life by portraying kami as personifications of nature. Characters like Moro and Okkoto represent these forces, rising against humanity’s environmental destruction. By weaving Shinto beliefs into the story, Miyazaki deepens the film’s exploration of humanity’s complex relationship with nature.

While Miyazaki discourages interpreting his films as strictly religious, it is clear that Shinto has dramatically influenced his storytelling. Shinto elements are also very prominent in his next hit, Spirited Away. It combines the beliefs, creating layers without adhering to religious doctrine.

As a belief system, Shinto does not impose rigid practices or rules. In an interview, Miyazaki explained his perspective: “My religion, if you can call it that, has no practices, no Bible, no saints; just the desire to keep certain places and myself as pure and holy as possible.” He emphasized how this form of spirituality is essential to him and naturally shapes his films.

It is clear how Shinto principles have influenced many aspects of his films. For example, the Deer God and the emphasis on respecting the sacredness of natural spaces, such as the forest where San, Moro, and their wolves live, reflect Shinto values.

These elements tie into the film’s broader themes of environmental responsibility and the interconnectedness of all living things, showing how Miyazaki’s spiritual worldview quietly shapes his storytelling.

Miyazaki’s films often use fantastical elements to highlight the realism of his characters. The touches challenge real issues. For example, the conflict between industrialization and nature is a manifestation of environmental issues. In Kiki’s Delivery Service, magical elements represent independence in finding identity. Of course, Miyazaki’s ability to connect the audience with the emotional journey of his characters is not an ordinary story.

Miyazaki’s cultural influences are aesthetic. In Princess Mononoke, the use of Shinto elements is not for style but rather a deliberate layering of the story’s central conflict. Anthropomorphic kami and other fantastical elements are not there to alienate the audience but to expand the film’s core.

On the other hand, the conflict avoids a straightforward good-versus-evil narrative. Traditional stories may rely on explicit moral judgments, Miyazaki’s ability to capture the complexity of human nature and explore gray rather than black and white.

This approach lets the film tackle environmentalism, industrialization, and humanity’s relationship with nature in a way that inspires thought and discussion rather than offering a simplistic moral takeaway. By presenting these conflicts with nuance, Miyazaki’s films invite audiences to explore more profound questions about the world around them.

In Princess Mononoke, labeling San the hero and Lady Eboshi the villain would be easy. However, Miyazaki deliberately avoids conventionalism. Instead, he gives both characters a combination of positive and negative traits. In addition, he breaks down the dichotomy of “good” and “evil.” In doing so, he illustrates the paradox of how circumstances and perspectives affect morality.

Their depictions show how conflicting motives drive their actions in a complex way. Her hatred drives San, and her determination drives Lady Eboshi. The depictions highlight how the conflict is not about good versus evil but rather a clash of opposing values. Miyazaki’s approach shows a deep understanding of human nature, recognizing that people on all sides of a conflict can have admirable qualities and significant flaws.

By presenting the tension between San and Lady Eboshi as a battle between different but equally valid goals, Miyazaki offers a realistic take on the conflict, emphasizing the complexity and subjectivity of human interactions and moral choices.

Standing between San and Lady Eboshi is Ashitaka, the last Emishi prince, who serves as a vital mediator in their conflict. Ashitaka’s impartiality—he is not fully aligned with either side—lets him see the destructive potential in both. His role is to help San and Lady Eboshi understand that their hatred for each other only fuels a cycle of self-destruction. Through his perspective, the film reveals the futility of their animosity and the dangers of letting hatred guide their actions.

One of the film’s key moments comes when Ashitaka intervenes to stop San and Lady Eboshi from killing each other in Iron Town. During this critical moment, Ashitaka uses his cursed arm to symbolize how hatred corrodes the soul. The curse he bears is a literal manifestation of the damage hatred can do—consuming and destroying from within.

By exposing his curse, Ashitaka demonstrates how holding onto anger and resentment can strip away a person’s humanity and lead to their downfall. This moment reinforces Ashitaka’s role as a mediator and highlights the film’s overarching message: the importance of empathy, understanding, and reconciliation in overcoming conflict.

Ashitaka’s actions offer a path out of the destructive cycle of violence and revenge. He shows that compassion and empathy can overcome hatred and pain. His point of view finds resolution comes from recognizing humanity seeking common ground.

Although its characters have flaws, Princess Mononoke does not pick sides or feature a “winner.” Instead, it strives to show the humanity in all of its characters. The film supports Ashitaka’s impartial viewpoint, taking a neutral stance that invites the audience to conclude the story’s moral lessons. By refusing to impose a single perspective, Miyazaki allows viewers to explore the complex motivations and consequences driving the narrative.

Miyazaki avoids a simple good-versus-evil story, emphasizing the need for balance and harmony between humans and nature. The film shows that without this balance, everyone suffers—there is no real winner in a conflict driven by environmental destruction and human expansion.

When Lady Eboshi shoots the Deer God in the head at the climax of the film, it effectively illustrates the idea. Everyone in the forest, including trees, animals, and humans, is devastated by such a victory. Her actions worsen the situation rather than solve it; attempts to control or take advantage of nature inevitably end badly for all concerned.

With such a conclusion, Princess Mononoke states: It is immoral for anyone to alter, steal, or use non-own resources. The conclusion discusses respect for nature and sustainability.

In the film, sound gives nature and draws a formidable force against the destruction and invasion of the forest in Iron Town. Even with its fantastical elements, the story’s core conflict touches on universal themes, which is part of its lasting and broad appeal.

More than 25 years after its release, Princess Mononoke is as relevant as ever—in fact, it is more relevant. With environmental issues, including pollution, deforestation, and climate change, the theme of finding a balance between industry and nature conservation remains relevant.

In essence, the issue highlights a pressing issue. People are getting closer to their environment. However, Princess Mononoke delivers a message. The film’s focus on the impact of environmental damage becomes sharp.

Miyazaki acknowledges how, despite the changing world, the characteristics of human nature remain constant. Even with his films’ magical, fantastical elements, Miyazaki’s sharp observations and grounded themes keep his stories rooted in real human experiences and ecological concerns. That makes his work resonate so strongly, no matter how imaginative or otherworldly the setting might be.

While Miyazaki does not fully subscribe to an optimistic worldview, his films inspire future generations. The consistency of themes across his work shows a deep understanding of human nature’s complexities and the challenges we face in maintaining a balanced relationship with the environment. By tackling these ongoing issues through creative storytelling, Miyazaki’s films offer thoughtful reflections and insights that encourage viewers to think about and engage with the pressing concerns of their time.

In this way, his work inspires and provokes thought, showing how some core truths and values remain important in a rapidly changing world.

Like a flickering spark in a blizzard, the ending of Princess Mononoke depicts rebirth and offers a glimmer of hope. Despite the hardships, the image inspires us to keep going. Miyazaki suggests that we should strive to emulate Ashitaka’s qualities (his courage, empathy, and willingness to consider all points of view) rather than give in to hatred and division.

Humans must stop pursuing progress if they hope to prevent environmental destruction. The focus on growth must be replaced by an effort to live peacefully with nature.

While exploring the tension between environment and ambition, the themes and ideals of Princess Mononoke persist. The film’s ability to address these long-standing issues with sensitivity and insight ensures it remains a timeless and important work. It is a powerful example of how art can express the complicated and often conflicting relationship between people and the natural world, solidifying its place as an influential piece of cinema.

Using spectacular, action-packed scenes, Princess Mononoke tells a story about social and environmental challenges. Quiet scenes explore individual motivations and significant issues, balancing out dramatic, action-packed scenes. Such complexity makes the challenges relevant by allowing the audience to interact with the subject on multiple levels. The themes are reinforced by dramatic moments while examining the tension between industrialization and the environment.

References

• Cavallaro, D. (2006). The Anime Art of Hayao Miyazaki. McFarland & Company.
• Miyazaki, H. (Director). (1997). Princess Mononoke [Film]. Studio Ghibli.
• Napier, S. J. (2005). Anime from Akira to Howl’s Moving Castle: Experiencing Contemporary Japanese Animation. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Odell, C., & Le Blanc, M. (2009). Studio Ghibli: The Films of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. Kamera Books.
• Poitras, G. (2008). The Anime Companion: What’s Japanese in Japanese Animation? Stone Bridge Press.
• Yamamura, T. (2019). The Influence of Shinto Beliefs in Studio Ghibli Films. Journal of Japanese Culture, 28(3), 15–28.