User Reviews

Amazing series, really it gives lot of inspiration.

The fact is every student should watch this series. People are drawn to films for a variety of reasons-some for a precious few hours of escapism; others to find out some new truths about the world we live in. Princess Mononoke is one of those rare, complex pieces of cinema that has something to offer its viewer no matter what brings them in front of the screen. Released in 1997, Princess Mononoke was met with sweeping success across all of Japan-and this comes as no surprise. Its writer and director, Hayao Miyazaki, is one of the most famous names in Japanese cinema, and Princess Mononoke is the 10th feature film release of Miyazaki's world-acclaimed film studio, Studio Ghibli.

Princess Mononoke is set in the Muromachi period of Japan (roughly 1333-1573), reimagined through the lens of the fantasy genre. This epic tale tells the story of Ashitaka, prince of an Emishi Village, who is placed under a deadly curse by a corrupted boar god. Ashitaka must journey West to find a cure for his curse. With his faithful red elk, Yakul, he begins his journey, and after some time finds himself in an enchanted forest, populated by spirits and animal gods. Ashitaka is soon embroiled in a conflict between the creatures of the forest and the nearby settlement of Irontown, whose leader, Lady Eboshi, looks to drain the forest of its natural resources, and take the head of the Great Forest Spirit.

Part of what makes Princess Mononoke so compelling is its complexity-a complexity that begins with its characters. Prince Ashitaka doesn't carry himself with the blustering force of many young protagonists in animated films; rather, his presence is quiet, understated. He can be a man of action when the occasion calls for it, but our young hero seems more intent on understanding and harmony. There is no true evil within this film-this would be far too neat a simplicity. Lady Eboshi, perhaps the closest thing this tale has to a villain, is not evil, but recklessly ambitious. She is somewhat redeemed, however, by her compassionate nature; she may look to steal the head of a god, but she also takes in lepers and prostitutes when no one else will

This film is not interested in dictating to its viewer how they should feel. In fact, with

its animation style and artistic direction, Princess Mononoke invites contemplation.

Scenes of action and dialogue are interspersed with small, understated moments of

quiet: shots of rain pattering against stones; sweeping views of grassland and

mountains, scenes where Ashitaka feeds his loyal red elk, Yakul. In an interview with

Roger Ebert, Miyazaki discussed these moments of intentional emptiness: "We have

a word for that in Japanese.... It's called ma... If you just have non-stop action with

no breathing space at all, it's just busyness. But if you take a moment, then the

tension building in the film can grow into a wider dimension."

The beautiful simplicity of Miyazaki's animation-its clean lines, and the film's palette

of rich, vibrant greens-plays a crucial part in his deployment of intentional

emptiness. Even when nothing is happening on screen, it is a joy to let yourself sink

into the movie. Despite the film's bleaker themes, these moments of beauty provide

moments of escape and renewal for the viewer. Of course, any review of Princess.

Mononoke would not be complete without a mention of Joe Hisaishi's gorgeous

score: grand, sweeping orchestral pieces, occasionally broken through with the

plaintive whistle of a bamboo flute. The music in this film, together with the

breathtaking animation, elevates it to the level of enchantment.

Princess Mononoke's powerful complexity begins with its writing. The compelling

characterization of its characters draws you into their world, their conflicts. But only a

master storyteller and animator such as Miyazaki could develop this so wonderfully.

The film's masterful animation and spellbinding score draw the viewer in further,

inviting them to contemplate the key themes of the film. But what sets Princess

Mononoke apart, even from other excellent works of animation, is its willingness to

let its audience sit in intentional quiet.

*****MUST WATCH***** SLUM GOLF Amazing series on Amazon mini TV. *****MUST WATCH***** . Director has successfully portrayed the actual situations that occur in a poverty-stricken slum. Slum Golf a story of poor boy with ambition to become a pro golfer. A never give up attitude towards your dream. The character Pawan come across many difficulties in achieving his goal but he never give up to the situation and stand tall to become a pro golfer. His responsibilities towards his family and the love shown by him to his mom is unreal. I loved all the casts of this series. Would recommend this series to evryone.