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Wolf Kanno's Crazy Ramblings and Incoherent Statements

Mononoke Hime

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A few days ago, I went to a midnight showing of Princess Mononoke at the Esquire Theater downtown. The very same theater I went to watch it the first time back in 1999 during it's initial release in the States. At that time, I was an avid anime fan who would consume whatever I could find as the medium was only in the beginning phases of it's explosive popularity in the 2000s, so the prospect of being able to watch an anime flick in an actual movie theater was pretty impressive at the time and the Pokemon movie was still a year away.

My knowledge of Studio Ghibli and the works of Hayao Miyazaki were limited to hearsay from various magazines I could find on anime or animation. I was excited to finally watch something created by such a legendary figure in the industry. My only knowledge of the film's plot was from small blurbs in magazines and a rocking AMV done to Alanis Morisettes "Uninvited" from the City of Angels soundtrack, so it wasn't like I went in with much knowledge of what to expect.

Almost two and half hours later, I felt I had found my calling in life. I wanted to write, I wanted to be in cinema, animation, perhaps even gaming; but most of all, I wanted to create something. Before, I had dabbled in writing and game design, but I left the theater with greater purpose and to this day when I feel like I might be on the wrong path, I throw this film in to remind myself of that same feeling. Of anything, I should probably watch this film more often.

It was interesting watching this film again in the same place I did so long ago, perhaps it's all just coincidence, but it almost feels like fate is spurning me onto keep going and despite several hardships in my personal life that have plagued me these last few years, I feel an odd sense of momentum like a wave getting ready to push me along to a place I was probably meant to be a long time ago. I think a normal person would sense such a feeling and greet it with dread, but I'm actually kind of excited for a change. My life has been in a bit of a standstill for nearly ten years, and I yearn for the chance to finally start moving forward again.

I've been writing more in the last few years than I have in the last fifteen, and it's a good feeling. I want to create. I want to inspire, I want to finally move forward. I want to create my own Mononoke Hime, and create something that inspire the next generation of artists and creators.
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  1. Fynn's Avatar
    Princess Mononoke is definitely one of the finest films I've seen. It's pretty much a Pocahontas-like narrative done right, with all sides of the conflict presented in a comprehensive, complete manner. No sugar-coating and no demonizing - everyone is complex and has their own valid reasons for doing what they do.

    And I'd be lying if I said this movie didn't creatively influence me too, though probably not to such a personal extent as you. But I definitely relate to your desire to create and inspire. Here's hoping that we both get there one day.