In my opinion, I thought it was one of the greatest films ever put to the screen because it captured so completely several central themes to life:

Tolerance of others/fear of difference
The struggle between human and nature
Technology versus nature
Love
Internal conflict/external conflict
Honor
Life/Death - Manifested so perfectly in the Forest Spirit

Just to name a few.

What I most enjoyed about the film is the quiet moments it had, where it allowed shots to breathe and develop for themselves, much like real life. We don't always have action happening in a common rhythm, but are often filled with moments of slience and then sudden bursts of action. Two shots in particular stood out for this: when the rain first starts hitting the stones and eventually drenches them, and when Ashi first sees the Forest Spirit, as both are so graceful.

I also thought the ending was wonderful and would actually prefer there to not be a sequel as I thought it ended perfectly, with a love that was not just practical, but also made so much sense.

I think everyone should spend the time to really sit down and watch the film. It's central message, "To see with eyes unclouded by hate" is surely an important one in this world.

Take care all.