The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Princess Mononoke
Entertainment • Film

Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke is a 1997 Japanese animated historical fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Princess Mononoke is a 1997 Japanese animated historical fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. Set in Japan’s Muromachi period, it follows Ashitaka as he becomes caught between a forest of gods and a nearby industrial town. The film is known for its environmental themes and morally complex portrayal of humans and nature.

Plot

Ashitaka, an Emishi prince, is cursed by a demon-possessed boar and travels west. He becomes involved in the struggle between Iron Town, led by Lady Eboshi, and the forest spirits and animal gods. The film follows his attempt to understand and mediate the conflict. San, the title character, is a human girl raised by wolves.

Production

Princess Mononoke was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Toshio Suzuki at Studio Ghibli. Its original Japanese title is Mononoke Hime, and the theatrical runtime is about 133–134 minutes.

Themes

The film explores themes of environmental conflict, industrialization, and coexistence with nature. It is noted for avoiding a simple good-versus-evil division and presenting nuanced motivations on all sides.

Release and reception

The film premiered in Japan in 1997 and has remained one of Miyazaki’s best-known works. It has been released and re-released in North America, including a 2025 IMAX presentation through GKIDS, making it familiar to Canadian audiences through theatrical and home-video distribution.

Key facts

  • The film centers on Ashitaka, an Emishi prince seeking a cure for a curse.
  • Its conflict involves Iron Town, led by Lady Eboshi, and the forest spirits and animal gods.
  • San, the title character, is a human girl raised by wolves.
  • The film explores environmental conflict, industrialization, and coexistence with nature.
🍁
Canadian context

Princess Mononoke has been released and re-released in North America, including a 2025 IMAX presentation through GKIDS, making it familiar to Canadian audiences through theatrical and home-video distribution.[12]

Frequently asked questions

What is Princess Mononoke about?
It follows Ashitaka, who is drawn into a conflict between a forest of gods and an industrial town while seeking a cure for a curse.
Who directed Princess Mononoke?
Hayao Miyazaki directed and wrote the film.
When was Princess Mononoke released?
It was first released in Japan in 1997.
What is the film’s setting?
It is set in Japan’s Muromachi period.
What does Mononoke mean?
In this context, mononoke refers to a spirit or monster rather than a personal name.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Mononoke
    Supports: Basic plot, year, setting, and film identification.
  2. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/articles/114164/princess-mononoke
    Supports: Plot summary, setting in the Muromachi period, and main characters.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/princess-mononoke-1999
    Supports: Critical description of themes and the film’s nuanced conflict between humans and nature.
  4. GhibliWiki — https://www.nausicaa.net/wiki/Princess_Mononoke_(film_information)
    Supports: Japanese title, runtime, production period, and technical information.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119698/
    Supports: Release date and thematic description.
  6. GKIDS Films — https://www.gkids.com/films/princess-mononoke/
    Supports: 2025 North American IMAX re-release, Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki attribution.
  7. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/princess_mononoke
    Supports: Director, producer, genre, release date, runtime, and synopsis.
  8. Yale University Library — https://web.library.yale.edu/film/notes/fn00016
    Supports: Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and English dub timing.