Princess Mononoke / Mononoke hime

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 12, 1997 (Japan) / October 29, 1999

DVD Release Date: December 19, 2000

Plot 411: A young prince must convince humans and forest dwellers to find peace in their hearts in order to save the Forest Spirit.

Review: Prince Ashitaka (Billy Crudup) is cursed when he kills a demon that is enroute to destroy his village. Ashitaka must travel to the demon's homeland to find a cure. However, once he arrives he discovers a battle between humans and forest dwelling animals and spirits. The humans, led by Lady Eboshi (Minnie Driver), are clearing the land to search for more iron. They are harming nature in the process, which is upsetting the animals and spirits. The Moro clan of wolves is led by a mother wolf (Gillian Anderson) and her cubs, which includes a human girl San (Claire Danes). There is a lot of animosity between the Moro clan and the humans and San does not trust any human, despite being one herself. Ashitaka must find a way in which humans and nature can coexist, not only to save his life but to save everyone's future. You can obviously see that there are tons of themes coursing through this film. On one level, it is far more superior that the recent imitations like Avatar. There's a depth to it that leads to further discussions solely about Hayao Miyazaki's meanings. However, the animation is marvelous as well. It is something at which Miyazaki completely excels and there's no denying his influence on modern day animators. The world he creates is magical, and while the techniques used to portray his visions are different from James Cameron's recent work, it is just as awe inspiring.

Watch It: For a truly whirlwind experience through a magical world.

Skip It: If you're just looking for a fun time. If so, see Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs instead. Despite being a kid's flick, this movie will make you think.

Castle In The Sky / Tenku no shiro Rapyuta

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: August 2, 1986 (Japan) / April 1, 1989 (USA)

DVD Release Date: April 15, 2003

Plot 411: With pirates and the military after her, Sheeta joins forces with Pazu and they uncover her true heritage.

Review: Wow, this was a complex yet highly entertaining cartoon that I thoroughly enjoyed. Once again, Hayao Miyazaki incorporates environmental themes into his work. But his style is so fluid that his messages do not come off preachy or overbearing. The animation is beautifully done with so many details. It made me nostalgic for this style of cartoons that were so popular when I was a kid. The characters were bold and developed well, with many identifiable characteristics to set themselves apart from each other. Of course, it's originally Japanese but was dubbed in English afterward. It's up to you which version you watch. I think the Japanese audio with English subtitles is probably the best way to go. However, this time I watched it in English all the way through. As Sheeta (Anna Pacquin), escapes from her military captors and a group of invading pirates, she falls from her flying machine toward Earth. However, because she is wearing an heirloom crystal, she floats to the ground like a feather. Pazu (James Van Der Beek) finds her and cares for her until she awakens. Tranquility does not last long as both the military and pirates soon find Sheeta. Pazu helps her escape and together the try to uncover the mystery behind the crystal and a mythical floating island called Laputa. The pirates are just after the crystal for its material value. The military wants it for a more sinister reason. Pazu and Sheeta must evade capture and be cautious of who to trust. The crystal's power is immense and can be used for destruction if it falls into the wrong hands.

Watch It: If you enjoy the old school, hand-drawn animation and a clever plot that keeps bumping along without making you bored.

Skip It: If you prefer the recent slew of 3D-ish cartoon movies.

Spirited Away / Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 27, 2001 (Japan) / September 20, 2002 (USA)

DVD Release Date: April 15, 2003

Plot 411: A little girl must work at a bath house for spirits to save herself and her parents.

Review: Chihiro (Daveigh Chase/Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents take a shortcut that leads them to an abandoned theme park. However, little do they know that when they pass through a tunnel, they leave the human world for the spirit world. In this world, there are all kinds of spirit creatures that walk the earth. They are all so distinct and unique. When her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro must work for Yubaba (Suzanne Pleshette/Mari Natsuki), the owner of a bath house, to free them. Along the way, she meets people who become her friends and help her on her journey - Haku (Jason Marsden/Miyu Irino), Kamaji (David Ogden Stiers/Bunta Sugawara) and Rin (Susan Egan/Yumi Tamai). This movie is a gem by Hayao Miyazaki that brings together several themes. The most obvious is Chihiro's coming-of-age story and is depicted with the loss of her identity when she becomes employed by Yubaba. By stripping her identity, Yubaba seeks to control her in a similar way that contemporary values influence young people. She must avoid these temptations and foster more traditional values on her journey to adulthood. There are also environmental themes throughout the movie that highlight pollution and the loss of nature due to urban development. What I thought was interesting were the nuances that Miyazaki added to simple scenes. They helped to really appeal to children as most of them would be thought trival to adults.

Watch It: For an animated film with applicable themes for children and adults.

Skip It: If you're into the Pixar style of animation.