Week 6

With reference to Cavallaro (2006), what distinguishes Mononoke technically as being – it is generally agreed – a great work of anime?

Mononoke (Miyazaki, 2006) is generally seen as a great work of anime because of the complexity of both the storyline and the attention to detail. The story focuses on subjects outside of those experienced in most anime (samurais etc), and prefers to focus on the lesser known issues in a style that takes advantage of the ‘fascination’ the Japanese people have with Legend and folklore (Cavallaro, 2006). It is set in the Muromachi period (1392 – 1573), and uses a cross-dimensional plot to portray seemingly alternate aspects of the said legends.

The Production of Mononoke itself gives yet another reason why it is a considered a great piece of anime. The art directors involved were sent to Yakushima, which provided an environment filled with elements that could be associated with the Mononoke world(Cavallaro, 2006). It could be said that this level of detail could allow its target audience to relate to the anime on a greater level.

The style of production was also ‘smoother’ than typical anime, which, combined with Miyazaki’s attention to using the setting to create a distinct environment that lends itself to the overall story(Cavallaro, 2006). For this reason, it could be said that the attention to detail and the topics involved in Mononoke help to establish it as a great work of anime.

Cavallaro, D. (2006). The Anime Art of Hayao Miyazaki. London: McFarland & Company.

Miyazaki, H. (2006). Princess Mononoke. Tokyo: Studio Ghibli Productions.