Princess Mononoke (1997) vs Spirited Away (2001)
A new series I would like to begin on this blog is clapperboard comparisons. This is where I will investigate two films from a particular director and explore specific aspects of each film to determine my personal favorite (and therefore better) film. This is basically a rip off of the podcast Clash of the Titles so if you're a cinephile then please check that out. I will be kicking this series off with what I expect to be a very popular pairing of films by legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. These being Princess Mononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2001). I will be using five categories to determine the winner with the first of these being a look into each of the protagonists.
Protagonist
In this category we have Ashitaka from Mononoke vs Chihiro from Spirited Away. Ashitaka is a peacemaker, liberator and a hero. Even in the face of death, he strives to find peace between the animals of the forest as well as the people of Iron Town. His selflessness makes him incredibly likable. His relationships with San and Yakul showcase Ashitaka as a totally trusting and loving character who is willing to sacrifice himself for those he loves. Whilst Ashitaka undertakes a huge journey in order to break his curse, the character progression and internal journey is limited as the opening sequence of the film already showcases him as a selfless hero when he saves his village from the demon boar and as a result, becomes cursed by the evil demon. Ashitaka is also made a more effective protagonist through his contrast to San. San and her association to the forest makes her extremely untrusting of the human population which in turn increases her own self interest and that of her family's survival. This conflicting dynamic acts as the emotional pivot of the film whilst Spirited Away is carried by the emotional journey we take with Chihiro. The opening scene immediately showcases her age and emotional state as she leaves her old life behind her. She appears immature. This indicates that she may be unable to cope with the horrors of losing her parents in this mystical world. However, From the second she meets the likes of Haku and Kamaji, she begins to absorb her surroundings and make progress towards finding her parents again. By the conclusion of the film, Chihiro is able to out smart Yubaba, save the river spirit and protect the bathhouse from No Face. It is this clear and expressive emotional journey undertaken by Chihiro that leads me to determine her as the superior Miyazaki protagonist. 1-0 to Spirited Away.
Supporting Characters
The enclosed environment of the bathhouse in Spirited Away allows ample opportunity to explore a wide variety of characters. Characters such as Haku, Kamaji, Lin and Yubaba offer our protagonist Chihiro avenues for growth and development. However, the bathhouse possesses such a vast number of characters that it can often feel bloated with many of them feeling unnecessary for the overall plot. In contrast, in such a vast world as Miyazaki builds for Mononoke, there are a limited number of supporting characters who are offered speaking roles. Each of these characters offer depth and insight into the lore of this world and provide conflict for Ashitaka to disperse. The emotional connection given to supporting characters such as: San, Yakul, Moro and Okkoto levels the scores in this battle at 1-1.
World Building
For me this one is easy, the expansive nature of Mononoke is absolutely epic. The variety of locations and beautiful landscapes used to depict them is, in my opinion, unparalleled in animated cinema. While the geography of Spirited Away is much more specific and arguably more detailed, the beauty of Mononoke is perfection. 2-1 Mononoke.
Plot
Trying to summarize two of the greatest animated narratives put to screen was a tall order. Especially when attempting to be concise about it. Therefore, my girlfriend Lydia offered me a helpful hand. She said “The plot of Mononoke is hard to beat; it has enormous scale, epic battles and a driven powerful narrative. Not to detract from Spirited Away’s own engaging one, but at times, especially at the start, it feels rushed as it tries to fit everything in.” And I tend to agree. The routes of conflict in Mononoke are particularly intriguing while also possessing overt real world stakes when showcasing the human destruction of the forest. Spirited Away illustrates an inspiring narrative of self growth and fulfillment. But for me, it rushes its entrance into the spirit world leading to a lot of much needed exposition taking place later on in the film. Whereas, Ashitaka’s quest is made clear after the opening exchanges with the demon boar. 3-1 Mononoke.
Ending
As this is the final category, Mononoke has an unassailable lead. However, the ending is crucial to the effectiveness of a film therefore we must discuss them. Mononoke leaves us in a bittersweet way. Ashitaka and San save the Deer God and the forest while also gaining peace between the humans and the forest. Although, despite their love for each other, they must live apart in order to stick to their morals and desires. Spirited Away for me offers an ending which is pretty heartbreaking. Chihiro is reunited with her parents and they leave the spirit world and walk back through the tunnel to their parked car. The plant life around them clearly indicates that they have been away for months. As they drive off we are left with a shot of the tunnel getting smaller and smaller. To me, this indicates that Chihiro is never to return or see these characters again. The story that we have just witnessed is fully contained within the darkness of that tunnel, never to be returned to. The circular nature of this ending is utterly beautiful and gives Spirited Away a consolation prize. 3-2.
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