Screening, Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫, 1997)

This epic Japanese historical fantasy film was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and animated by Studio Ghibli. It is set in the late Muromachi period of Japan (approximately 1336 to 1573 AD) and reveals the story of a young Emishi prince named Ashitaka and his struggles with the gods (kami) of a forest and the humans who consume its resources. The term mononoke (物の怪) is a Japanese word for describing the supernatural, shape-shifting beings that possess people and cause suffering, disease, or death. The film was a critical and commercial blockbuster, becoming the highest-grossing film in Japan of 1997, and held Japan’s domestic box office record until Miyazaki’s 2001 film, Spirited Away. Princess Mononoke won the Japan Academy Awards for Best Picture in 1998, and greatly increased Ghibli’s global popularity and influence.

Prior to the screening, guest speaker Dr. Hiromi Tsuchiya Dollase, Professor and Director of Asian Studies at Vassar College, will present a historical introduction and lead a post-screening discussion. Japanese cultural food and beverages will be served free-of-charge, but donations are highly encouraged.

This film series is funded in-part by a grant from The Japan Foundation, New York. Due to limited seating, advanced reservations are required.