It is a very good movie and I highly enjoyed it and reccomend it for kids, but definitely not for 9 year olds, in Australia its 15+, which I think is suitable, however I think 11 years and up will be able to handle the violence, which is sometimes quite strong for a Studio Ghibli film.
Princess Mononoke
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Epic, compelling and violent anime.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Princess Mononoke was written by Brian Camp
Parents need to know that this movie may just be the Japanese feature that changes how animation is viewed in this country. Japan's most popular Japanese film in history, it boasts the scope and grandeur of a live action historical epic yet also has the fantastic elements of animation. But because of its violence, parents may want to carefully consider at what age it's appropriate for their children to see the film. It may be too violent for most 6- and 7-year-olds, but many mature 8-year-olds, both boys and girls, will be happy their parents let them see this film. Parents may balk at the violent battles and gruesome elements, but most older kids will be thrilled and engrossed throughout. Teens will love it and urge their friends to see it. Many grown-ups may not be equipped to grasp some of the mystical elements, such as the majestic Forest Spirit.
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More on Princess Mononoke
What’s the Story?
In 15th century Japan, Ashitaka, a young prince from a remote tribe, is cursed by a dying boar god from the forest region of western Japan. His journey to the source of the curse takes him to Iron Town. There Lady Eboshi runs an operation that smelts ore taken from the surrounding mountains once dominated by wolves and boars. Ashitaka is drawn to San, a girl raised by wolves. Together they work to try to stop Lady Eboshi and the corrupt monk Jigo from waging war on the animals.
Is It Any Good?
PRINCESS MONONOKE is a masterwork of animated storytelling from Hayao Miyazaki, the director of My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service. Charting an epic battle of humans versus gods in old Japan, it's filled with adventure and beauty. It boasts the scope and grandeur of a live action historical epic yet also has the fantastic elements of animation. These elements, in the form of talking animals and a magical forest spirit, are treated with utmost realism. The animals debate their plight with dead seriousness and attack humans in murderous rage. They're nothing like the talking animals in Disney features.
The English dub employs several name actors. They all do a splendid job, which can only help the film's acceptance. The only awkward note is sounded by the mix of accents among the cast, from Lady Eboshi's British accent (Minnie Driver) to the monk Jigo's southern accent (Billy Bob Thornton) to San's modern American teenaged inflections (Claire Danes). Billy Crudup has a neutral accent and carries the entire film as Ashitaka, conveying the moral dilemma of a young outsider caught between two worlds. The other name players include Gillian Anderson as the wolf god Moro, Jada Pinkett-Smith as Toki, and Keith David as boar god Okkoto. The question of its suitability for children will spark debate, although children who see it will not soon forget it.
Movie Details
Studio: Miramax, Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Run time: 133 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1999, DVD release: 7/20/2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic intensity
Run time: 133 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1999, DVD release: 7/20/2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic intensity
Our Members Say
See all 44 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
9+? Are you out of your MIND?
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
If your OK with blood and gore
Princess Mononoke is one of my FAVORITE movies. but from the beginning there is blood and gore and death. so not really for younger kids at night.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good for older kids.
It is extremely bloody, but sends a good message.
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Masterpiece, but best for mature-minded kids
I bought this when I was 11 to complete my collection; at the time I decided it was too violent, so I put it aside for a year and was able to enjoy it when I watched it then; I have, however, met kids as young as 7 who had no issues with it. The main concern is the violence - beheadings, village raids, flying limbs, animals that literally melt into bloody messes, etc. Other than that, there's some references to brothels, and many women only wear what at generally looks like baggy, loose shirts (nothing is shown, though), but most kids probably wouldn't notice. All in all, just tread cautiously with youngsters and the gentler-stomached, but for anyone who can get past that, it's one of Miyazaki's best, if not the best.
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Blood, Blood and more Blood :S
i really didn't like this movie. one of the reasons is that i got lost wile watching it! it was so long and horrifing i think i'm scared. But don't get me wrong i love this guys movies just not this one
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Miyazaki's masterpiece
I love this movie. So does my four year old son -- but he has very advanced tastes and is not easily frightened. ("It's just a movie, Mommy," complete with eye roll.) The violence is pretty intense and the resolution is rather subtle. My son had to see the movie many times before he really understood what happens to the forest spirit in the end.
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
good for everyone but is violent at times
again one of the finest work of Mr.Miyazaki. bit violent though but movie conveys extremely high regards for nature and our system of balance with it with beautiful imagination and epic story.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
I love this movie! there is a bit scary violence,but thats it. Me and my sister love this movie.
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
really cool!!!
I loved this movie very much. one part was pretty sick when ashitaka shot of a guy on a horse head.
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Best movie in the world!!!!!
Awesome movie!!!!!!
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Very violent compared to other Miyazaki masterpieces
Princess Mononoke is one of my top ten favorite movies, ever. Intelligent characters, amazing concepts, gorgeous scenery. No irredeemable villains; only imperfect souls trying to do their best in a difficult world. This film contains many scenes of violence, including death, dismemberment, blood, and decaying corpses. Over the next few years my kids will see every Miyazaki film; Nausicaa and Mononoke will be saved for last.
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great anime Love it
I actually watched this with movie when i was about 8 and there was nothing in there that scared me or creeped me out i didn't think the drinking was that bad but there were some quite gruesome scenes overall it was probably the best anime i had seen till i watched Akira
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Princess Mononoke
I love it personaly, however I recall some disturbing scenes with gore and violence but as all other Hayo Miazaki movies breath taking
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I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Please also be aware that this film DOES contain sexual content related to prostitution.
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
I
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I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Wait till your kids are 10
Excellent movie but the most bloody anime movie I've ever scene.
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I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Good movie, Just wait until they're atleast 13
I am not bashing Miyazaki, and this movie is wonderful! But it is certaintly not for 9 year olds. Violence is heavy blood, Not like everywhere but frequent, Scary for children under 10. Language contains words such as "Ba*t*r*", And some characters are seen drinking alchohol. So they got it wrong, but it is a great movie, just wait till they're atleast 13.
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Iffy for 12, fine 13 and up
I have to diagree with you here commonsense although it is one of my favorite movies it is VERY bloody. Some people lost their arms head, ect. While the is a lot of blood most of the decapitations are comical. THe worst part is probobly when that boar diest and turns into a demon with all of those red worms things on it. *shudders* And im surprised my mom aucually lets me watch it. Anyway great movie for those who can handle it!
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
A must see
It is a wonderful film... one of the best movies I have ever seen.
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I rate this title pause for age 9 and give it
WOW
Probably the most bloodiest animated movies I've seen. There were body parts and lots of sword fight action!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say it's too violent |
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