I got pulled in the "anime/manga zone" in junior high and I've loved it 'til now. I know some people who share this interest and lots who don’t. But this is the type of anime that I’m not afraid to show it to anyone, say my 32-year-old brother who has absolutely zero interest in Japanese animation. This is the type of series that actually makes you use your head to watch. It doesn’t give you answers, it provides you with opinions. In my most humble language, Mononoke is Japanese animation at its peak. A truly captivating and memorable series.
Now if you're reading past that line and are ready to embark on the once-in-a-lifetime experience namely "Mononoke", you might wonder: "Surely there are many awesome series out there with exceptional plot and cast, but what makes this series so damn special that I should watch it?"
Well, to start off - Mononoke's protagonist is someone who - throughout the whole series - doesn’t have a name; to be more precise, his name is never revealed. He is simply known as “the medicine seller.” But watching the show, you will realize that the name is indeed not needed. In fact, the aspect of the nameless protagonist adds to the mysterious identity of his, and to the ghostly atmosphere of the stories presented.
And if I forget to mention, Takahiro Sakurai did a splendid job voicing this awesome main character.
Next comes the core concept of the series - "Mononoke." While this isn't particularly a new "term", it’d be a far cry from the truth if one were to simply think of it as “youkai” or “ghosts” or “monsters.” And even though the “mononoke” theme isn’t new, the way it unfolds through individual enchanting tales is what engrosses viewers – purposefully engaging them in the twisted emotions of the human nature presented in the series. And here is where the art and sound blend in.
In Mononoke, you are introduced to 5 different stories which share but one thing in common - dark and somewhat disturbing themes Yet, these very eerie stories are illustrated through unbelievably bright colors with “static” frames, making the whole series like a moving painting. Sounds fair?
What if I continue to tell you the show gets even “weirder” as some scenes just have absolutely no sounds. It’s just pure silent with still frames. You think I’d be bored - but no, it makes me hold my breath, feel slightly uneasy, and wonder what’s coming next. Still not interested?
Unfortunately then,…. I have nothing more to offer. I know this sound cliché, but what this show does to you is it makes you think and feel. And everybody does it differently. But Mononoke delivers its message so well that it definitely deserves the title namely masterpiece.
Yes, I am (slightly) biased in this review but who doesn’t, especially when they are talking about the things they are in love with?
So to make this review less biased, I will end it with a *flaw* that is absolutely “fatal” – it wasn’t long enough. I sure as hell wished there were more to it. Yup, that’s the flaw, you’re happy?
