Few filmmakers have had a profound impact on the world of movies as the legendary co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki. His films have captivated global audiences with their imaginative stories, beautiful animation, and complex themes. Among Miyazaki’s films, the 1997 classic Mononoke Hime AKA Princess Mononoke, stands out for its rich exploration of the theme of environmentalism.
Not only did it redefine anime storytelling in Japan, but it also inspired one of the highest-grossing films of all time: James Cameron’s Avatar. With a franchise valued at over $5.2 billion, Avatar owes much of its thematic and narrative inspiration to Princess Mononoke.
However, Princess Mononoke‘s journey to international acclaim wasn’t without challenges. Harvey Weinstein nearly butchered Miyazaki’s vision in an attempt to make it more suitable for Western audiences. Thanks to a firm stance by Studio Ghibli, Weinstein’s attempts were ruined, and Princess Mononoke made its way to the West with its integrity intact.
The Thematic Parallels Between Princess Mononoke and Avatar
Along with films like The Emerald Forest, Dances with Wolves, and The Jungle Book, James Cameron had previously cited Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke as an artistic inspiration for Avatar. And this influence is obvious in the premise, outline, and even character designs in Avatar.
At the heart of Princess Mononoke lies a powerful storyline about the clash between nature and humanity’s industrial ambition. The film’s protagonist, Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a dying boar God, embarks on a journey to find the cure which leads him into the depths of the Cedar Forest.
That’s where he encounters San, the titular Princess Mononoke, a fierce warrior raised by wolves who defends the forest. Their struggle pits the forces of nature against the rapidly expanding Iron Town, led by Lady Eboshi, a character as pragmatic as she is altruistic.
Similarly, Avatar explores the conflict between human industrialism and a deep connection to nature. Jake Sully, a paralyzed ex-Marine, infiltrates the Na’vi, the indigenous population of Pandora, in order to find a cure. In this rich, lush environment, Jake slowly learns to love the Na’vi’s way of life and joins their fight against the human colonizers who wish to strip Pandora of its resources as he becomes the “Avatar”.
The Similar Degree of Moral Complexities of Both Films
Hayao Miyazaki‘s characters are known for their complexity, and Princess Mononoke is no exception. Ashitaka’s journey to save the people of Iron Town contradicts his growing admiration for the spirits of the forest. On the other hand, San is a warrior with a fierce hatred for humans, but she too is conflicted with her own identity as both a human and a protector of nature.
Even the antagonist, Lady Eboshi is far from a one-dimensional villain. Her desire to expand industrial power comes from a place of compassion — she wants to protect those who have been marginalized by society., including lepers and prostitutes.
Similarly, Jake Sully in Avatar begins as a conflicted hero — his mission is to betray the Na’vi, but as he becomes more fond of their culture, his perspective starts to shift. Both Ashitaka and Jake fall in love with fierce female warriors, though while San and Ashitaka’s relationship remains more platonic, Jake and Neytiri eventually start a family.
Avatar’s Colonel Miles Quaritch is also more than just a standard military bully. Despite his violence and bigotry, he really thinks that his acts are essential to ensure humanity’s existence and has a great deal of compassion for the men under his command.
While Avatar quickly became a global box-office success, Princess Mononoke faced a different kind of battle in the West. When Miramax obtained the rights to distribute the film in the U.S., Harvey Weinstein wanted to make significant cuts. However, Miyazaki wasn’t having it. In a famous anecdote, Studio Ghibli sent Weinstein a Samurai sword with a note attached: “No cuts”.
This bold statement effectively ended Weinstein’s plans, and Princess Mononoke was released in the West uncut, allowing audiences to experience the film in its full glory.
In the end, Princess Mononoke‘s effect transcends well beyond its own era. The film’s portrayal of human ambition, environmentalism, and moral complexity has left a lasting impression on the film industry. Avatar may have gone on to break box-office records and spawn a multi-billion-dollar franchise, but it’s important to remember the anime masterpiece that helped inspire it.
Princess Mononoke is currently available to watch on Netflix, and the Avatar films are available on Disney+.
