Whoever reads this review should have watched the movie first, because if you haven't, GO WATCH IT RIGHT NOW!!! You have been warned.
Princess Mononoke. I don't even know where to begin. It's a terrific movie. But then again, most of Studio Ghibli's films tend to be amazing. (Except Tales from Earthsea) The film starts out with the protagonist Ashitaka, fighting a horrifying demon of corruption. You instantly get hooked to the story, eager to find out more. Ashitaka is cursed while fighting, and to cure himself, must travel west. Unfortunately, he can never return to his village. It is very depressing.
To make things clear, this animated movie is PG-13. Some of the violence is very graphic, and is very shocking when you first see it. Ashitaka's curse helps him kill enemies, but to devastating effect. He decapitates two samurai with arrows.
The plot revolves around Ashitaka's journey to "see hate with eyes unclouded" and introduces two villains, who desire to kill the Great Forest Spirit and take its head to the Emperor. The titular character, Princess Mononoke, is a human girl raised by the Wolf God. Her name is actually San. Mononoke is more of a title, meaning demon or spirit. Ashitaka wants to aid the animals in keeping the forest safe, but also wants the humans to live in peace with nature, putting him in a difficult position. When San attempts to kill Lady Eboshi, the leader of Irontown who is hired to kill the Forest Spirit, Ashitaka stops them both, leaving with San even when he is mortally wounded. She almost kills him, but hesitates when he calls her "beautiful". It shows the human side of her character, and defines the arc of their development.
I also appreciated the way it depicted women's rights, if that makes any sense. Lady Eboshi employs women, many of who are former prostitutes. I liked how they are given a second chance and are also given authority to choose for themselves.
I won't spoil the ending, but know that I loved the way it did. Princess Mononoke is a fantastic film, and you should watch it if you have the chance.