Princess Mononoke, one of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki’s darkest and most weighty films, is set to make a triumphant return to U.S. cinemas for a limited theatrical run as part of Studio Ghibli Fest 2024.
GKIDS and Fathom Events announced in a press release that Studio Ghibli Fest 2024 will continue with the iconic film Princess Mononoke, which will be shown in American theaters for only five nights from July 13 to 17, 2024. Fans can watch the Japanese-dubbed version with English subtitles on July 13 at 3 p.m., July 15 at 7 p.m., and July 17 at 7 p.m. The English-dubbed version will be shown on July 14 at 3 and 7 p.m., and again on July 16 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the official websites of Ghibli Fest and Fathom Events, as well as at participating theaters. You can see GKIDS’ new Princess Mononoke trailer below.
Studio Ghibli Fest 2024 is the largest edition to date, with 14 films returning to American theaters this year. Princess Mononoke’s limited run comes after the re-releases of Spirited Away, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, The Secret World of Arrietty, and When Marnie Was There. The English-dubbed cast of Princess Mononoke includes Gillian Anderson (Moro), Billy Crudup (Ashitaka), Claire Danes (San), Minnie Driver (Lady Eboshi), Jada Pinkett Smith (Toki), and Billy Bob Thornton (Jigo).
Princess Mononoke is one of the Darkest Studio Ghibli Movies. The film is known for its graphic violence and heavy themes, which explore the balance between humans and nature. In an interview with Hollywood, Miyazaki acknowledged that the film may not be appropriate for children under the age of ten, but argued (via Animerica) that these themes are perfectly understandable to children. He posed the question of which cruel reality society values more: the life of a wild elephant or the survival of ivory dealers on the illegal market.
“We try to keep children from realizing that this is the way the world is; we tell them not to realize it and to live happy, cheerful lives,” she said. “That’s funny, isn’t it?” Children are fully aware of these things.” Many critics note that Ghibli’s refusal to cater to young audiences distinguishes the studio from many other animation studios.
Princess Mononoke is licensed by GKIDS in North America, with the following description: “Inflicted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka heads west in search of a cure. There, he comes across a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi, the proud people of Iron Town, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke, a young girl raised by wolves who will stop at nothing to keep humans from destroying her home and the forest spirits and animal gods who live there.”
Don’t miss your chance to see this masterpiece on the big screen again at Studio Ghibli Fest 2024. Get your tickets now and join the cinematic celebration.
