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| Lady Eboshi vs. San Lady Eboshi wasn’t a one dimensional villain that can be seen in many films. She’s the one that is leading the destruction of the forest and its spirit creatures, but she isn’t doing it for her own personal gain. Eboshi was trying to great a society where the outcasts of society could feel safe and take control of their own lives. However, Eboshi ignores the dangerous prices that would have to be paid to create this utopia. She’s fueled by a hatred and determination to destroy the spirit creatures she feels are preventing her people from truly succeeding. Eboshi could protect her people and create a safe haven for the outcasts, but it’s difficult when her means of doing this are to destroy everything around the island. San is another character who displays qualities that could be considered good and evil. All her actions are the result of a hatred of humanity that has built up throughout her life in the forest. She almost kills Ashitaka because she feels as if she can never be a part of human civilization because of all the evils that humans have done that harm her home. At the same time, though, San is very protective of her family and it’s obvious that she loves them. She feels the need to protect those in the forest that are suffering, even if it may bring harm to herself. San is a balance of hatred and a fierce protectiveness and love for her home and family. I think that the ending for both of the characters was very ambiguous. Eboshi claims that she will start over and make their village better, but there is no guarantee that she has learned her lesson or will not go back to her old ways eventually. Also, though San has learned that there is at least one human that she knows who is not evil or set out to harm the forest, she still states that she can never forgive humans for what they have done. However, if the people on the island decide to try to live in harmony with nature, there is a possibility that her mind will change. It’s really up to the viewer’s judgment. |
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Simms - Hate and Redemption in Princess Mononoke
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It's really interesting how you discussed Lady Eboshi as not being the typical villain. It's very true, her intentions are actually not so bad. This is a lot like Celestine's character in Ah, My Goddess! He had good intentions to end suffering in the universe. What seems to make them a "villain" in the viewers eyes is how they execute their plan. It's how they go about achieving their goals that make them bad. Celestine, for example. could have done various other things to try to increase happiness in the world. Whereas, Lady Eboshi's idea to make the outcasts feel in control, was actually very honorable but the way she ran the society was all wrong... Good job with your analysis! :)
ReplyDeleteI feel as though almost all of the named characters of this film have both good and evil inside (with maybe the exception of Jigo who embodies pure greed). And I believe that your descriptions of San and Eboshi are very accurate. And I think what this film is trying to say is that, there are many great things on earth and if they are natural, they contain both good and bad attributes some more than others tip the balance on one side or the other. But basically all things on earth, both human and nature itself contain evil. Evil that kills and destroys... but what makes the earth so beautiful is that, if it finds a balance, thousands of different and diverse beings can exist in this world. Also if we can allow ourselves to reintegrate into the natural way, the way that has functioned for thousands of years, all things can regenerate after destruction... I feel like that was shown at the very end when the single kodama appeared in the newly spouting forest. Thanks for your insightful blog! It seems your words have spouted many new ideas about this film in my head! :D
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Dear Destiny,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your thoughts on Princess Mononoke and agree with a lot of your thoughts. I enjoy how you title your blogs as opposed to just putting the movie title. It’s a small breath of fresh air. Your character analysis was truly impeccable and I was especially impressed by your vivid descriptions and thoughts of Eboshi, as well as San. The thing I liked most about blog post was that you really pinpointed the main themes and messages of the plot line behind the beautiful visuals. The message brought up an interesting Japanese perspective of the forces of good and evil and how the balance of both affects our lives greatly. I agreed with you when you brought up the interesting point about personifying San as a balance of hatred and protection for his family. Your blog post was most insightful and I can not wait to read more!