peichmann - 2015-03-28 17:43:40

This was an unbelievable piece of art. It reminded me of Zelda: Wind Waker, as well. It was spooky and creepy at times, but fascinating and beautiful. 

shessel - 2013-12-29 14:08:37

Mononoke is an anime that not too many people would know about, yet it is also an anime that many people appreciate and see that it is not your average anime but a well thought out and an interesting one at the very least.

Story:

There are 5 different stories in this anime series and in each of them we follow the medicine seller who exorcise the ayakashi demons. the first 4 stories are set in the Edo period (After the Sengoku period and the Feudal wars) during the Tokugawa peace. Whereas the last story where we see a more modern Japan is set in the Meiji period from what we can tell. The stories are simple and straight forward. The medicine seller comes to places where the ayakashi are, and to exorcise them he has a sword which needs to know the form (Katachi), the truth behind its appearance (Makoto) and the regrets or the reason behind its behaviour (Kotowari) of an ayakashi. These stories involve several people who are already involved or get involved. And the stories are of people who have a dark past or sorrowful past. The medicine seller basically unravels these peoples hidden stories and kills the ayakashi whom taken the form of a mononoke which lives on peoples sorrow or regret. Each story is good and well thought out, and the mystery behind what actually happened is also a factor to make you watch it all till the end.

animation:

As for the animation, it is drawn in a distinct Edo period type style. The drawings seem perhaps halfway 2D, but also more surreal. The animation might be to begin with difficult to deal with if you're not used to that kind of animation in an anime, but in the end, it fits the anime perfectly considering it is based in that time. So having animation from that time gives the feel of the Edo period. It also makes it scarier in the sense that the way the scenes are shown from their perspectives and also how the mononoke are drawn, it gives the feel of horror which is what this anime is to begin with.

Sound:

The sound is great, and the effects and the dialouges aswell. And the Music that accompanies this anime is also typical old school Japanese music that also helps to give the feel of the Edo period. There is little to complain about when it comes to the voice acting aswell.

Characters:

The main character which is the medicine seller is in all the episodes as the anime follows him through his journy. for each story there are new characters in play with all their little stories and backgrounds. The characters are all different and have their own problems and stories to tell. Though the main protagonist is probably the best character of them all, as he stays cool no matter what the occasion is. He is a person that doesn't talk unnecessarily, and keeps the convos short. Indeed an intriguing character.

enjoyment:

There is always something going on, as in the story is always developing to unravel the mystery about each mononoke. It is indeed an interesting watch for those who don't mind the animation and of course like mysteries and somewhat emotional stories.

Overall:

The overall rating would be that it is a great anime which shows us peoples stories from over 300 years ago, their sorrow and regrets which we all have today aswell. I would definately recommend watching this anime if the genre is something you're into. If this is not what you're used to, you should still give it a try. Mononoke is indeed an underrated anime that should be better known for its story, characters and enjoyment. It deserves its 8/10.