Task 1
The Princess of Mononoke shows the viewers how environmentalism feels like for the characters because the characters are directly affected emotionally. For the viewers, it can clearly be seen that in the movie the main conflict stems from the concept that a curse, caused by human invention, causes extreme obstacles for not only the forest but the inhabitants of it as well as the additional characters. As far as the second key-term, co-existence can be seen through the characters because it is a common theme throughout the movie up until the very end that coexistence is needed in order for conflict between characters to be eliminated. As far as the viewers seeing coexistence throughout the movie there are many scenes where co-existence is happening but just may not be super prominent.
In contrast to coexistence being needed for the solution, it doesn’t need to be used as a solution for conflict. For example the former prostitutes, lepers, and the ill all work together in coexistence for Lady Eboshi, which works out in her favor. I think this can be seen clearly for the viewers and less clearly for the characters until the very end.
-Picture 1 briefly shows how without environmentalism there can be karma. Ashitaka tried to take care of the forest and its inhabitants (San) therefore the forest (and others) took care of him.
The movie had an interesting effect on my thought process when it came to the concept of environmentalism. The movie made me realize that environmentalism is certainly something that is learned. I think it is important to acknowledge the consequences of taking too much and giving too little. Lady Eboshi over-used the resources around her such as iron and was unreasonable when it came to stopping due to power. This made me feel emotionally that this is a common issue not only for this film but more importantly in the real world as well. I was excited to note that the producer and writer of this film added the concept of environmentalism because it is a topic that needs more attention. When it comes to coexistence, the concept is similar. This movie made me realize that coexistence is truly needed in order to avoid harsh conflict and allow the “system” to run properly. One of the first uses of coexistence I noted was when Prince Ashitaka tried to get along with both the inhabitants of the rich mining town as well as Lady Eboshi and the animal gods. Due to the fact that these two groups don’t coexist, there is conflict and tension for Prince Ashitaka. I do think this film made me realize that environmentalism and co-existing are correlated. In order to co-existence whether it’s between people and people, or people and the Earth, we must put into the universe what we want to get out of it. If we want the universe to take care of us, (in Lady Eboshi’s case) occupations and power , we must take care of it, be kind, reasonable and respectful. I did find that the anime did artistically help me further understand these two important concepts as well as others like war vs. peace, vengeance etc..in the operation of human culture. I think I do feel more empowered because although these concepts need more recognition, they are still being acknowledged in the film industry and therefore must be getting acknowledged elsewhere.
-Picture 2 shows how if there was co-existence between Lady Eboshi’s men and San/Wolves that there wouldn’t be conflict for Ashitaka or any of the characters.
A parallel that I have considered could be true between the “war” in princess mononoke and the political/cultural system that is fueled by the media in our country could be centered around the idea that it is polarized because on one side we need to limit our resources (like how the forest gods tried to control) and on the other side we need to continue harvesting resources to keep the economy growing (like Lady Eboshi did with her iron).
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