Any anime fans out there amongst us MALEs? If not, many of the young men in your circles are. Hiyao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke may be less well known in the United States, but has a respected following internationally and can be found on many Top Movie lists, including IMDb's Top 250 (Internet Movie Database). While titled after a princess, the story's main character is a Christ-figure, Prince Ashitaka.

As many of us are, Ashitaka is incurably wounded—thus initiated—early on. He must journey, beyond the comforts of home and the local support group, to the forests of the west, if there is to be any hope of a cure. Once there, he finds a human city waging war against the forrest and its protectors. Ashitaka sees both good and evil on both sides of the conflict and steps in to do what he must. This is met with animosity by both sides as they each see him as supporting the enemy.

Princess Mononoke is widely available through most DVD outlets, including Netflix and Blockbuster. You might also try your local library.

 

Discussion Questions

Consider organizing a small group viewing of this movie. The discussion questions below can serve as starting points for discussion afterwards.

1. What is the effect of Prince Ashitaka’s battle with the demon in the beginning of the movie for good and for ill? What have been the dark and the light of the defining moments in your life?
2. How does the Wise Woman interpret Ashitaka being touched by the demon? How must Ashitaka’s tribe view him after this event? Is their rejection personal? How have I been affected by my culture’s opinion of and dealings with me?
3. Joseph Campbell is quoted as saying, "Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.” How does Ashitaka view The Mark? How does his relationship with his wound evolve through his experiences? How do I view/relate to my sacred wounds?
4. Anthony de Mello tells us, "You always empower the demon you fight." In the story, what is the difference between a god and a demon? How does Prince Ashitaka’s attitude toward violence differ from that of those he encounters? What must I work at removing before I can “see with eyes unclouded?”
5. Who does Ashitaka assist and/or come alongside and/or befriend? Who does Ashitaka make enemies with? To what extent does he identify (make self the same as) with the other main characters (i.e. Lady Oboshi, Jigo, Princess Mononoke, Boar Clan, Wolf Clan)?
6. How is Ashitaka related with his environment? What could it mean that the Forrest Spirit is a god of life AND death? Why must human hands return God’s honor, symbolized in the Forrest Spirit’s head, back to God? How can I return God’s honor back to him in my life?