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Aug 15, 6:56 PM
#1

Offline
Apr 2008
502
What a scary mononoke this time around; one that could not forgive itself and thus was self-destructive to its core. Very fitting for a fire-based spirit.

Finally the demonslayer has (re-)gained official entry into the imperial harem. But now there will be a snake lurking around the corner, and apparently within the walls themselves...

As typical of Mononoke, both the original short, the series, and now the movies, every frame is like its own painting, gorgeously rendered. It's astounding that these artistic and highly detailed frames are not only stand-alone masterpieces but brought to life with animation. Incredible work.
Sometimes the great detail makes it difficult to discern what is going on in every scene, but that only invites multiple viewings, which I think will only serve to endear this unique art form to any repeat audience.

I'm not completely a fan of the forced-paper-crease filter every frame gets put through, and it makes me wonder how much better the animation and beauty of the actual linework and detail would be if it were more toned down and changed dynamically every single scene instead of being static throughout (for examples, look to the original Mononoke short or the series it spawned for what the quality could have been). It can create a nice touch, but to have the effect not alter with the scene changes of the art on the screen ends up (to me) making it feel jarring and distracting. I was hoping the second movie would be different from the first in this respect, but oh well. Despite that, the animation and art design are still top notch.
SpirelordAug 17, 12:07 AM
Aug 15, 8:00 PM
#2
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Nov 2018
4
The plot was just alright but the art style and animation is absolutely next level! I could watch this on mute and still enjoy every frame!
Aug 17, 6:12 AM
#3
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Jan 2020
84
This was a noticable improvement to the first movie!

I feel the story for this one was much easier to follow and it didn't feel nearly as convoluted as the first movie. This might've been due to the pacing, aswell as the more streamlined narrative.

Not saying that the narrative of the first movie was bad by any means, but it was really hard to follow due to the fast and chaotic execution.

Very good character drama and action in this one! looking forward to the third instalment!
Aug 17, 11:34 AM
#4

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Jan 2021
180
This is one of the best animations released this decade, absolutely a must watch.


People who consider themselves to be Anime Elitists need to learn what grass is.
Aug 17, 8:07 PM
#5

Offline
Feb 2018
225
I love Mononoke just generally, but the medicine sellers all have such awesome character designs. Along with the use of color throughout the movie, it's very enjoyable to watch.

In my dream world, we get anime content with all 64 (I think) different medicine sellers just because I like the stories and art styles.
Aug 17, 9:16 PM
#6
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May 2020
1159
These folks sure know how to cook! It's too bad this will be overshadowed by Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man this fall AOTY for movies!
Aug 18, 12:36 PM
#7

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Jul 2011
168
Honestly, I found this one just okay compared to the first movie. I saw that the last movie had a lot of complaints about there being too much going on visually and narratively to follow easily, but I really liked that you had to pay close attention to the layered symbolism to get the full picture, and I thought the emotional beats were more interesting. I
The sequel, on the other hand, felt a bit too straightforward with an uncomplicated emotional landscape and a predictable mystery. The pacing was better, but the story did not have much to say.

If I just played this movie in the background while working on something else, I would miss the beautiful animation, but none of the story would be lost.

7/10

Works well an an in-between story, but I’m excited for the next installment
samspot8r8sAug 19, 11:31 AM
Aug 22, 11:46 PM
#8

Offline
Dec 2020
657
that was absolutely magnificent

the way these movies have been structured with such originality is incredible, the presentation just lends to its strengths so well

i really hope people start to catch on to just how stunning this production is, in spite of any of its release being continually botched by *ahem*
🌈 i just want gintama back
Sep 2, 6:13 PM
#9

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Oct 2016
3070
Another fine exorcism story, though this was one was shorter and was less crazy.
Sep 5, 6:52 PM

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Apr 2020
992
this movie has pro-life themes while the previous movie had women empowerment themes

Sep 7, 9:06 AM
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May 2025
13
Reply to Chika_tetsu
this movie has pro-life themes while the previous movie had women empowerment themes
@Chika_tetsu Previous movie's theme was to not become a soulless husk so your superiors can use you better, because they will just throw you away. This movie's theme is that progress cannot be stopped and that you should protect what is important to you. That it ended up being pro-life is just really result of the setting, Ooku is all about producing the heir.
Sep 9, 6:38 AM

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Mar 2013
43
Liked this one even more than the previous <3
Dec 11, 4:59 AM

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Nov 2021
393
Man, I love this franchise! That one-of-a-kind art style that looks like a moving ukiyo-e painting, the storytelling that blends folklore, mystery, and philosophy, the characters and OSTs that make every scene feel otherworldly. Everything about Mononoke stays immaculate as always, this time too.
The Immortal Lord of Heaven and Earth for Blessings;
The Sky Lord of Heaven and Earth for Blessings;
The Exalted Thearch of Heaven and Earth for Blessings;
The Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings.




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It’s time to ditch the text file.
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