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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Studio Ghibli Fest 2018 continues with ‘Princess Mononoke’

Dan Webster

Hayao Miyazaki is recognized around the world as an animation master. His 2001 film "Spirited Away" won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, which was a long time coming considering his career began in the late '60s.

And his career as a director, mostly with Studio Ghibli, has produced such films as "Castle in the Sky," "Kiki's Delivery Service," "Porco Rosso" and "My Neighbor Totoro."

One of his best-reviewed films, one that cemented his international reputation, was the 1997 film "Princess Mononoke." Boasting Studio Ghibli's pristine visuals, paired with an pro-environment theme, "Princess Mononoke" proved to be one of Studio Ghibli most successful and critically acclaimed efforts.

As critic Joe Morgenstern wrote in the Wall Street Journal, "Some of the images in 'Princess Mononoke' are not just unforgettable, they're almost edible in their vibrantly colored beauty. I haven't taken in animation quite so hungrily since I was a kid watching Disney features for the first few times."

So, Miyazaki fans will be happy to know that "Princess Mononoke" is the next offering in Studio Ghibli Fest 2018. It is slated to screen at 12:55 p.m. on Sunday, 7 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday at the Regal Cinemas' theaters at Northtown Mall and Coeur d'Alene's Riverstone Stadium. The Sunday and Wednesday screenings will be dubbed, while Monday's will be in the original Japanese with English subtitles.

As one of the film's characters says, "You cannot change fate. However, you can rise to meet it, if you so choose."

That statement could stand as a testament to Miyazaki's whole career.