The Mononoke Resurgence: Rediscovering the Timeless Cult Classic

Highlights

Mononoke is a cult classic anime with visually stunning art direction and a captivating narrative that offers a unique and cerebral experience.

The series tracks the Medicine Seller, an enigmatic individual who pursues vengeful spirits, referred to as "mononoke," and must unravel their form, truth, and purpose in order to vanquish them.

Every episode delves into the past of the characters impacted by these spirits, unveiling societal injustices and underscoring the protagonist's mission to bring solace to their souls.

Mononoke, a cult classic anime, has a captivating allure that remains culturally significant even to those who have never seen it. This visually stunning masterpiece by Toei Animation, directed by Kenji Nakamura and with scripts by Ikuko Takahashi, Michiko Yokote, and Chiaki J. Konaka, offers a uniquely cerebral experience. Aired in 2007, Mononoke is actually a spinoff of the anthology series Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, where the protagonist of this series initially appeared.

Shape, Truth, and Reason

Mononoke tells the tale of the Medicine Seller, also known as Kusuriuri, who roams across Japan as a traveling merchant. However, there is much more to him than meets the eye. He possesses a dangerous skill for hunting down vengeful spirits, referred to as "mononoke" in Japanese, and eliminating them with his exorcism sword. But before he can draw his sword, the Medicine Seller must unravel the mysteries of the mononoke by discerning their shape, truth, and reason.

In stories involving spirits and exorcisms, it is never as simple as merely killing them off. These spirits, burdened by unresolved matters in the physical world, are emotionally connected to people, objects, and ideas, which anchor them to our reality. This is why most ghost stories revolve around protagonists researching and understanding the spirits that haunt them or others. To banish a spirit, one must comprehend it.

This series embodies the essence of the concept, establishing rules and creating anticipation as each of the three prerequisites are fulfilled, sometimes in different orders. The mononoke may hide its true form, or the origin of the mononoke may differ from the theories of the Medicine Seller and his companions. It is a mysterious tale in which the protagonist serves as both a ghost hunter and a detective.

The enigmatic nature of the Medicine Seller matches that of the spirits he exorcises, and as the series unfolds, one begins to suspect that he is not entirely human. He remains calm and composed, unperturbed by the events around him. His soothing voice captures the attention of those present, contrasting with their unease in the presence of vengeful spirits.

This type of narrative centers around a protagonist who assumes the role of an observer. Although he intervenes to save lives and uncover the truth, he always remains composed. His enigmatic nature is accentuated by his distinct charm, setting him apart from those he protects. The complexities of his character unfold through his interactions with different individuals.

As a result, the supporting cast plays a vital role in the story. In each of the twelve episodes spanning five stories, the Medicine Seller finds himself accompanied by a diverse group of individuals who also face the wrath of the mononoke, sometimes being specifically targeted. These encounters with spirits serve as a conduit for self-discovery for each character, shedding light on their true selves.

In the second story, called "Umibouzu," the passengers on a boat are questioned about their greatest fears by a fish-shaped mononoke playing a biwa. Regardless of their responses, their fears materialize, briefly highlighting their past experiences. Likewise, the final story, "Bakeneko," revolves around a group of seemingly unrelated individuals who are connected through their association with a young woman who allegedly took her own life.

It is worth noting that a clear pattern emerges as the series progresses. Each story sheds light on injustices inflicted upon women in some form, which reframes the perception of the Medicine Seller as a hero. He is not merely banishing malevolent spirits, but also bringing peace to the tormented souls whose suffering reflects society's indifference towards their pain.

The Look and Feel of Mononoke

Mononoke's art direction is its most distinct quality, drawing in viewers with its traditional Japanese theater aesthetic and clever incorporation of classic horror mythology. This is exemplified through the use of sliding doors at the start and end of each episode, resembling the opening and closing of a theatrical performance.

The color design is both vivid and dreamlike, crafting expansive and unforgettable settings. Fans of Nakamura's previous work, such as Tsuritama, will appreciate the expressive abstraction used to convey the emotional depth of the narrative. In the "Nopperabou" tale, a female prisoner recounts her family's torment, but their faces remain unseen. Instead, they are symbolized through voice-over accompanied by evocative paintings.

In the story "Nue," the colors are faded and gray throughout, except for the vibrant hues of the Medicine Seller. However, a momentary return to color occurs whenever the characters catch a whiff of incense. The color palette in Mononoke is extensively crafted, with meticulous attention given to every shade. The character designs may appear unusual, but this adds to the deliberate and methodical nature of the series.

It is evident that this series prioritizes the personalities and expressionism of its characters over conforming to conventional beauty standards. From the very first episode to the final one, the characters are skillfully brought to life through the animation and the talented voice cast adds depth to the dramatic moments in the story. Without the exceptional vocal performances, the beauty of the artwork alone would not suffice to bring the characters to life.

The Return of Mononoke

In terms of its sound, the content can strike a delicate balance between serenity and terror, effectively enhancing the chilling atmosphere through the careful implementation of different sounds. The musical composition by Yasuharu Takanashi (known for his work on Naruto: Shippuuden, Boruto, Zombieland Saga) is equally satisfying and successfully amplifies the most visceral and human moments of the story.

For those considering giving this series a chance, it is definitely worth it for fans of the supernatural and abstract. Especially with the upcoming release of a new feature film in 2024, directed by Kenji Nakamura. It's truly remarkable that this cult classic is returning to captivate audiences once again after 18 years. However, the new film has faced controversy.

In late 2022, it was revealed that Takahiro Sakurai, the voice actor for the Medicine Seller, was involved in a messy extramarital affair with the writer of his travel radio show. In light of the story's focus on the mistreatment of women, the publisher Twin Engine decided it would be incongruent with the message to retain Sakurai. As a result, Hiroshi Kamiya (known for his role as Koyomi Araragi in the Monogatari Series) will now provide the voice for the character instead.

Mononoke stands out among anime with its unique visual style. This alone is reason enough to give this captivating tale a chance. With its stunning and occasionally chilling elements, the story takes viewers on an adventurous journey that never stays stagnant. Moreover, at its core, Mononoke delves into a profound exploration of the enduring anguish that remains in the world even after death. Stream Mononoke now on Netflix.