Princess Mononoke 4K 1997

This is Miyazaki’s most thought-provoking animated film, his most serious one. It raises not only the issue of humanity’s relationship with nature—its exploitative, consumerist mindset, which on the one hand leads to catastrophe—but on the other hand, the director highlights the inevitable connection between the technical aspects of industrial production and the surrounding world, conveying the message: “Please, build factories, but don’t forget what helps you survive—the forest, animals, water.”

The most interesting part is the struggle—Prince Ashitaka’s inner struggle—when he is overcome by an illness—anger and a desire for revenge—which he sets out to cure in the hope of finding a remedy. And the remedy lies within us; we just need to see it. The prince will face many difficulties along the way, just as is to be expected in real life, and the people he meets will not always agree with what he advocates, leading to a resolution that leaves the viewer alone with their own thoughts and moral compass.