Hayao Miyazaki’s film Princess Mononoke takes place in fictitious Japan during the 15th century – a point in time in which cities and towns are quickly industrializing. The main character, Ashitaka, journeys to Irontown, which is currently on one side of a vicious war against the spirits of the forest. The inhabitants of Irontown are pillaging and wrecking the forest in order to expand their town and acquire more resources. What is important about this movie, however, is that it doesn’t villainize either side of the war. The people in Irontown are poor, outcasts of society (deformed, disabled, etc), and/or are women, and it is through industrialization that they are able to provide for themselves.
The message in this animated film is important, because it forces viewers to consider a complex question- how can we live life sustainably while making sure the poor and disenfranchised are still members of this society?
