7. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Princess Mononoke was the 1997 studio Ghibli released and was directed by legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki. Partly inspired by Miyazakis earlier effort, Nauscissa of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, set during the Muromachi period, once again dealt with the environmental consequences that man can have on the natural landscape and something typically synonymous with Miyazaki, forest spirits hoping to defend their tranquil land. The story focuses on outsider Ashitaka, who after being cursed by a demon after it tried to attack his village, goes on a search for a cure to prevent his death. On his travels he encounters the damage caused by others in a town named Irontown. Here forests have been ripped up to produce iron and this in turn angers the forest gods. Ashitaka encounters Princess Mononoke who condemns humans for their destruction and ultimately both attempt to prevent further damage. Again Miyazaki provides a social commentary that reflects the reality of the period it is set. In reality, there was a conflict between the industrialised age and those that valued the more basic, traditional lifestyles. Industrialisation inevitably caused much environmental damage and with the tension and animosity being reflected here Miyazaki represents the perspective from both sides. The animation is once again staggeringly good, with each character having simplistic yet emotive features. The action is once again fluid but the real star is the detail provided to that of nature. Forests are rendered beautifully, with attention to detail hidden away, like little forest dwellers popping up occasionally. The detail particularly on the boar monster is something majestic, the intricacy and recreation of the monster is stunning and provides the film with a glorious figure for those who wish to create their own mystical creatures. Once again, Miyazaki opens up the possibilities of animation and explore the depths of myth, legend and fantasy, It may sound cliché to continuously include Miyazaki films on this list, but the fact remains, no one is better equipped to provide tales of love, loss and combating issues of morality, while providing such fantastical elements involving creatures, dragons and spirits. Princess Mononoke is truly phenomenal.