As suggested by Sierra et al. (2015, p. 40), Princess Mononoke recreated some complex archetypes of female characters and their connection with nature. The portrayal of of San and Lady Eboshi ‘reflect subconscious anxieties about women in positions of power’. Napier (2001) also argued that Princess Mononoke film has had ambiguous archetypes and icons; ranging from the notion of the emperor’s characteristics to the traditional symbolism of feminism, to create a new vision of a Japan’s history. This film was negotiating changes in identity for its Japanese audience.
Napier (2001) further argued that Princess Mononoke film consistently undermine audience expectations of how the world should be. The film combines ‘facts and fiction’ which was a crucial element in it destabilizing effect. Miyazaki (Napier 2005, p. 231) stated that in this particular film, he did not adapt the conventional female characterization and as compared to his previous films, …show more content…
(2015, p. 48) theorized that although San was coded as feminine, she had displayed the characteristics of a barbaric and uncontrolled femininity of nature, a femininity that was out of the cultural system and must be controlled properly. San was depicted as the forest princess even though she was not a spirit of the forest. San’s strong independence and strength cast a boundary between her and human society, demonstrating her strong connection with nature, living forever outside of culture.
Napier (2001) further explained that the most ambiguous character was Lady Eboshi. Without any support or family ties, Eboshi independently ruled Tatara, the iron manufacturing town. Lady Eboshi seemed to be removed from any historical context, since the idea of an isolated utopia communities led by a woman who was both a military commander and fighter seemed to be fictional. It was an undermining of traditional conventions, a woman who has ruled and constructed Tatara as a safe place for outcast women and ill
Napier (2001) further argued that Princess Mononoke film consistently undermine audience expectations of how the world should be. The film combines ‘facts and fiction’ which was a crucial element in it destabilizing effect. Miyazaki (Napier 2005, p. 231) stated that in this particular film, he did not adapt the conventional female characterization and as compared to his previous films, …show more content…
(2015, p. 48) theorized that although San was coded as feminine, she had displayed the characteristics of a barbaric and uncontrolled femininity of nature, a femininity that was out of the cultural system and must be controlled properly. San was depicted as the forest princess even though she was not a spirit of the forest. San’s strong independence and strength cast a boundary between her and human society, demonstrating her strong connection with nature, living forever outside of culture.
Napier (2001) further explained that the most ambiguous character was Lady Eboshi. Without any support or family ties, Eboshi independently ruled Tatara, the iron manufacturing town. Lady Eboshi seemed to be removed from any historical context, since the idea of an isolated utopia communities led by a woman who was both a military commander and fighter seemed to be fictional. It was an undermining of traditional conventions, a woman who has ruled and constructed Tatara as a safe place for outcast women and ill