A mesmerizing piece of art - with its animation and art style which sit somewhere between gorgeous and unsettling, and its paper-texture overlay, it feels like an ancient ghost story come to life. On the other hand, its layers, symbolism and open-ended conclusions sometimes work to its detriment. You may find yourself scratching your head for a few minutes after certain story arcs have concluded, wondering when you got lost and whether you were supposed to really understand what was going on to begin with. In the end, that doesn't make it much less worth watching, and watching again a few dozen times.
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pestacular9 May 2022
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mridakshi13 May 2021You should really watch mononoke and pay close attention as it discloses more than what meets the eye at first, the classic horror theme is prominent In the starting episodes, and it very well throws you off the psychological aspects at first. The animation style is gorgeous, it may not be everyone's thing but it only adds to the show, the show very subtly deals with psychological horror and the things human nature is capable of, it has 2-3 stories that each span a few episodes, each different from the rest, a must watch if the unconventional is your taste.
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pinedocarolina5 November 2013This is not your average anime, it has an art concept based and the ancient paints that Japan is famous for.
Mononoke follows a wandering, nameless character known only as the "Medicine Seller" (voiced by Takahiro Sakurai). The series is made up of individual chapters in which the medicine seller encounters, combats and subsequently destroys mononoke. The "mononoke" are a type of ayakashi, unnatural spirits that linger in the human world. The Medicine Seller always proceeds in the same manner, using his knowledge of the supernatural to fend off the mononoke until he can learn the spirit's shape (Katachi), truth (Makoto) and reasoning (Kotowari).
The opening track is "Kagen no Tsuki" by Komatsu Ryouta and Charlie Kousei and the ending is "Natsu no Hana" by JUJU.
In a personal note, the stories are more mysterious than scary, there was two stories that were actually kind of scary to me. It really deserves more recognition in the anime world. -
ja_kitty_719 September 2016Here is another horror anime I found awesome! I was looking for more Yokai anime to watch, and I came across this brilliantly animated series from Toei Animation.
Now I wasn't sure if this series is a spin-off of an earlier series called "Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales" or simply related because the last story from that series features the lead from this series-a mysterious "medicine seller" who exorcises spirits known as "mononoke." But either way, I really like this series.
My personal opinion on this anime series is that I thought the animation eerily psychedelic, but also visually brilliant. So anyway as I said: I really like this series and it's now another favorite from Toei Animation; I'm a huge Toei fan. -
muhd-ahad6 April 2015The series has a lot to offer for an audience searching for a beautiful piece of art. Its distinctive animation is of the many reasons anyone would enjoy watching it.
Anthology basically, the series surrounds the mysterious "Medicine Seller" who comes across demonic spirits referred to as the "Mononoke". The series is set during the Japanese Edo Period but being an anthology series, the 5 arcs differ from one another with the later ones appearing to be in a more recent era. The Medicine Seller basically believes as his rightful duty to slay the demonic spirits and requires the Mononoke's "Truth", "Form" and "Regret" before he can finally do so.
All in all, the show has great story lines, filled with chills and suspense and would keep you gripped till the very end. The animation features a paint-like touch to it and would also delight viewers who may not be anime fans themselves. A highly recommended classic and an excellent psychological horror. -
coles_notes12 September 2022A short 12 episode anime following the nameless Medicine Man, a wandering protagonist who uses his magic sword to slay invading mononoke, or vengeful spirits, back to the spirit realm. Originally a spin-off of the loosely related Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, episodes are always grouped into 2-parters or 3-parters, each following a different short story of a spirit haunting inhabitants. The animation style is a reason alone to watch this series above all else, it is absolutely stunning, all done in a 2D Japanese ink painting style. Because of its style non of the horror is scary really, in that sense, but the plots and representations are just as chilling. The plot (a wandering healer exorcising spirits across late feudal Japan) is a plot very similar to a personal favourite Mushi-shi, which I would also recommend, but was very different in all other aspects. I had a ton of fun watching this, would highly recommend. And just in time, there's currently speculation around an upcoming 15-year anniversary film to be released in 2023, so here's to looking forward to that.
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I found this show by pure chance. I took a chance with something that was completely unknown to me, having seen or heard nothing about it, just watching it on the recommendation of someone.
That's exactly how a show like this should be enjoyed, with no expectations for the purest kind of viewing. I recommend you do it too, though you might've already been influenced by the reviews here.
It's not for no reason that this show was voted the studio's most beloved show of all time. That vote has lead to the studio now making a new story for it, to be released in 2023. Hopefully there'll be a re-release so I can buy it!
Still, here is my review!
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I can understand if people don't find this one particularly interesting as it will require some patience to watch. You will not be blown away by non-stop action, but be required to actually pay attention to what's going on. The art style might be a turn-off for some, while evidently (and to me as well) one of the biggest draws of this particular show.
Through the viewing of this show you are given visual hints as through the strange art style, the actions of the characters and the dialogue, hints that during your first viewing you may not pick up on. Some of them are even red herrings to mislead you to the wrong conclussion. But eventually, more and more things are revealed in twists and turns until the climax of each story arc where the truth of each case is revealed.
My favorite one is the second story arc, Umibozu. It really takes you for a ride and has some stunning visuals.
So if you're not willing to sit down and enjoy the visuals, the excellent drama, the interesting characters and the twists of a who-dun-it mystery I suspect this might bore you. I'm sure there's some Shounen show out there that'll fit you better, one that doesn't require your brain to function. -
christineballone23 July 2023I love Japanese anime, I'm a 74 year old grandma and a big Ghibli studio fan! What brought me here is the title "Mononoke" which I found out has nothing to do with " Princess Mononoke" by Ghibli studios lol! I was intrigued by the colours and detailed art at first and kept watching! Truly I don't know why I still keep watching but I started it and now I want to know what is happening! I love everything Japanese and this very colourful art nouveau style anime show just got me hooked!
The details in the anime are simply amazing, the colours beautiful and I get to learn a bit more about Japanese culture! -
jonfmac19 April 2023This anime had little to no animation in it. What it was composed of, almost entirely, was still graphic overlays. Most of the apparent animation was done by shaking, sliding, or rotating them. The graphics were based on the school of Heinz Edelman circa 1968 as seen in the movie Yellow Submarine. Many elements were lifted almost entirely from there and included the same creative elements such as rooms and scenery that couldn't possibly have fit into a given location or scenario, as well as random visuals floating across the screen. Frankly, it was done better in Yellow Submarine. Still, it was pretty.
The story was pretentious at best and not well written. There was little to no world logic to the storey, and what there was, was mostly inconsistent. Jargon was used to substitute for a script. The same statements were used repeatedly. Each episode kept telling you what it just told you over and over. I don't think I could listen to the line "Ah. I see." One more time. It made the dialog exceedingly tedious. And it was slow... so very slow, relying on the graphics for exposition, which never happened. As a horror, it was underwhelming.
Music? What music? Yes, there was an opening and closing song, neither memorable. During the story there was mostly no musical background except for random notes thrown from the speaker randomly from time to time. The notes seemed to have been randomly sampled from Classical Japanese instruments. No musical themes linked the notes together. They were there to break up the monotony of the dialog. Once every three or so episodes there would actually be a small instrumental interlude lasting a very short period of time, but again, completely unmemorable.
If you are into experimental visuals then this might be for you. As an anime, it's a bust. It definitely is not meant for children. For most people, I would recommend a pass. This series is far to pretentious to be entertaining. A rating of 6 was the best that I could do, and it's very generous. -
Mononoke, an anime series that delves into the world of spirits and supernatural occurrences, presents viewers with visually stunning artistry and intriguing stories. While the show boasts a unique visual style and captivating narratives, its lack of consistency and occasional pacing issues hinder its overall impact.
One of the standout aspects of Mononoke is its breathtaking visual presentation. The series features a distinctive art style that combines intricate and detailed traditional Japanese aesthetics with vibrant colors and bold designs. Each episode is a visual feast, with the artistry bringing the spirit-filled world to life in a visually striking manner. The attention to detail and the creative use of visual elements contribute to the series' overall allure.
Furthermore, Mononoke weaves together episodic stories that explore different supernatural phenomena and the interactions between humans and spirits. The narratives often delve into complex themes, including guilt, regret, and the consequences of human actions. The series excels in presenting thought-provoking scenarios and exploring the psychological aspects of the characters' experiences. These intriguing storylines add depth and substance to the series, providing moments of reflection and introspection.
However, Mononoke suffers from inconsistency, particularly in its pacing and storytelling. While some episodes are tightly paced, filled with suspense and tension, others tend to drag on, lacking the necessary momentum to fully engage the audience. The varying quality of the individual story arcs can lead to an uneven viewing experience, with moments of brilliance interspersed with more lackluster episodes. This inconsistency hampers the series' ability to maintain a consistent level of engagement throughout its run.
Additionally, Mononoke's storytelling style, while unique, may not resonate with all viewers. The deliberate pacing, fragmented narratives, and reliance on symbolic imagery can be challenging to follow at times. The series expects viewers to piece together the puzzle-like structure of each story, which can result in a sense of detachment and confusion. While this approach may appeal to those who enjoy deciphering symbolism and exploring non-linear storytelling, it may alienate viewers seeking a more straightforward narrative experience.
Character development in Mononoke is often minimal. The focus is primarily on the individual stories and the spirits encountered, leaving little room for significant character growth or depth. While the enigmatic protagonist known as the "Medicine Seller" is intriguing, his stoic nature and mysterious background can create a barrier to forming strong emotional connections with the audience.
In conclusion, Mononoke presents a visually stunning and intellectually engaging series that explores supernatural phenomena and psychological themes. Its unique art style and intriguing narratives provide moments of brilliance and thought-provoking storytelling. However, the lack of consistency in pacing and storytelling, along with the sometimes challenging narrative style, detract from the overall viewing experience. While it may appeal to fans of atmospheric and symbolic storytelling, Mononoke may not fully satisfy viewers seeking a more consistent and emotionally resonant anime series. -
slidextreme19 April 2023Don't bother watching this. I promise you will be upset that you forced yourself to watch the whole thing. It's a High School Art project at best. If you like Art projects great. And I'm literally only talking about the animation. Yeah it's different. Different doesn't mean better.
There is no there there. The story is extremely boring and extremely slow. I couldn't find a single episode where I found myself wanting to know what happens next. If you decide to watch this and can't get past the first episode then you won't like the rest of the episodes either. I love anime! This was excruciating to watch. -
I feel like this series is rated highly only due to the artstyle, but outside that there's nothing of interest. The stories are not engaging nor particularly well written, and the boredom reigns supreme. Also, on a second thought, this type of art has NOTHING TO DO with Kanashimi no Belladonna, so there's that. I guess it was a doomed project from the very start, since it originated from the most boring and uninteresting part of Ayakaski: Japanese horror story. Don't believe the hype, it's not the masterpiece people make out of it. Avoid safely.