Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain Is a Must See

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Title Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain
Director Kenji Nakamura
Studio EOTA
Release Date 07/26/2024 (Japan), 11/28/2024 (Worldwide)

As a long-time anime enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in various genres and styles, I must say that “Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain” is an absolute gem that truly stands out from the crowd. The intricate art style, reminiscent of a beautifully crafted parchment painting, captivated me instantly, transporting me to a world where every hue and texture seemed to come alive with purpose and intention.

“A potential drawback of ‘Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain’ is that its lack of a theatrical release is disappointing, especially for such a visually stunning film. Even a brief, one-day screening would have been worthwhile, as there aren’t many films or even fewer anime productions, aside from the original ‘Mononoke’, that compare to its beauty.

Since his last directorial stint on “Gatchaman Crowds Insight” in 2015, Kenji Nakamura seems to have been spending time similar to what one might do while cooking. However, instead of whipping up a dish, he’s been preparing for his return to the director’s chair. This return came in the form of a theatrical trilogy, which marks his reentry into the supernatural horror genre that he initially crafted back in 2006. The story follows a nomadic “Medicine Seller,” but it turns out that his true profession is exorcism. This tale began as part of an anthology before evolving into a full-fledged series.

A Phantom Dwells Within the Ōoku

The movie starts by showcasing its unique location – the Ōoku, a palace exclusively for Lord Tenshi’s harem, where men are barred from entry. There is buzzing anticipation at the gates as people bring gifts in preparation for an imminent ceremony honoring the Lord’s newborn child. Interestingly, this celebration was postponed for several months beforehand. Amidst the crowd, two young women make their way, not to offer gifts, but to begin their duties as servants within the Ōoku.

At the front gates, it’s possible that Asa and Kame crossed paths, yet they swiftly grew close friends, each feeling privileged to join the Lord’s entourage. However, their arrival coincides with a period of intense mystery. Suspension fills the air, and two individuals have been admitted into the Ōoku for inquiry regarding the postponement of the Celebratory Birth Ceremony. Meanwhile, the mysterious Medicine Seller lingers beyond the walls, kept under surveillance by guards, eagerly watching for any hints of… some secretive movement inside.

Putting Mononoke in Context

In numerous aspects – both storytelling and visual style – the film “Mononoke” mirrors its TV series counterpart. The Apothecary and an assortment of fresh characters come across a distinctly terrifying entity, yet eradicating it isn’t as straightforward for the Apothecary as simply eliminating it. Instead, he must uncover the spirit’s origin, essence, and rationale, frequently discovering its tragic history and the immense pain it experienced in life that led it to become a “Mononoke” upon death.

In much the same way that certain aspects matter greatly, “The Phantom in the Rain” seems unique, yet seldom jarring or unsuitable. This could be because of a shift in medium. What excels on television doesn’t always translate to cinematic success. The film’s enigmatic traits shared with its original series can undoubtedly be attributed to Nakamura’s direction, but not every modification hits the mark.

Mononoke Makes Haste At Some Cost

Mononoke, unlike many other films, is particularly adept at creating tension without needing much time. Unlike its original version which immersed viewers in the atmosphere gradually, this film moves at a faster pace. To some, this might be an advantage and it doesn’t diminish the intrigue that the movie carries. In fact, Nakamura’s storytelling demonstrates its effectiveness under pressure, as the visual narrative effectively portrays characters.

One major challenge faced by the movie lies in its expansive cast. While Yuuichi Takahashi’s designs are stunning, viewers will barely get to know a small portion of them before the end credits play. It’s important to remember that this could be a minor issue as it might not hold up once more parts of the trilogy unfold. After all, the Medicine Seller’s journey in the Ōoku is far from complete, as hinted by the trailer for Part 2.

Despite some uneven pacing, particularly with the main characters from Part 1’s storyline, this film showcases depth that warrants multiple viewings. However, I find its conclusion unfolds a bit too swiftly, leaving me with the feeling that there are still pieces of the puzzle to be pieced together instead of all becoming clear at once.

A Mesmeric Tale About Sacrifice

The interpretation of the aforementioned point can differ from one viewer to another based on their level of observation, but be confident that there’s an abundance of intricate details to uncover. Mononoke stands out with its exceptionally creative and original animation style. A subtle texture is skillfully incorporated into the visuals, giving the impression of wrinkles and folds similar to those found on parchment. This adds a lifelike quality to the artwork, making it seem as if a painting has come to life.

It’s some of the best color design in anime that I’ve ever seen…

Moreover, the color scheme is nothing short of remarkable. It rotates through a myriad of hues, each given its moment to shine, but never creating a chaotic or crowded effect, as there’s always a purpose behind it. This, in my opinion, ranks among the finest color designs in anime, not due to the abundance of colors used, but rather the thoughtful way they are employed. The world is portrayed in an exaggerated manner, yet its characters exhibit all too human traits – both endearing and loathsome.

How Mononoke Explores Its Themes

“A key aspect of Mononoke involves its examination of gender injustices, which was a significant factor behind the recasting of Takahiro Sakurai, who originally voiced the Medicine Seller, following a scandal involving infidelity. Given that the series addresses such themes, his casting initially would have been problematic for a show set within a harem context. Hiroshi Kamiya (from Monogatari) seamlessly steps into the role as if it was always intended for him.

Upon Asa and Kame’s arrival, they are immediately requested to part with something dear to them. Their transformation is necessary for their duty within the Ōoku, and they become possessions of their lord. Every woman preceding them has made this sacrifice – a void that eventually fills with simmering resentment, which eventually erupts, unleashing the Mononoke.

Closing the Book on Part 1

The script is sharp and thought-provoking in its exploration of these ideas, and Asa and Kame’s relationship is the heart of the film. Asa is bright, confident, capable, and manages to excel in her duties while rarely losing the part of her that the Ōoku was built to strip her of. Kame is kind and bursting with energy, but she’s not as strong as Asa nor as diligent a worker, which makes her easy prey for the other women who wish to ascend as she aspires. They are interesting leads, although Kame could be a bit irritating at points.

Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain is a captivating visual masterpiece that unfortunately, many viewers missed out on experiencing in cinemas. It’s worth a watch at least once, preferably on the biggest screen available, and pay attention to the soundtrack too, as Taku Iwasaki’s score is as lively as the colors portrayed. Fans of the supernatural, the frightening, or even those with a soft spot for romance will find much to appreciate in this movie.

Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain is available to stream on Netflix.

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2024-12-12 19:04