This mythological tale set in ancient times when the great forest gods battled with the humans infringing upon their sacred domain is directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Japan's leading animator. The English dubbed version was scripted by Neil Gaiman, creator and writer of the award-winning monthly DC comics. The voices are provided by Billy Crudup, Minnie Driver, Claire Danes, Billy Bob Thornton, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Gillian Anderson. Princess Mononoke is Japan's all-time box office champion.

Prince Ashitaka is wounded in a battle with a crazed and worm-infested boar. He is told by a seer that he must travel to the west in order to have the curse lifted. Ashitaka's pilgrimage brings him into contact with samurai warriors, adorable wood spirits, and a monk who is seeking an elixir that will give the emperor immortality.

Then the pilgrim meets the formidable Lady Eboshi who operates a giant ironworks on the edge of the forest. Many wolves, boars, bears, and chimpanzees have been killed to make way for progress. The Great Forest Spirit, a mythological creature of noble beauty and dignity has empowered the gods to protect the natural world from these invaders. Of course, Lady Eboshi, who employs lepers and ex-prostitutes in her enterprises, faces attack by rivals. Prince Ashitaka is most impressed by Princess Mononoke who has been raised by wolves and sides with the animals. The Prince's mission is to find a middle way that will accommodate the needs of humans and the ancient ways of the forest gods.

This extraordinary English version of the Japanese animated feature offers a treasure trove of memorable images and vignettes about the practices of indigenous peoples, the beauty and the ferocity of the animal realm, the vitality of frontier communities, and the challenges faced by peacemakers who seek harmony in a world divided by conflict.