Talk:Princess Mononoke

Deer god Vs Forest Spirit Dub

In the article is currenlty says - "In the subtitled edition, Shishigami is referred to as the "Deer God", rather than the "Forest Spirit" in the English dub. " I just watched it with the subtitles on it said forest spirit numerous times it didn't say Deer god? Is this only the subtitles on while watching it in Japanese. I was watching English with english subtitles on. --Fujita 18:56, 20 September 2007 (UTC)

First of all, I'm not an expert on the Japanese language. I can't even speak it although I studied it years ago. That being said, the issue that you've mentioned is a common problem that I encounter when looking for the original titles and translations of songs. "Deer God" versus "Forest Spirit" is but the tip of the iceberg. I actually find this interchangeability understandable. Translations differ since that's part of the process and largely depends on what the translator wants to convey to a specific target audience. What I have difficulties with is when different websites give me different titles for the original, e.g. "gami" versus "kami". (When that happens, I open 5 sites and whichever term is more common is the one I choose.) To get to the point, in this case, I would go for "Forest Spirit" since it more accurately reflects Japanese religious beliefs. My best guess here was to put it in the cultural setting. Shintoism is different from the Western concept of God. Kami, for example, are nature spirits (sometimes termed 'deities') who live in different parts of the environment. I suppose the "god" translation was to make it easier for Westerners. (For more on the kami, use wikipedia or type "define:kami" (no quotes) on the Google search page. Any Japanese linguists, translators, or experts out there? SirX 00:16, 14 October 2007 (UTC)

What's the point of all the sexism?

Throughout the film, I noticed there was a significant amount of sexism when and after Ashitaka arrives at Tataraba (feminism, in this case). Is it a joke? A running gag, perhaps? Or was it included to make a point? Is there any source which looks at this particular part of the story? Or...dialogue, I suppose, since it's not particularly involved in the plot. Octane ^{[improve me]} 04.10.07 1003 (UTC)

I believe that it was intended to make a point. Japan was (and still is) a very male dominated society. Having a settlement not only headed by a woman (Lady Eboshi) but also effectively run by women (the dialogue when Ashitaka shows up with the rescued men is a good example), highlights this. In addition, the women are doing hard physical labour (running those blast furnaces 24 hours a day must be hard work) only emphasises this.

Ashitaka is a prince so theoretically he should be part of the patriarchal dominance, but under the command "See with eyes unclouded", he doesn't pass judgement on the town automatically. He does see fault with what the town is doing to the forest, but that's incidental to how the town is run. Oni no Akuma (talk) 10:55, 5 December 2007 (UTC)

Translations and Clean Up

The translation section appears to be one-sided, to me. The dub versus sub only mentions a few changes that were done to explain cultural differences, however there are also several changes made for the dub that change the meaning of scenes. Shouldn't this also be mentioned?

Also, the article really needs some over all clean up to bring it inline with the film MOS. The reaction section changed to be a real prose section, not just a table with some review ratings from several anime sites. MPAA ratings and the like have no place in the article at all, per the Film MOS, and many sections need citations or references fixed. Thoughts? I'm willing to start the effort, if others agree its needed. Collectonian (talk) 22:46, 24 November 2007 (UTC)

I agree, though the main thing which needs cleaning up is the plot summary. Overall, it is well done, but Jigo is mentioned towards the end of the description without having been introduced or explained earlier in the descripsh —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.237.243.117 (talk) 06:51, 25 February 2008 (UTC)

Meaning of Ashitaka's Name

Ashita means tomorrow and ka is a spoken question mark. So, I think that the meaning of Ashitaka's name should be listed as Tomorrow?. I realize that this could be a problem, seeing as it could be qualified as original research, and it kinda is. But it would be helpful if someone could give me some imput. Thanks. 70.177.115.38 (talk) 02:59, 13 January 2008 (UTC)

Its original research and unnecessary to add unless verifiable sources refer to it as having some special meaning to the series. Collectonian (talk) 05:10, 13 January 2008 (UTC)

It also depends on the kanji used. Ashita (tomorrow) is 明日 while Ashitaka's name is written: アシタカ from his more formal name Ashitakahiko, where Ashi is Leg, Taka is High and Hiko is a word used for men's name in ancient Japan. Oni no Akuma (talk) 13:05, 29 January 2008 (UTC)

should we add this to trivia

should we add that Kiba a chareter from Naruto has similar facial markings as San? 24.205.242.48 (talk) 00:56, 10 March 2008 (UTC)