What are the underlying thematics of Princess Mononoko? How does it ‘defamiliarise’ its historical setting, according to Napier (2005)?
First of all, the underlying thematics of Princess Mononoko is multiculturalism. In contrast to The Disney film which display fusion cultures (melting pot) represented America; Princess Mononoko admits plurality and otherness in the society. In addition to multiculturalism, Princess Mononoko has anthropocentric view of the world. People are linked nature and only can live with nature happily and peacefully in this anime. Miyazaki realized this defamiliarising its historical setting. Princess Mononoko disregards conventional history and contemporary technology. This film also subverts Japanese culture and the myth of the feminine in the film. Princess Mononoko’s main characters usually did not appeared in the Japanese history or literary. Also, role of women differs from traditional one for example San, who was brought up by a wolf, fights for protecting nature with lady Eboshi, who is a leader of a village, fights to kill supernatural sprit. Finally, the message of this film is contemporary technology could not create people’s happiness only people with nature do.
According to Napier, How does this anime problematise traditional (or conservative) constructions of gender, class and race?
Napier asserts (2005) that anime problematise traditional constructions of gender, class and race. In the Anime, female characters are active, independents contrary to conventional features. Furthermore, it shows diverse social class while specific elite group showed like samurai in the history or literacy as the major culture. Also, traditionally, homogeneous race appeared. However, in contrast to traditional myth of Japan, other minor races (nonethnic Japanese) in Japan appeared. In conclusion, anime suggests new vision breaking traditional constructions of gender, class and race to audiences.
Refefence.
Napier, S. (2005). Anime: from Akira to Howl’s Moving Castle.Hampshire:
Palgrave Macmillan.
Both questions start off really well then you seem to lose me a bit. (i could just be reading wrong) question one is good however, once you start talking about the role of women, you almost more answer question 2 as opposed to question 1.
ReplyDeletequestion two was really good as well, just a question. who is the 'homogeneous race' you were referring to? otherwise good job.
Hi Gum-hyouk,
ReplyDeleteWe won't be formally grading posts pre-week 7, but I have noted that you have completed week 6's work, Esther :)