Mononoke Movie: Karakasa

Asa and Kame strike up an immediate friendship when they arrive at the same time for their first day of duty at the Ooku, the splendid pleasure palace housing the harem of Lord Tenshi. The two young women are there to join the many hundreds of other maidservants—men are barred from entering, with immediate beheading the price of trespassing. It soon becomes clear that behind the luxurious lifestyle and ritualized routines of the Ooku lie sinister schemes and cynical rivalries. Meanwhile, a mysterious wandering potion-peddler known only as the Medicine Seller subtly insinuates himself into the Ooku, just as an uncanny, otherworldly menace begins to reveal itself.

(Source: Fantasia Festival)

Kusuriuri Main

Kamiya, Hiroshi Japanese

Ootomo, Botan Supporting

Tomatsu, Haruka Japanese

Sakashita Supporting

Hosomi, Daisuke Japanese

Tokita, Fuki Supporting

Hikasa, Youko Japanese

Tenshi Supporting

Irino, Miyu Japanese

Mizorogi, Hokuto Supporting

Tsuda, Kenjirou Japanese

Saga, Heiki Supporting

Fukuyama, Jun Japanese

Tokita, Saburoumaru Supporting

Kaji, Yuuki Japanese

Kame Supporting

Yuuki, Aoi Japanese

Asa Supporting

Kurosawa, Tomoyo Japanese

Satou, Kimiaki Producer

Sudoku, Yuuki Producer

Nakamura, Kenji Director

Nagasaki, Yukio Sound Director

Reviews

Jul 26, 2024

WinterFireworks

Recommended

A must for Mononoke and Japanese horror fans, this goes without saying.

But even if you're new to Mononoke (not to be confused with Princess Mononoke), this movie will be a real trip. Beautiful visuals, amazing soundtrack and cast, interesting plot and characters. You'll find yourself sucked into a world of colour and emotion. Traditional Japanese elements mix with the supernatural and the occult, composing a feast for the eyes and senses.

Mononoke Karakasa, just like the TV series Mononoke, travels back in time to the Edo period to follow the steps of the mysterious figure of the Medicine Seller, who is here to fight ... the "mononoke", the malevolent spirit that appears and feeds off the feelings and actions of the characters in the story. Karakasa takes place in the Ōoku of Edo Castle, the women's quarters, where the mononoke starts getting stronger thanks to the women's grudges and resentment at having to sacrifice what was important to them in order to perform their duties. To be able to slay the mononoke, the Medicine Seller has to first figure out its Form, Truth and Reason.

Strong female presence, friendship, character development and a stronger mononoke than we've seen before that leads to an epic fighting scene, set this movie apart from the original TV series. It is worth a watch or maybe even a rewatch to be able to take in all the elements and symbolism of the story.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Aug 12, 2024

rossocenere

Recommended

It’s been years since I’ve watched a movie so meticulously curated, one that left me amazed at every moment. Everything about it was perfect—from the voice acting to the psychological depth of the characters, from the camera work to the aesthetic choices, the direction, and the music (Taku Iwasaki was the composer—like, HELLO?). You name it.

You can expect the same exceptional experience delivered in the original TV show, but now in movie format, with 2024 techniques and a solid story filled with intriguing developments and breathtaking visuals.

I’m still blown away by the backgrounds. It felt like floating in a museum. Every moment of the movie ... was like being immersed in a damn museum. And don’t even get me started on the hinted queerness—add +100 points for that!

The Kusuriuri voice actor was Hiroshi Kamiya (Araragi from Monogatari Series, Levi from Attack on Titan...), and I’m pretty sure they also cast Yuki Kaji (Eren from Attack on Titan).

For fans of the TV show, you’ll also catch a few references back to it! (At least that’s how I interpreted certain narrative and visual elements.)

If you have any questions, shoot! But seriously, get ready for this movie—it’s going to be worth all the hype.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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	Poll: Mononoke Movie: Karakasa Episode 1 Discussion KiraYoshikage - Jul 20	18 replies	by deguy »» Yesterday, 8:18 AM
	Mononoke Movie: Karakasa is coming to Netflix RealNath - Aug 6	0 replies	by RealNath »» Aug 6, 3:29 PM
	Why the change in voice actors Petrtep - Jul 17	9 replies	by DatRandomDude »» Jul 28, 7:29 AM
	Poll: "Love Sick" Animation Music Video LittleStar - Jul 20	3 replies	by yyaiba »» Jul 25, 11:43 PM
	Should I watch the TV version first? neow_neow - May 1	14 replies	by addictedtoliving »» Jul 19, 3:22 AM