Few animated films hold the legendary status of Princess Mononoke, the 1997 masterpiece from Japan’s Studio Ghibli. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, it is a visually stunning and deeply emotional story about the clash between nature and human industry. Even decades after its release, its influence remains strong, pulling in new generations of fans and impressing even the biggest names in Hollywood.
At the premiere of his new movie, acclaimed actor Michael B. Jordan confessed his deep regret over missing a recent limited IMAX screening of Princess Mononoke. “I was mad I couldn’t be there!" he said, according to animehunch.com, explaining how his packed schedule kept him from the rare event. His comments are a strong reminder of just how impactful Studio Ghibli’s films continue to be, especially when experienced on the big screen.
“I was mad I couldn’t be there! I was really upset because there was only a 3-day window and I was [busy], it actually bothers me, I need to see it in IMAX."
- Michael B. Jordan
A Masterpiece That Still Captivates
Princess Mononoke Is a Timeless Tale That Everyone Enjoys
Michael B. Jordan’s reaction proves just how powerful Princess Mononoke still is, even nearly 30 years after its release. Unlike many animated films, it offers a mature, complex narrative filled with moral ambiguity and deep environmental themes. It is not just a movie for children, it is a sweeping epic that speaks to audiences of all ages, blending action, heart, and stunning animation into an unforgettable experience.

Princess Mononoke Is a Studio Ghibli Masterpiece, But It Almost Bankrupted the Studio
Princess Mononoke is one of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki's best films, but it was nearly their last film because of the cost to make it.
Studio Ghibli’s attention to detail is a big reason Princess Mononoke still draws awe from top talent like Jordan. Every frame feels like a painting, with lush forests, mythical creatures, and intricate battle scenes that demand to be seen in the highest quality possible. Watching it at home is one thing, but seeing it in IMAX, with its massive visuals and booming sound, would be a completely different, breathtaking experience.
Studio Ghibli’s Lasting Magic
Princess Mononoke's Popularity Proves That Studio Ghibli Is Enduring
Jordan’s frustration at missing the IMAX screening of Princess Mononoke highlights Studio Ghibli’s rare ability to make films that transcend time and cultural boundaries. Though Princess Mononoke is a Japanese film deeply rooted in its culture, its universal themes of respect for nature and the cost of human ambition resonate globally. Studio Ghibli does not just create movies, it creates living, breathing worlds that audiences want to revisit again and again.
It is also a testament to how Studio Ghibli's reputation has grown far beyond anime circles. Top Hollywood actors like Jordan openly express their iration, treating Ghibli films with the same reverence usually reserved for cinema’s most celebrated classics. Missing the chance to see Princess Mononoke in IMAX is not just missing a movie, it is missing an event, a chance to fully step into one of the most beloved animated worlds ever created.
Source: animehunch.com

Princess Mononoke
- Release Date
- July 12, 1997
- Runtime
- 133 Minutes
- Director
- Hayao Miyazaki
Cast
- Yôji Matsuda
- Yuriko Ishida
- Writers
- Hayao Miyazaki
Your comment has not been saved