Annotated Bibliography

MacWilliams, W. M. (2008). Explorations in the World of Manga and Anime. Japanese Visual

Culture (pp. 5-9).

The chapter defines anime along many characteristics that display elements of aesthetically vivid

imagery that now dominates as Japans visual culture. MacWilliams contends that they are an

open window onto the Japanese identity, a view - not necessarily of reality itself, but of a

culture's aspirations, dreams, nightmares, fantasies, and fetishes. However, a traditional defining

characteristic of anime films particularly rest within the character's physical features; the

beautiful saucer-eyed characters attract the audience in all consuming imagery, further

illuminating aspects of a society that otherwise would have remained opaque. Good details.

Good: Miyazaki, H. (2002, July 16). Miyazaki on Mononoke-hime [Interview by Toyama, R. &

Goldsmith, D.]. http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/interviews/m.net

In the interview, Miyazaki first explained translation from Japanese to English posing a major

role in the movie being a necessity as this animated epic fantasy film had quickly reached North

America. Miyazaki further continues to expand on the symbolism included in the film such as

the greenery and multi-colored bodies of water that portray the beauty of nature, how the eroded

valleys and mountains within civilization of man conveys the enraging war between human

greed and wildlife. Good details. Another inspiring aspect in the film— the boy— was not made

to be cheerful, instead he was made to be a bit melancholy knowing his fate. Miyazaki asserts

that his audience understands the protagonist of this film declares he is no longer human; his

destiny requiring him to become indifferent so he could unite both man and earth once again.
Salpini, S. (2000). Princess Mononoke: Regardless of how the original source capitalizes the

title, only the 1st word and proper nouns should be capitalized: The art and making of

Japan’s most popular film of all time. School Library Journal, 3.

http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=381c740b-c39f-459b-b012-

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This article delves into the expression Hayao Miyazaki conveys through this flawlessly hand-

drawn animation. The strength of the film, however, is in the many full-color pictures that trace

the plot: A young warrior prince is cursed after killing a demon god attacking his village. He

journeys west and stumbles into a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi, the proud people of Iron

Town, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke, a young girl raised by wolves, who will stop at

nothing to prevent the humans from destroying her home protecting the forest spirits and animal

gods who live there. In addition to the remarkable storyline, the article also touches on the

collection of background drawings, character sketches, and computer-generated images (CGI)

that are truly amazing in this film. Good insight.