Editorial by Anicore

August 31, 1999

I was very disappointed with your magazine's review of Princess Mononoke in the fall preview issue. Never in my life have I read a more disgusting example of misrepresentation. Calling this film a "decapitation and death-festooned fable" is a blatant lie. This film has more substance, soul & artistic merit than most of the recent films I've seen come out of the Hollywood industry put together. With such a complex story line and beautiful animation, if magazines like yours gave this film even half the credit due, it could easily fall in line with films like Braveheart & Saving Private Ryan. It is certainly this year's best film, recognized or not. I strongly suggest that in the future your reviewers take the time to fully absorb what animated films have to offer; rather than at the first sight of blood just chalk it up as another mindless "adults only" cartoon whose soul purpose is to test the limits of the ratings bureau. This comparison to South Park is just unforgivable. After all, I didn't notice you compare Saving Private Ryan to Rambo.

The only function your review serves is to further imprint on the American mind the absurd stereotype that all animated films should be aimed at families and children, regardless of story and content value. Yes, this film does contain scenes of extreme violence. However, it is also shows the audience the horrors of war and the consequences of selfish thought; while at the same time removing the element of "good vs. evil, " in favor of the true to life "opposite sides of the same ideal." Hopefully this injustice will not have too derogatory an affect on further import animated films being given a chance in US theaters.

Note from Chris: the letter was mailed on August 31, 1999, and no response was ever written.