Princess Mononoke (1997) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Ashitaka, a prince of the disappearing Emishi people, is cursed by a demonized boar god and must journey to the west to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters San, a young human woman fighting to protect the forest, and Lady Eboshi, who is trying to destroy it. Ashitaka must find a way to bring balance to this conflict.
Rated PG-13 • 1997 • 2h 14m
Acclaimed for its epic story and stunning animation, "Princess Mononoke" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for significant, surprisingly graphic animated violence and gore. The film features frequent battle sequences with bloody results, including multiple dismemberments and a decapitation. The thematic content is also mature and complex, dealing with environmental destruction, the brutal cost of war, physical suffering, and morally… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Princess Mononoke appropriate for kids?
Acclaimed for its epic story and stunning animation, "Princess Mononoke" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for significant, surprisingly graphic animated violence and gore. The film features frequent battle sequences with bloody results, including multiple dismemberments and a… Read more — free account
Content severity in Princess Mononoke
What happens in Princess Mononoke, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 8/10
- 0:35 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
Sex and nudity in Princess Mononoke
This category is very light. There is no nudity or sexual activity. Female characters are briefly shown interacting with men in a workhouse, and it is verbally mentioned that some were purchased from brothels, though this is not elaborated upon. A male character is seen in traditional undergarments, and some women comment on him being handsome. These moments are brief and non-sexual in tone.
Violence and gore in Princess Mononoke
The film contains frequent and often graphic animated violence. Battle scenes are intense and bloody, featuring sword fights and combat with bows and early firearms. There are several explicit moments, including a man's head being shot off by an arrow, and another character's arms being severed by arrows. A main character has her arm bitten off by a wolf. Animals and humans are killed on screen with bloody wounds, and the violence is portrayed with serious consequences.
Language in Princess Mononoke
Language is infrequent and mild. The English-language dub includes a few instances of words like "damn," "bastard," and a single use of "piss." The profanity is not pervasive and is used in moments of duress or anger.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Princess Mononoke
This category is minimal. In a few scenes set in Iron Town, characters are shown drinking what appears to be sake (rice wine) from small bowls in a social context. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
Mature themes in Princess Mononoke
The film explores mature, complex, and often dark themes. A central theme is the violent conflict between human industrialization and the natural world. It deals heavily with concepts of hatred, vengeance, and the cycle of violence. Characters suffer from a supernatural curse that manifests physically, and a community of people afflicted with leprosy are featured. The film contains frightening imagery, including demonic creatures covered in writhing tendrils and a god's destructive rampage after being desecrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Princess Mononoke appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Princess Mononoke is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Acclaimed for its epic story and stunning animation, "Princess Mononoke" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for significant, surprisingly graphic animated violence and gore. The film features frequent battle sequences…
What age rating does Princess Mononoke have?
Princess Mononoke is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Princess Mononoke about?
Acclaimed for its epic story and stunning animation, "Princess Mononoke" earns its PG-13 rating primarily for significant, surprisingly graphic animated violence and gore. The film features frequent battle sequences with bloody results, including multiple dismemberments and a decapitation. The thematic content is also…
Is there sex or nudity in Princess Mononoke?
This category is very light. There is no nudity or sexual activity. Female characters are briefly shown interacting with men in a workhouse, and it is verbally mentioned that some were purchased from brothels, though this is not elaborated upon. A male…
How violent is Princess Mononoke?
The film contains frequent and often graphic animated violence. Battle scenes are intense and bloody, featuring sword fights and combat with bows and early firearms. There are several explicit moments, including a man's head being shot off by an arrow, and…
Is the language in Princess Mononoke appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild. The English-language dub includes a few instances of words like "damn," "bastard," and a single use of "piss." The profanity is not pervasive and is used in moments of duress or anger.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Princess Mononoke?
This category is minimal. In a few scenes set in Iron Town, characters are shown drinking what appears to be sake (rice wine) from small bowls in a social context. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.
What mature themes appear in Princess Mononoke?
The film explores mature, complex, and often dark themes. A central theme is the violent conflict between human industrialization and the natural world. It deals heavily with concepts of hatred, vengeance, and the cycle of violence. Characters suffer from a…
How long is Princess Mononoke?
Princess Mononoke runs 134 minutes, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, released in 1997.
Where can I read the full Princess Mononoke parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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