Animation Notes: Princess Mononoke, Over the Garden Wall and Zootopia 2
First published on my writing site: www.aliamin.info/2026/10/animation-notes/
My Letterboxd reviews of three animated works.
These are my Letterboxd reviews, copied as written. They may contain spoilers.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
My rating: 5 out of 5
This is perhaps Miyazaki’s greatest film. While Spirited Away may be his most artistically & creatively impressive film, and the one most successful at creating a modern day foundational fairytale – it lacks the complex commentary of Princess Mononoke. While “How to Live” aka The Boy & The Heron is his most personal film and the most technically impressive to date, with some of the most powerful emptional resonance – it is not as important as Princess Mononoke.
Princess Mononoke is Miyazaki’s commentary on war, peace, politics, nature, femininity, naturalism, & Ellul’s Technique. It is an epic ot grand scale with deep ideas & a lot to say. It may lack the charm of Spirited Away and the personal resonance of The Boy & the Heron, but it is the most important thing Miyazaki has ever produced.
Watched January 20, 2026. My review on Letterboxd.
Over the Garden Wall (2014)
My rating: 5 out of 5
Essentially Dante’s Inferno lite for children. A story about a young man learning to take personal responsibility over his life and initiative over how it turns out, even when nothing is in his control. A beautiful serendipitous journey about the length of a short film (112 minutes). It’s a shame there isn’t more to this universe considering how loved Over the Garden Wall is.
Watched October 12, 2025. My review on Letterboxd.
Zootopia 2 (2025)
My rating: 4 out of 5
You can tell a lot of love went into this by people that love the medium. Mostly a clichéd children’s movie with just enough style, thoughtful messaging, witty writing, and self awareness to elevate it.
Watched December 19, 2025. My review on Letterboxd.
More of my film diary is on Letterboxd, and more of what I watch, read and eat is on my portfolio: alishukriamin.com.
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