Mononoke

Mononoke is a story about the enigmatic "Medicine Seller," a master of the occult with a deadly purpose. His travels take him through feudal Japan as he hunts malevolent spirits known as "Mononoke" and banishes them.

However, this process is not straightforward. Before he can kill off a Mononoke, he must uncover its Form, Truth, and Reason. Only then can he employ the powerful Exorcism Sword to confront and defeat the spirit. This unusual approach requires complex psychological analysis and methodical investigation and is laden with danger, as he must immerse himself in understanding the mononoke before he can combat it.

The Medicine Seller's journey leads him to an old-fashioned inn, where he encounters Shino, a pregnant woman in search of rest. The innkeeper, left with no other options, lodges her in the last available room. Yet, it quickly becomes evident that this room is plagued by a huge group of Mononoke, the Zashiki Warashi. With his honed instincts, the Medicine Seller has to unveil the Form, Truth, and Reason of these spirits before the Zashiki Warashi claims another victim.

What elevates "Mononoke" beyond a mere supernatural thriller is its unparalleled visual storytelling; its animation style mirrors traditional Japanese art, coupled with meticulously designed settings and characters to transport viewers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. Through these stunning aesthetics, the series invites viewers on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, encouraging an exploration of the intricacies of the human psyche and the manifestations of all types of universal emotions: desires, fears, and regrets.

Release: 2007

MyAnimeList Score: 8.42/10