Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
Well, the 2024 animated movie ‘Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain’ had ended with a promise of a chapter 2, so the ‘medicine seller’ is back at the Ōoku to slay some malevolent spirits.
Directed by Kiyotaka Suzuki, and Kenji Nakamura, ‘Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage’ is just a little over one hour long, featuring the same crazy burst of colors and styles which made the 2024 film a vivid visual trip. So not only is this 2025 animated film more enjoyable if you loved the artistic style, but its plot is also far easier to follow.
This time, ‘Mononoke’ dives into Ōoku politics and palace intrigue, as a new fire-based wrathful spirit prowls the premises. With Madam Utayama dead, a new head of the Ōoku is appointed, ushering in stricter rules that ignite rivalries and spark fresh feuds. Vicious scheming erupts when rumors spread that one of the ladies is pregnant with the King’s heir. Meanwhile, the Medicine Seller races to expose the true nature of the new Mononoke before it reduces the Ōoku to ashes.
One of my favorite touches in the earlier movie was the dramatic opening and closing of ornate sliding doors to create fluid, seamless transitions between scenes. ‘Mononoke Chapter II’ embraces this same striking visual style once again, and it’s still just as cool. Like I wrote in my review of the first film, the burst of colorful animation may feel overwhelming to some viewers, but those who accept the vision will be enthralled.
Except for a slightly sluggish pacing, which makes the film seem much longer than one hour, ‘Mononoke’ Chapter 2 is entertainingly engrossing. The climactic moments are over-the-top, exploding in bright neon colors, as the Medicine Seller switches into a god-like form (apparently they are two different dudes), wielding the enchanted, dragon-encrusted sword to conquer the powerful spirit haunting the Ōoku.
Rating: 8 on 10. Watch ‘Mononoke Chapter II’ on Netflix.
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