Netflix is set to unleash another chapter of supernatural suspense with the upcoming streaming release of Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage. Fans of the visually stunning and thought-provoking anime franchise can mark their calendars for August 14, when the film will be available on the platform. This release follows the successful streaming of the first film, Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain, and promises to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic Medicine Seller and the malevolent spirits he confronts.
A Deep Dive into ‘Mononoke’
‘Mononoke’ isn’t just another anime; it’s an artistic and narrative experience that stands out with its unique aesthetic and cryptic storytelling. To fully appreciate the upcoming film, let’s delve into the world of ‘Mononoke,’ exploring its origins, themes, and the elements that make it a cult classic.
The Genesis of ‘Mononoke’
The ‘Mononoke’ journey began in 2007 as a spin-off of the horror anthology series Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales. Specifically, it was based on the “Bakeneko” (Goblin Cat) arc. This arc introduced the nameless Medicine Seller, a wandering exorcist who combats supernatural perils in a world set between the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji Era in Japan. In this era, society was rigidly structured with a four-class system, placing samurai at the top and merchants, like the Medicine Seller, at the bottom.
Unraveling the Plot
The ‘Mononoke’ series consists of individual chapters where the Medicine Seller encounters, battles, and ultimately destroys mononoke. These are a type of ayakashi, unnatural spirits that attach themselves to negative human emotions, lingering in the human world and causing chaos.
To exorcise a mononoke, the Medicine Seller must uncover three key elements:
- Form: The true shape and nature of the mononoke.
- Truth: The circumstances surrounding its appearance.
- Reason: The negative emotions that fuel its existence.
This process often involves unraveling the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of guilt, repression, and trauma.
The Unique Aesthetic
One of the most striking aspects of ‘Mononoke’ is its visual style. The anime boasts a distinctive, vibrant, and textured look that simulates a hand-drawn painting on canvas. This aesthetic choice elevates the series beyond typical animation, turning each frame into a work of art. The series’ art style has been described as genre-bending, daring viewers to keep up with its visual complexity.
The Medicine Seller: A Mysterious Protagonist
The Medicine Seller is the central figure of the ‘Mononoke’ franchise, a wandering and nameless exorcist who confronts malevolent spirits. Originally voiced by Takahiro Sakurai in the 2007 series, the role was taken over by Hiroshi Kamiya starting with Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain. The Medicine Seller’s character is shrouded in mystery. He uses his knowledge and skills to identify, understand, and ultimately exorcise the mononoke he encounters. His methods are not always straightforward, often requiring him to delve into the psychological and emotional depths of those affected by the spirits.
‘Mononoke The Movie’ Trilogy
The ‘Mononoke’ franchise has expanded beyond the original anime series, with a film trilogy in the works.
- Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain: Released in Japan on July 26, 2024, and later streamed on Netflix on November 28, 2024. This film introduces two newcomers to the Ōoku (inner chambers of the Edo castle), where they become entangled in political intrigue, rivalry, and a vengeful spirit. The Medicine Seller arrives to bring salvation, navigating the complexities of the imperial palace.
- Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage: Set to stream on Netflix on August 14, 2025. This sequel sees the Medicine Seller returning to the Ōoku one month after the events of the first film. A new threat has emerged, forcing him to confront the growing darkness within the inner chambers, where lower and higher-ranked concubines are battling to produce the next imperial heir.
- Gekijōban Mononoke Dai-San-Shō: Hebigami: The third film is scheduled to be released in Japan in Spring 2026. Details about the plot are still emerging.
‘The Ashes of Rage’: What to Expect
Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage promises to continue the franchise’s tradition of blending horror, mystery, and social commentary. The film will pick up one month after Phantom in the Rain, with the Medicine Seller revisiting the Ōoku due to a new threat.
In this film, the Medicine Seller will have to confront the growing darkness within the inner chambers as the concubines fight each other to produce the next imperial heir.
Production Details
- Chief Director: Kenji Nakamura
- Director: Kiyotaka Suzuki
- Screenplay: Yasumi Atarashi
- Production: Koji Yamamoto
- Animation Studios: Crew-Cell and EOTA
- Distribution: Twin Engine and Giggly Box
Cast
The film features a talented cast, including:
- Hiroshi Kamiya as the Medicine Seller
- Haruka Tomatsu as Botan Ōtomo
- Yōko Hikasa as Fuki Tokita
- Yūki Kaji as Saburōmaru Tokita
- Chō as Yoshimichi Tokita
- Kenyu Horiuchi as Rōjū Ōtomo
Critical Reception
Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage has already received positive reviews, with critics praising its supernatural twist, mystery, and unique visuals. Richard Eisenbeis of Anime News Network gave the film an A- rating, calling it a fantastic follow-up to The Phantom in the Rain.
Navigating the ‘Mononoke’ Universe: A Watch Order Guide
For those new to the ‘Mononoke’ franchise or wanting to revisit the series before the new film, here’s a recommended watch order:
- Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales (Episodes 10–12): Begin with the “Bakeneko” arc to introduce the Medicine Seller.
- Mononoke (TV Series – 12 Episodes): Watch the main series to explore various vengeful spirits and the Medicine Seller’s exorcisms.
- Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain (2024): Enjoy the first film in the trilogy, available on Netflix.
- Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage (2025): Catch the latest installment on Netflix starting August 14.
Themes and Interpretations
‘Mononoke’ delves into profound themes that resonate with audiences, offering layers of interpretation beyond its supernatural horror elements.
Human Emotions and Trauma
The series explores how negative human emotions can manifest as malevolent spirits. Guilt, repression, and trauma are recurring motifs, highlighting the destructive power of unresolved emotional baggage.
Social Commentary
‘Mononoke’ often provides social commentary on the rigid structures and societal issues of feudal Japan. The Ōoku setting, with its intricate power dynamics and the objectification of women, serves as a microcosm of broader social inequalities.
Loss of Individuality
The theme of losing one’s “self” is also explored, particularly in Phantom in the Rain, where unnamed maids in the Ōoku lack individual faces, symbolizing their lack of identity within the oppressive system.
Why ‘Mononoke’ Still Matters
‘Mononoke’ remains a significant and unforgettable part of anime history due to its:
- Artistic Triumph: The series’ unique visual style and animation quality set it apart from other anime.
- Philosophical Exploration: ‘Mononoke’ delves into profound themes of human nature, society, and the supernatural.
- Cult Following: The series has garnered a dedicated fan base that appreciates its complexity and artistic merit.
The upcoming release of Mononoke the Movie: The Ashes of Rage on Netflix is an opportunity to rediscover this anime and immerse yourself in its strange and beautiful world. Prepare for another journey into the depths of human emotion and supernatural phenomena as the Medicine Seller returns to confront the darkness within the Ōoku. Mark your calendars for August 14, and prepare to be haunted.
