Montreal, QC – Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage, the second installment in the animated film trilogy spun off from the popular Mononoke TV anime series, has earned the Bronze Audience Award in the Best Animated Feature category at the 29th Fantasia International Film Festival. The acclaimed Japanese film, which premiered in Japan in March, was celebrated by festival-goers during the event that ran from July 16 to August 3 in Montreal.
A Continued Legacy of Acclaim
This victory marks a consecutive win for the Mononoke film project at the Fantasia International Film Festival, underscoring its growing international appeal. Its predecessor, Mononoke The Movie: Phantom in the Rain, secured both the Bronze Audience Award and the prestigious Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation at the 28th edition of the festival in 2024. The repeated recognition from the festival’s audience highlights the series’ unique visual style and compelling storytelling.
The Fantasia International Film Festival’s Audience Awards are determined by popular vote from attendees, signifying a strong connection with the public. This direct endorsement from fans underscores the film’s impact and reception at one of North America’s largest genre film festivals, established in 1996.
Diving into “The Ashes of Rage”
Mononoke The Movie: The Ashes of Rage (Gekijōban Mononoke: Dainisho Hinezumi) continues the narrative arc following the mysterious Medicine Seller. The film maintains the signature “Mononoke” aesthetic, characterized by its lavish, picture-scroll-like visual world that incorporates traditional Japanese washi textures and vibrant artistry. This distinctive visual artistry is a hallmark of the series, drawing viewers into its dense and unique world.
The film explores a new supernatural disturbance within the Ōoku (the shogun’s inner palace), with the Medicine Seller once again confronting malevolent spirits known as mononoke. These spirits are born from negative human emotions and grudges, and the Medicine Seller’s quest involves understanding their Form, Truth, and Reason to defeat them.
Key Production and Cast Details
The second film sees the return of key creative talents, with Kenji Nakamura serving as chief director and Kiyotaka Suzuki directing. The animation is handled by Twin Engine EOTA, a studio known for its high-quality animation.
A pivotal element of the Mononoke franchise is the enigmatic Medicine Seller, voiced by veteran voice actor Hiroshi Kamiya. Kamiya reprised his role for The Ashes of Rage, continuing his portrayal from the first film, Phantom in the Rain. Other returning cast members include Haruka Tomatsu as Botan Ōtomo, Yōko Hikasa as Fuki Tokita, and Yūki Kaji as Saburōmaru Tokita. Aina The End performs the film’s theme song, “Hana Musō.”
Global Release and Future Prospects
Mononoke The Movie: The Ashes of Rage first premiered in Japan on March 14, 2025, receiving strong initial box office performance. For global audiences, Netflix is set to stream the film starting August 14, making it accessible to a wider international viewership.
The Mononoke film project is envisioned as a trilogy, with the second film’s success further building anticipation for the conclusion. The final chapter in the series, Mononoke The Movie: Hebigami, is scheduled for a nationwide release in Japan in spring 2026. This ongoing expansion of the beloved supernatural horror series continues to captivate audiences with its blend of intricate storytelling and striking visual artistry.
