Introduction
One month after the Karakasa incident, the situation at the Inner Chambers is slowly returning to normal. To the noble families that run the country, normalcy means carrying on with their usual schemes to prevent any undesirable power shifts in the government. Their current target is the high-ranking concubine Fuki Tokita, who seems to be receiving Lord Tenshi's attention despite being the daughter of a merchant and, therefore, socially unfit to give him an heir.
However, supernatural forces still dwell in the shadows. When several unnatural deaths take place in the Inner Chambers, its residents are once again forced to allow the presence of the mysterious Medicine Seller inside its halls. The Medicine Seller is the only one who might be able to determine the cause of these incidents—and find out what role Fuki plays in them.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience reviews
8 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
President_Megumi
From my Letterboxd review: “A big shoutout to actually being able to follow the plot of this one 🙌”
I think this seems like the general consensus, but boy howdy, does this one keep all of what made the first movie (and the original series) great (i.e., the animation and music) and improves upon it by putting together a really tight and engaging story. I enjoyed the first one, of course (as did anyone else with eyes), but I remember feeling kind of lost and like I just needed to “go with the vibe” to enjoy it. I think that was a fine enough experience, but it is even more fun to follow a really interesting mystery with an emotionally compelling core.
I think you still need to watch the first movie to understand some of the dynamics between the characters, but watch it in particular so t…
Read at the sourceOtaku_Senpai
Now the story takes place in the same location one month after the events in the first Mononoke movie 'Phantom in the Rain.' So its a good idea to see that movie to enjoy this more.
Now some people might like the first movie more. But me personally liked this much more than Phantom in the Rain. I thought the story was better and even the animation was better.
This is a visually spectacular show with a different art style from other anime (other than Monoke series). The story is very fast paced, part of the reason I liked it more than the earlier movie.
I recommend this to all supernatural and psychological horror fans. You will love it. A sequel, Mononoke the Movie: The Curse of the Serpent is set to release in May 2026. I look forward to it.
Read at the sourceemberreviews
Mononoke: The Ashes of Rage continues to be an anomalous bright spot in the realm of nearly-forgotten anime properties of the 2000s suddenly getting new entries in the 2020s, no doubt due to the continued involvement of anime auteur Kenji Nakamura. Much like the first movie, this one is exploding at every seam with vibrancy and color that borders on uncontrolled chaos, yet consistently manages to retain its form and intent. Whereas the first film was decisively centered around the relationship between its leads and how the inner machinations of the Ooku drove them towards conflict, we now begin to see the true depths of the Ooku’s ugliness brought to light and how those in power seek to retain an antiquated order that is obviously outgrowing its usefulness.
That’s not to say character is m…
Read at the sourceneedmorecampari
Stronger than the first movie, with haunting visuals and a more straightforward storyline.
The atmosphere of the film is just as sumptuous as what one should expect from Minonoke, almost lurid and dizzying at times. The animation is strong throughout. The little evil spirits haunting the harem cleverly change from flames to mice and back again. They dwell in a bizarre world of geometry and depth beneath the building. It's all visually striking.
But whereas the previous film had the visuals down, it dropped the ball in the story department. Here, the writers have executed a stronger story with motivated characters. It was also easier to follow.
All in all, a lovely, haunting, creative little film that should satisfy fantasy and art lovers alike.
Read at the sourceNkalaB
The second movie out of the trilogy continues on with the investigation of another mononoke spirit. Of course, the medicine seller is looking for three distinct factors which come into play:
Form, Reason and another factor that I have forgotten (I apologise).
This time around the spirit has decided to mess with the future of this organisation with the next successor. Since Asa has been elevated and selected to assist this organisation, she takes a leading role alongside the other side characters that still exist in this movie trilogy.
It is an authentic and weird movie to watch to buy some time. The soundtrack and the visuals are connected hand-in-hand to boost any scene's feeling...and that is why it is an exciting watch as you'll never know what comes next.
The last one is coming and…
Read at the sourceC4bs
Every now and then, as I'm choosing which anime to watch at the beginning of each season, I end up encountering some good and some bad surprises. This kind of feeling, fueled by my decision to avoid any promotional material for new anime to avoid spoilers as much as possible, ends up being a double-edged sword: on the one hand, I might encounter a radiation bomb that I'll question other people's tastes for having enjoyed, and on the other, I might encounter an excellent work that will become one of my favorites of the year (see Medalist).
Considering the second option, I might be even more surprised when, upon watching this new work, I realize it's better than its predecessor in every way. Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes of Rage, the second film in a trilogy, fits this bill per…
Read at the sourcekuuhaku257
Hinezumi is a strong sequel which not only maintains but raises the level of the franchise.
While the first film (also exceptional) uses its runtime to situate us in the ooku ecosystem, the second installment manages to get straight to the point. It's much easier to follow the storyline and the film plays an excellent role in developing the cast's personality in a fluid and natural way (Besides Kusuriuri and Fuki,that already had my full interest in the previous film, Sakashita and Botan grew up hard on me on this one). Also, the Hinezumi's attacks probably have one of the best directions I've ever seen in an anime film (Especially Sayo scene, yukana nailed it) And the progression of events is concise, agile, engaging and culminates in an explosive and touching third act. I'm looking forwa…
Read at the sourceSkyBlue1012
Great movie — the art is spectacular, as always. The plot is far less confusing and much stronger than in the first film (Phantom in the Rain).
The characters are likeable and well-developed, with their meaningful actions and dialogues that elevate the story. The villain, in particular, perfectly fulfills their role — obnoxious and thoroughly contemptible, making them easy to root against.
The music exceeded my expectations. There's a strange and creative quality in the soundtrack that adds a unique layer to the experience, complementing the stunning visuals beautifully.
All in all, I highly recommend this anime, especially for those who appreciate bold art direction and imaginative storytelling.
Read at the source