Spoilers got dizzy with all the colors.

Okey, I know when I am over my head. Disclaimer up front, I’m not familiar with the source material or the anime or the first movie. But then again, that makes this a challenge to review which hopefully will be less of the psychedelic visual assault that it was to watch it. This is not necessarily a negative thing, I know some audiences will love this. Also, if you’ve ever want to check if every pixel in your screen can produce all the colours of the rainbow and then some, you can test it with this film.

Mononoke The Movie 2: Ashes of Rage (2025) was directed by Kenji Nakamura and Kiyotaka Suzuki. Welcome to Ooku, an imperial palace full of political intrigue where the supernatural has already made its presence known. Now selected ladies from different royal houses can’t help but scheme to be not only Lord Tenshi’s favourite, but also to birth him a heir to the throne. When the lowborn Lady Fuki appears to be pregnant and a new head courtier is now in power, treachery is the order of the day. On top of it, the Medicine Seller has appeared at the gates again, sensing that another supernatural entity is about to wreak havoc.

As much as comprehensive the premise can be, it will do no justice to the bright and fast display of colours this animated feature is about to unleash. From what I understand, this sequel has an easier to understand plot than the first outing, but I must admit the cornucopia of a palette it uses can become tiring to the senses of the uninitiated.

Only recommended to the fans of the original or the source material. Casual audiences or newcomers will probably prefer something a little bit less bright. Worth a watch for a niche audience.

That will do for now.