The main visual for "Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 2: Fire Rat," the second chapter of the all-new film version of the popular TV anime "Mononoke," which aired on Fuji TV's late-night anime slot "Noitamina" in 2007, has been released. The visual captures the medicine seller at the moment he confronts the Mononoke Fire Rat, with flames and eyes reminiscent of the Fire Rat drawn around the medicine seller. The official trailer, which focuses on the women in the Ooku who break free from the control of power and try to stick to their own beliefs, has also been released on YouTube. The Fire Rat's flames are depicted in a delicate yet powerful way.
Additional cast members were also announced, including Yukana as Sayo, a low-ranking maid and former colleague of maid Tokita Fuki, Naoki Kusumi as Katsunuma, a senior councilor and father of the court lady Katsunuma Matsu, Ryo Horikawa as Fujimaki, a senior councilor who mediates between the Omote and Ooku, Yoshiko Sakakibara as Suikoin, the highest-ranking Tenshi's mother, and Atsumi Tanezaki as Sachiko, Tenshi's wife (mid-housewife). Yukana also appeared in the TV series and the first movie, "Mononoke: Karakasa," and will play a new character, Sayo, in the second movie.
Yukana commented, "Why do we feel jealous of someone? And why do we take it out on someone else? Even though we know that it will consume us as well...Even after finishing the recording, I can't help but wonder how Sayo would have lived in this beautiful and terrifying world, and whether she would have made another choice. I would be delighted if I have been able to move your heart as well."
Kusumi said, "Welcome to a world of bewitching, fantastical, graceful and ephemeral! The tragedy of a mother and child caught up in a power struggle, and the devastation caused in the Ooku by their grudge! I was thrilled and excited by the intricacy and boldness of the story....But above all, my eyes, ears and heart were moved by the overwhelmingly elegant, bewitching, beautiful and powerful visual beauty... Please enjoy 'Mononoke The Movie Chapter 2: Fire Rat' to the fullest!"
Horikawa said, "I've always loved period dramas, so I enjoyed the recording. Unfortunately, some parts were recorded separately, so I'm looking forward to seeing the finished version at the theater."
Sakakibara commented, "Suikoin is the Emperor's mother. In the second chapter, 'Fire Rat,' her background has not yet been revealed. It was very difficult to express her in few words without touching on that background. The vibrant colors of this work beautifully transform the terrible way of life of the women living in the Ooku. It gives you a sense of relief."
"Mononoke" is an anime produced by the staff of the popular episode "Bakeneko" of "Ayakashi", which was broadcast on Noitamina in 2006. The story depicts the supernatural tale of a medicine seller who appeared in "Bakeneko" confronting a Mononoke.
"Mononoke the Movie" is set in the inner palace, where women's passions swirl, and follows a medicine seller as he pursues the true identity of the "Mononoke." There are three chapters in total, with the first, "Mononoke the Movie: Karakasa," set to be released in July 2024, and the second, "Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 2: Fire Rat," set to be released on March 14. Nakamura Kenji, who worked on the TV series and the first movie, will be the general director of Chapter 2, and Suzuki Kiyotaka will be the director.
