The Medicine Seller returns as the Edo harem faces a new crisis, with family feuds, inner turmoil and fiery envy igniting the birth of a raging spirit.
Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage (2025) continues the haunting journey of the Medicine Seller. This time, the Edo harem becomes the stage for a terrifying story of family feuds, hidden desires, and fiery envy. When emotions boil over, a raging spirit is born, and only the Medicine Seller has the power to face it.
Directed by Kiyotaka Suzuki and Kenji Nakamura, this Japanese animated horror mystery pushes the series to new depths, blending stunning visuals with chilling themes.
Plot – Rage That Cannot Be Contained
The film opens in the quiet yet tense world of the Edo harem. Behind the walls, conflicts simmer. Family rivalries, jealousy, and personal struggles create an atmosphere thick with unease.
It is in this chaos that a Mononoke a vengeful spirit born of human suffering emerges. The Medicine Seller, once again, must uncover the Form, Truth, and Reason of the spirit before he can destroy it. The narrative balances eerie suspense with sharp emotional drama, making every scene feel heavy with meaning.
Dynamics shift, rifts deepen, and a maidservant is mysteriously reduced to ashes. The Medicine Seller must once again delve into the darkness of the Ōoku to uncover the Form, Truth, and Reason.
Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage premieres August 14, only on… pic.twitter.com/lsMSugS8ws
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Performances – Voices That Haunt
- Chô brings a commanding depth to the Medicine Seller, perfectly capturing his enigmatic presence.
- Yôko Hikasa delivers a layered performance, blending strength with vulnerability.
- Ken’yû Horiuchi adds gravitas, grounding the supernatural chaos with emotional weight.
The voice cast delivers performances that linger, enhancing the film’s unsettling tone.
Direction and Visual Style
The combined vision of Kiyotaka Suzuki and Kenji Nakamura gives the film its edge. The animation is bold, experimental, and visually breathtaking. Patterns shift, colors clash, and every frame feels like a moving painting.
The directors use surreal visuals not only to frighten but also to express the inner turmoil of the characters. It’s horror that goes beyond jump scares this is psychological, symbolic, and deeply immersive.
Why The Ashes of Rage Stands Out
- Unique Horror Storytelling – A spirit born of envy and rage feels both terrifying and relatable.
- Artistic Animation – Distinct, unconventional visuals that mesmerize and unsettle.
- Philosophical Depth – The film asks questions about human desire, suffering, and consequence.
- Continuation of a Cult Classic – Fans of Mononoke will find this chapter both familiar and daringly new.
Verdict – Should You Watch It?
If you’re a fan of dark animation, supernatural mysteries, or psychological horror, Mononoke The Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage is essential viewing. It is more than a film it’s an experience that blends art, emotion, and terror into one unforgettable story.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) – A stunningly animated and emotionally charged horror masterpiece.