An Independent Film Studio Sparks Controversy with Live-Action “Princess Mononoke” Trailer
The video segment has been created using artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate the iconic world of Studio Ghibli. The creator of the video expresses pride in the production process, despite receiving criticism from netizens. Through their Twitter account, they stated: “I have wanted to create a live-action version of Princess Mononoke for over 20 years. I invested $745 (over 18 million VND) in Kling’s credit (Kling AI is a tool that allows users to create video segments from text or convert images into video) to give you a glimpse into the future of filmmaking.”
The short live-action “Princess Mononoke” video has sparked significant backlash across social media. Many users criticized its lack of originality, arguing that it merely replicates Miyazaki’s works without demonstrating any artistic creativity.
Some Comments: “It’s truly unfortunate and disappointing because this is the future. It looks completely lifeless.”
“This video lacks creativity, respect, and any concept of what art is,” added another commenter.
Such criticisms have highlighted the growing debate surrounding the use of AI in content creation. Some have pointed out the absence of a “soul” in AI-generated content, suggesting that while technology can streamline certain processes, it lacks the nuances necessary for true artistic creation.
The creator of the video quickly responded to these criticisms, emphasizing that their intention was not to replace traditional storytelling techniques but to explore new ways to leverage AI tools to “empower artists to create new worlds.” According to them, this project is a personal endeavor, not an effort to redefine artistic techniques: “I am realizing this project primarily for myself, because Miyazaki’s works inspire me to create new worlds.”
