Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli is one of the most prestigious animation studios in the world. It has produced several acclaimed films, including Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke. However, the latter film caused a massive uproar between the studio and its U.S. distributor at the time, Miramax.

Steve Alpert, the former head of Ghibli's international division, recalls the conflict in his upcoming memoir Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man: 15 Years at Studio Ghibli. Miramax's head Harvey Weinstein wanted to cut down Mononoke from 135 minutes to 90 minutes, despite a promise that he wouldn't do so.

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When Alpert said that Miyazaki would't want the film to be cut down, Weinstein flew into a rage: "If you don't get him to cut the f***ing film you will NEVER WORK IN THIS F***ING INDUSTRY AGAIN! DO YOU F***ING UNDERSTAND ME?!! NEVER!!" Ghibli, however, stuck to its guns and the film was released in its full form.

Princess Mononoke centers on Ashitaka, a young prince who is cursed by a demon. While on a quest to find a cure, he encounters a pack of wolves led by the goddess Moro. Among their number is a girl named San who was raised by the wolves. The film is currently available to stream on HBO Max.

Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man: 15 Years at Studio Ghibli will be available for purchase on June 16.

(Via Cartoon Brew.)

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