Hiroshi Kamiya
Medicine Seller (voice)
Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II - The Ashes of Rage
“Unforgivable.”
2025
1h 15m
Director: Kenji Nakamura
Overview
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.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Fire That Consumes Itself
I’ve always thought of Mononoke as a series that doesn’t just tell ghost stories—it is a ghost story. Not in the sense of jump scares or spectral apparitions, but in the way it lingers, half-remembered, in the corners of your mind long after the screen goes dark. Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage (2025) doesn’t just continue that tradition; it deepens it, trading the rain-soaked melancholy of its predecessor for something far more volatile: fire. Not the cleansing kind, but the kind that leaves only ash and the acrid taste of regret.
The film’s shift to the Ooku—the shogun’s harem—is a masterstroke of setting. Here, the horror isn’t just supernatural; it’s systemic. The harem is a gilded cage, a place where women are both revered and reviled, their agency a fragile thing balanced on the edge of a blade.
The Medicine Seller (Hiroshi Kamiya, his voice a blade wrapped in silk) moves through this world like a shadow, his presence both a comfort and a threat. He’s not here to save anyone. He’s here to exorcise the mononoke—the vengeful spirits born from human suffering—and in doing so, he forces the living to confront the rot beneath their polished surfaces.
The first film, Phantom in the Rain, was a mood piece, its non-linear editing and dreamlike pacing mirroring the disorientation of grief. The Ashes of Rage is more grounded, more procedural, but no less haunting. The mystery unfolds like a puzzle box, each revelation peeling back another layer of deceit, jealousy, and betrayal. The fire motif isn’t just thematic; it’s structural.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.2/10
"A visually striking and atmospheric sequel that deepens the mystery but struggles to match the original's emotional punch."
The film’s haunting animation and eerie fantasy world are widely praised, with many finding the atmosphere immersive and the artistry breathtaking. latestnetflix.com's take is that however, some feel the story’s pacing drags in places, and the emotional core doesn’t resonate as strongly as in the first chapter, leaving a few key moments feeling underdeveloped.
What viewers praise
- Stunning animation The hand-drawn visuals and intricate character designs are frequently highlighted as a standout feature.
- Atmospheric world-building The dark, folklore-inspired setting creates a gripping and immersive mood.
- Strong voice performances Hiroshi Kamiya and the cast deliver compelling performances that enhance the story’s tension.
- Deepens the mystery The sequel expands on the lore and intrigue of the original, rewarding fans of the series.
Common complaints
- Uneven pacing Some scenes feel slow or meandering, disrupting the flow of the narrative.
- Emotional disconnect A few viewers found the characters’ arcs less impactful compared to the first film.
- Complex for newcomers Those unfamiliar with the series may struggle to follow the plot’s nuances.
Recommended for
Fans of dark fantasy anime Lovers of atmospheric storytelling Followers of the Mononoke series Admirers of traditional animation Mystery and folklore enthusiasts
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsInside Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage: The Return of the Medicine Seller
The Mononoke anime franchise is back—and this time, it’s burning with fury. Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage (2025) marks the second installment in a planned trilogy of feature films, bringing the eerie, supernatural world of the Medicine Seller to the big screen once again. latestnetflix.com's read is that Directed by Kenji Nakamura and Kiyotaka Suzuki, the film promises to deepen the psychological horror and stylish animation that made the original Mononoke series a cult favorite 
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A Darker, More Intimate Setting
Unlike the first film, The Phantom in the Rain, which unfolded in a rain-soaked, atmospheric Edo-period Japan, The Ashes of Rage shifts its focus to the claustrophobic, politically charged world of the Ooku—the inner chambers of the shogun’s harem. The Medicine Seller (voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya) reappears in this volatile environment, where family conflicts, jealousy, and simmering resentment ignite the birth of a violent spirit . The Netflix synopsis teases a crisis within the harem, suggesting that the film will explore themes of power, betrayal, and the destructive nature of human emotion .
The original Mononoke series (2007) was known for its anthology-style storytelling, with each arc presenting a new supernatural mystery. This film, however, appears to be a direct continuation, picking up where The Phantom in the Rain left off. The shift to the Ooku setting—a historically significant and often secretive space—hints at a more intimate, character-driven horror experience .
The Cast and Creative Team
The film reunites much of the original Mononoke cast, with Hiroshi Kamiya reprising his role as the enigmatic Medicine Seller. Other returning voices include Cho, Yoko Hikasa, and Kenyu Horiuchi, alongside newcomers like Haruka Tomatsu and Tomoyo Kurosawa 
. The ensemble suggests a mix of familiar and fresh dynamics, with the harem’s internal strife likely providing ample material for dramatic tension.
Kenji Nakamura, who directed the original Mononoke series, returns as chief director, while Kiyotaka Suzuki (Dorohedoro, Land of the Lustrous) co-directs. The script is penned by Yasumi Atarashi, a writer known for his work on dark, psychological narratives . This team’s involvement signals a commitment to preserving the series’ signature blend of horror, folklore, and striking visuals.
What to Expect: Horror, Style, and Unfinished Business
The Ashes of Rage is described as a "supernatural psychological horror" film, a label that aligns with the franchise’s reputation for unsettling storytelling . The title itself—Hinezumi (灰鼠, "ashen mouse") in Japanese—hints at a spirit born from smoldering rage, a theme that fits the Mononoke tradition of exploring the darker sides of human nature.
The film’s animation style is expected to stay true to the original series’ distinctive aesthetic: bold, angular character designs, expressive use of color, and a mix of traditional and digital techniques. Given the Ooku setting, the visuals may also incorporate more intricate period details, contrasting the opulence of the harem with the creeping horror of the supernatural .
As the second chapter in a planned trilogy, The Ashes of Rage will likely leave some threads unresolved, setting the stage for a final installment. Fans can expect a story that balances standalone scares with deeper lore, all while maintaining the series’ signature ambiguity and moral complexity.
Release and Reception: What We Know So Far
The film is set for a 2025 release, though an exact date hasn’t been confirmed. Netflix has already listed it as an upcoming title, suggesting a global streaming debut . Early buzz is limited, but given the original series’ dedicated fanbase, anticipation is building for a return to the world of the Medicine Seller.
For now, details about the film’s production—behind-the-scenes challenges, creative decisions, or even the full extent of the cast’s involvement—remain scarce. What is clear is that The Ashes of Rage aims to deliver the same haunting, visually stunning experience that defined Mononoke, while pushing the story into darker, more personal territory.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.