I actually really like the ending.

Personally, I think a clean, modern Hollywood type ending would do a disservice to the film, and not be in tone with what it’s already established; for an animated film it has a surprisingly nuanced take on people, the natural world, war, and society- there’s very few goody-goodies or outright villains.

For me, the more ambiguous ending is in line with this. San doesn’t return to humanity. Ashitaka doesn’t return to his tribe. Eboshi is maimed and reevaluates the direction the people of Iron Town are headed in. But they all come to a mutual understanding, and there’s a hint of a brighter future with the kodama appearing at the end.

It’s short and to the point, kind of like a classic, old Hollywood ending; and I like the fact it doesn’t overstay it’s welcome like a lot of modern films.