The filmmaker told The Guardian in 2010 that Weinstein “bombarded” him with “aggressive attacks” to cut the film. Miyazaki retained final cut privileges over his movies as part of the Disney-Ghibli deal, so Weinstein could not be his usual “Harvey Scissorhands” self and cut “Princess Mononoke” on his own accord.
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Disney made a deal in 1996 with Miyazaki’s animation powerhouse Studio Ghibli to release English-language dubs of its films in the United States, and Weinstein’s Disney subsidiary Miramax was tasked with the release of Miyazaki’s “ Princess Mononoke.” Weinstein’s reputation preceded him so strongly that Miyazaki’s producer sent the studio executive a samurai sword with a note that read “No cuts” attached to the blade. Harvey Weinstein was notorious for cutting films behind his directors’ backs, but one filmmaker Weinstein apparently couldn’t touch was Hayao Miyazaki.