Anime pairings
Jun 24 '09
The Bottom Line Anime pairings to give you a full spectrum of Anime. Once you watch these, you can talk to almost any Japanese about anime!
This a list of 'Japanese anime pairings'. Unlike other listings, I am focusing on Japanese releases and not US mass released versions.
In order to truly appreciate the most of the current, modern Anime, it would be beneficial to watch them in pairs (and sometimes TV versions as movies are 'condensed' version of the TV and even sometimes totally different) to get a full feel for how one thing has influenced another, or how someone has mastered their art over time in the Anime industry. And many, if not all, have historical relevance in the Anime world as well. If you add them up, they are more then 20. Some of them are impossible to find but they are very well worth it if you can. Some of them, you'd be shocked that they were created by same person or influenced.
I would suggest that if you are going to rent these movies, try to watch them back to back.
Most of these movies are well known, talked about, and often used to describe other Animes. Some of these Animes goes back to the 60's and will give you a glimps into ~50 years of Animation. I hope it will bring a whole new level of appreciation to the world of Anime to you.
1. "As*ita No Joe" (1 and 2).
Sorry but epinions is getting stuck with 'h' in the first word so I had to replace it with *. Please replace it accordingly! Simply put, "Tomorrow's Joe" is considered by Japanese as the Anime fan's anime. Some of the original art work, and character development is just astounding. Watch the first (which was essentially made to promote the 2nd) and then watch the 2nd where Joe comes back. They even had a real funeral for one of the main characters when he died. Originally a prank, the entire shrine was packed with loyal followers. If you happen to go to a real Japanese Ramen restaurant, do not be shocked if you see "As*ita no Joe" manga (comics) on the book shelf.
2. "Gundam 0078" and "Macross Plus"
Gundam is where all the concepts of 'Mech' started from. Including Macross as well as Patlabor. This started a whole genre along with another 'Mech' movie which goes to #2. Watch Macross Plus afterward. It has bold lines and you can watch the technology at work without too much "Cute singing girl" scene.
3. "Ideon" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion"
Ideon is the reason why EVA (Neongenesis Evangelion) was started. They are both related in the sense that Ideon actually was the see for Eva. Either of the two would be great. Either case, not so much happy of an ending but it sends a strong message. One note, I believe the same person who designed Evangelion also did the Giant in Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.
4. "Akira" and "Wing of Honneamise"
People have said Akira is the greatest and certainly it was one of the most expensive. It's the first time that people drew around the voice actors. You don't appreciate it as much when you can't understand Japanese but the mouth movements are virtually perfect. Now watch Wing of Honnesamise. Slower film with big production. And you can see detailed work and how they stack up.
5. Miyazaki movies. - "Rupan, The castle of Cagliostro" and "Nausica of the Valley of the Wind" and/or "Grave of the butterflies"
First is a very famous 70's movie before Miyazaki created his famous Stadio Gibri. And obviously you want to watch couple of his famous movies like Nausicaa, a moving tale of a girl who seeks to free her valley from the evil empire expanding their powers. Nausica is one of Miyazaki's best. Grave of the butterfiles is about anti-war as well. Believe it or, there is a strong anti-war sentiment in Japan and you get a feel for how people are influenced in both. But watch the details and improvements in the brush stroke. Watch how he goes from creating a movie about a comical thief to an anti-war movies.
6. "Vision of Escaflowne", "Five Star Stories" and "Eureka 7"
First two are examples of successfull "Shojo" - "Shoga" (teen(girl) anime - teen(boy) anime) cross over Anime. To truly appreciate Escaflowne, you need to watch both Anime and the Movie to truly appreciate it. Do not watch the Fox's butchered version. Find the original version. Movie and Anime is drastically different. For the manga, there were 3 versions. 5 star stories is a very similar shojo feel that came before Escaflowne with a glowing success and if you enjoy Escaflowne, you will certainly enjoy 5 star stories. Although just released in April 2009, Eureka 7 is another 'cross gender' movie as well. Cross gender Anime is something that's really tough to succeed and Eureka 7 does this exceptionally well. It's also very attractive to the younger generation as it has a modern skate board themes. Hopefully, everyone will get a chance to watch this anime series and the movie in US. All three films focus heavily on female characters.
7. "Galaxy Express 999" and "Metropolis"
GE999: It's the early 80's and this is the first movie that became the #1 box office movie (including regular movies) in Japan. GE999 is yet another movie that, ideally, you watch with Anime as it talks about many controversial issues like overpopulation and social inequality. (The anime's beginning is quite moving compare to the movie, but the ending of the movie is better.) Followed by Metropolis. They are both by Rintaro, who is considered to be one of the greatest Anime artist and you can see how he is mastering the art over time.
8. "Tenchi Muyo" and "Inuyasha"
Most people think "Old time Japan" and they think of Inuyasha, but Tenchi Muyo was one of the earlier "Ancient Japan meets modern tech" movie with tons of cute scenes with girls running around. The 'cuteness' of this movie may be a bit too much for some. (I can only take so much of it) This anime was very popular and started the ball moving on other anime with similar feel. Now watch Inuyasha and you see how they are working the "New Japan meets the Old"
9. "Jungle Taioh" (or Kiba the white lion) and "Lion King"
It's about a lion who's father is betrayed by an evil uncle and he seeks out revenge. Sounds familiar? It should be because there's be a lot of controversy with Lion King. It's also one of the original from Tezuka Osamu (Also known for Astro Boy that's being made into a movie), who is considered as a father of Anime. He started by flipping through a pile of pencil drawn small pad and flipping through it. I know, I am tossing in Disney, but heck, you need to watch both!
10. "Dr. Slump", and "Dragon Ball" and "Naruto"
Now the latter we have all heard from so what's Dr. Slump? Same Author, but you can see his first success. Dr. Slump was his entry into fame and you can see how his style has changed. Dragon Ball has also been made into a movie as well and have loyal following, including games. Naruto continues with the whole "Boy to Man" story with "Ninja" and "Friendship/Loyalty" theme. You can see a lot of similarities (e.g. color) between Dragon Ball and Naruto and even back to Dr. Slump.
11. "Doraemon", "Sazae-San", and "Chibi Maruko Chan"
If you are an Asian you probably heard from Doraemon. And maybe the other two. Doraemon and Sazae-san has been around as far back as I can recall (30 years+). Then take a look at Maruko-Chan. These anime have been around and will probably be around for a very very long time. The first two makes Simpsons look like a brand new show. Yet they hold their strength for a reason and you should watch them.
There are many others, but this is a variety that will expose you to a whole lot of anime and give you an appreciate of Japanese Anime as a whole. Most lists focus on US release products but they do not reflect what most Japanese consider as the fundamentals.
Enjoy!
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