Ten best anime films...
Oct 16 '00
I didn't even know this category had been opened until I happened across one of the posted opinions by someone on my WOT. My goodness, why don't you people ADVERTISE or something ;-)
1) Grave of the Fireflies. Yes, I know the video on the American DVD release sucks. But in terms of content, this is far and away one of my favorite films. The wartime story of an orphaned brother and sister, their love for one another, and their struggle to come to terms with the death and insanity surrounding them is one that all anime fans - and all people - should see at least once. The fact that the ultimate outcome of the story is known from the beginning does not make it in the least less tragic as we see it unfold.
2) Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke). Seen in the original Japanese, if possible - while the English dub was actually quite good, the characterizations were simply very different from those of the original Japanese seiyuu. I would personally place this above Nausicaa in terms of my favorite full-length Miyazaki film ("On Your Mark" is my favorite Miyazaki animation of any length). The struggle of man against nature, and nature's efforts to fight back are a classic tale, which has been told by others, but not nearly as well.
3) Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer. Admittedly, much of the humor in this movie will be lost if you are not already acquainted with the residents of Tomobiki-cho. But assuming you care to take the time to do your background reading <g>, it is one of the good ones. This story combines elements of philosophy (what is the nature of reality? How do we know when we are dreaming?) with the standard two scoops of sight gags and cultural icons, and some of the best animation seen in any of the UY releases. Plus you get "Ai wa boomerang...," which I can't seem to get out of my head for a couple of days each time I watch this one.
4) Perfect Blue. A surprise entry? Perhaps, although not if you've read my review on this film. Not yet old enough to truly be called a "classic," Perfect Blue nonetheless has what it takes to be a classic in the not to distant future. Pure psychodrama, in the style of Hitchcock, PB is a revealing look into the life of an idol singer turned actress who is being haunted by her past. Definitely adult in tone, with a disturbing simulated rape scene and some very graphic violence, it is not for everyone. But it deserves a place on most mature adult's viewing lists...at least once.
Now I just KNOW I'm gonna get lynched for this next one...and technically it's cheating, because it is only an anime-RELATED movie. But number 5 is:
5) Maison Ikkoku: The Live-Action film. I'm gonna have my hands full justifying this one, because probably the majority of anime fans have never even SEEN this film, even those who absolutely LOVE Maison Ikkoku. Furthermore, many of the ones who HAVE seen it groan and run away at its very mention. Personally, though, for sheer silliness and hysterics, I cannot recommend this film highly enough! Take the loon squad from Ikkoku-kan, cast them using real actors in a real run-down boarding house. Take a plot that only a dedicated MI fanatic could appreciate, stir well, and garnish with an incredibly silly musical number (remember the seishun episode from the anime series?). If you can track down a copy of this one, try it out at your next anime get-together...
6) Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro. Am I cheating again by including another Miyazaki effort? Well, maybe...but this is not REALLY a Miyazaki creation, he simply did Monkey Punch's gentleman thief and all of his accomplices in as stylish and thrilling a way as possible. I've seen a fair amount of Lupin...this is far and away the best.
7) Tenchi Muyou 2: Daughter of Darkness. I saw that someone listed the first Tenchi film...personally, I think the second is the superior piece of work, while also being the more enjoyable to watch. Granted that the ending was just a little bit sappy - Washuu to the rescue...again.
8)Galaxy Express 999: You have to have at least one Matsumoto film, and while I am tempted to include "Arcadia", the three-nine is my final choice. Engaging characters, without as overall dark a tone as any of the the Harlock saga, this is a film that can be watched by a wide range of people.
9) Neon Genesis Evangelion. The only television series on this list, I felt as if I should include at least one example of mecha-anime, and this is the best of the genre. A highly thoughtful series, which departs from the standard "Robotech" image about as far as possible. Not my favorite genre, but one of my favorite series nonetheless
10)Aa, Megami-sama. My sole OVA. Fujishima deserves mention in any top ten list, as one of the best of the manga-ka currently working. And this series is lovely, both in terms of the artwork and the storyline.
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Epinions.com ID:
Godai-kun
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Member: Kevin Barth
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Reviews written: 248
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