Viewed in
2002, 2003
Formats
DVD
Premise
The landmark anime film classic about psionic kids in post-apocalyptic Tokyo.
Thoughts
It's been forever, but it was an eye-opening classic in the anime genre. It was full of mature themes, trippy sequences, an uncompromising gritty vision, a memorable style, an interesting score, and thought-provoking ambiguity. The interpretive ending might have been too ambitious, to the point of pretentiousness. Also, the dialogue was laughable at times, as the leads just repeatedly shout each others' names.
What I would change
Nothing.
Showing posts with label anime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anime. Show all posts
Appleseed
Viewed in
2004
Premise
Something about giant robots (aka mechas), humans, love, conspiracy. The usual mecha stuff.
Who should watch
Animation fans.
Thoughts
The best part of the movie was the interesting combinations of computer graphics, hand drawn animation, and extreme cell shading. However, technology and style could not make up for boring story. They used every science fiction cliche you can think of. The best action scene was when the mechas fought through the shopping mall.
What I would change
Thought up an orginal robot plot.
2004
Premise
Something about giant robots (aka mechas), humans, love, conspiracy. The usual mecha stuff.
Who should watch
Animation fans.
Thoughts
The best part of the movie was the interesting combinations of computer graphics, hand drawn animation, and extreme cell shading. However, technology and style could not make up for boring story. They used every science fiction cliche you can think of. The best action scene was when the mechas fought through the shopping mall.
What I would change
Thought up an orginal robot plot.
Batman Gotham Knight
Viewed in
2008
Premise
Six anime-styled short stories about Batman, taking place between 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight'.
Who should watch
Those needing a Batman fix.
Thoughts
Basically, it was like the 'Animatrix' of Batman.
The best thing about it was the hearing Kevin Conroy reprising his role as the voice of Batman/Bruce Wayne. I also liked the last three stories; they had a darker Batman-like style, and the stories linked to each other.
As for the first three, they were OK. The first was the worst, mainly due to the annoying dialogue.
Other than that, it was a just quick way to whet my Batman appetite, while waiting for 'The Dark Knight'.
What I would change
Written better stories for the first three.
2008
Premise
Six anime-styled short stories about Batman, taking place between 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight'.
Who should watch
Those needing a Batman fix.
Thoughts
Basically, it was like the 'Animatrix' of Batman.
The best thing about it was the hearing Kevin Conroy reprising his role as the voice of Batman/Bruce Wayne. I also liked the last three stories; they had a darker Batman-like style, and the stories linked to each other.
As for the first three, they were OK. The first was the worst, mainly due to the annoying dialogue.
Other than that, it was a just quick way to whet my Batman appetite, while waiting for 'The Dark Knight'.
What I would change
Written better stories for the first three.
Castle in the Sky
Viewed in
2003
Formats
DVD
Premise
A young boy and a mysterious girl search for a floating castle.
Thoughts
Unfortunately, I do not remember much about this film, other than it had a beautifully haunting score. I recall liking it, but I might be a biased Hayao Miyazaki fan.
What I would change
Don't remember.
2003
Formats
DVD
Premise
A young boy and a mysterious girl search for a floating castle.
Thoughts
Unfortunately, I do not remember much about this film, other than it had a beautifully haunting score. I recall liking it, but I might be a biased Hayao Miyazaki fan.
What I would change
Don't remember.
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Viewed in
2003, 2004, 2005
Formats
Movie theater (dubbed), DVD
Premise
A stand-alone movie based on the anime series, in which the gang try to capture a terrorist.
Loved
The whole film.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall loving the film, and it was consistent with the tone and character of the beloved series, just with a way better production value. It had a better story because it was not episodic like the anime. Yoko Kanno's score was fantastic. Even the English dub was not bad, though I still prefer the original Japanese.
What I would change
Nothing.
2003, 2004, 2005
Formats
Movie theater (dubbed), DVD
Premise
A stand-alone movie based on the anime series, in which the gang try to capture a terrorist.
Loved
The whole film.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but I recall loving the film, and it was consistent with the tone and character of the beloved series, just with a way better production value. It had a better story because it was not episodic like the anime. Yoko Kanno's score was fantastic. Even the English dub was not bad, though I still prefer the original Japanese.
What I would change
Nothing.
Final Fantasy: Advent Children
Viewed in
2005, 2006 (x2), 2007 (x2)
Premise
Movie about the characters of Final Fantasy VII game.
Who should watch
Fans of video games, action, animation.
Thoughts
This is a must see because of the wonderful animation that allowed insane, over-the-top fight sequences. The second half was mind-blowing and non-stop. A true testament of the power of animation and computer graphics.
Fans of the game would enjoy this slightly more because there were no character introductions and the film delved right into the plot. But that should not stop non-fans from enjoying this.
What I would change
No chocobos?! Blasphemy!
2005, 2006 (x2), 2007 (x2)
Premise
Movie about the characters of Final Fantasy VII game.
Who should watch
Fans of video games, action, animation.
Thoughts
This is a must see because of the wonderful animation that allowed insane, over-the-top fight sequences. The second half was mind-blowing and non-stop. A true testament of the power of animation and computer graphics.
Fans of the game would enjoy this slightly more because there were no character introductions and the film delved right into the plot. But that should not stop non-fans from enjoying this.
What I would change
No chocobos?! Blasphemy!
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie
Viewed in
2005
Premise
The final chapters of the acclaimed series.
Who should watch
Anime fans.
Thoughts
A fitting end to the series. It never ran out of action, drama, humor, mystery, confusion, nor grotesque-ness. The centerpiece of the series and the film was the dynamics between the two brothers. I also liked the recurring themes of guilt, accountability, responsibility, and equivalent trade.
What I would change
Nothing.
2005
Premise
The final chapters of the acclaimed series.
Who should watch
Anime fans.
Thoughts
A fitting end to the series. It never ran out of action, drama, humor, mystery, confusion, nor grotesque-ness. The centerpiece of the series and the film was the dynamics between the two brothers. I also liked the recurring themes of guilt, accountability, responsibility, and equivalent trade.
What I would change
Nothing.
Grave of the Fireflies
Viewed in
2002
Premise
Two orphaned siblings tough it out during WWII Japan.
Who should watch
Anime and film buffs.
Thoughts
Along with 'Akira', this movie was credited for defining modern anime. The realistic and simple style proved that anime does not have to be flashy to tell a story. Also, it had the reputation as one of the saddest movies in history.
I did not feel that emotion punch. The characters were not believable nor sympathetic. I know it was wartime, and they were orphaned, but it seemed silly that they would always do the opposite of what every adult told them, thus putting themselves into deeper and deeper holes.
What I would change
Lowered the hype.
2002
Premise
Two orphaned siblings tough it out during WWII Japan.
Who should watch
Anime and film buffs.
Thoughts
Along with 'Akira', this movie was credited for defining modern anime. The realistic and simple style proved that anime does not have to be flashy to tell a story. Also, it had the reputation as one of the saddest movies in history.
I did not feel that emotion punch. The characters were not believable nor sympathetic. I know it was wartime, and they were orphaned, but it seemed silly that they would always do the opposite of what every adult told them, thus putting themselves into deeper and deeper holes.
What I would change
Lowered the hype.
Kiki's Delivery Service
Viewed in
2001, 2002, 2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
Hayao Miyazaki's tale of a young witch striking out on her own in the big city.
Thoughts
My memory might be fuzzy, but it was very cute and non-threatening. Instead of stupid plots with bad guys, it was just full of squeezable characters full of earnest intentions doing good deeds for each other. My favorite character was Jeff the dog, so cute and cool! The English dub was pretty good, but the original audio was still better, especially the magical cat.
What I would change
Nothing.
2001, 2002, 2004
Formats
DVD
Premise
Hayao Miyazaki's tale of a young witch striking out on her own in the big city.
Thoughts
My memory might be fuzzy, but it was very cute and non-threatening. Instead of stupid plots with bad guys, it was just full of squeezable characters full of earnest intentions doing good deeds for each other. My favorite character was Jeff the dog, so cute and cool! The English dub was pretty good, but the original audio was still better, especially the magical cat.
What I would change
Nothing.
Metropolis
Viewed in
2003
Formats
DVD
Premise
A loose anime interpretation of the Fritz Lang classic.
Thoughts
Don't remember much about it, except it seemed to have many familiar anime themes, like robot-man interactions and inhuman females. The animation looked old school, but with CGI elements.
What I would change
No idea.
2003
Formats
DVD
Premise
A loose anime interpretation of the Fritz Lang classic.
Thoughts
Don't remember much about it, except it seemed to have many familiar anime themes, like robot-man interactions and inhuman females. The animation looked old school, but with CGI elements.
What I would change
No idea.
Nausicaa
Viewed in
2006
Premise
A princess befriends a misunderstood tribe to defeat a monster.
Who should watch
Hayao Miyazaki fans.
Thoughts
Just another classic. I loved multiple layers of themes, especially the ecological ones. A Miyazaki staple and anime rarity was female main character who is depicted in a positive and realistic way. Girl power!
The only flaw was the pace was one of his slowest films. An unexpected drawback was the realization that one of my favorites, 'Princess Mononoke', was completely derived from 'Nausicaa'.
What I would change
Nothing.
2006
Premise
A princess befriends a misunderstood tribe to defeat a monster.
Who should watch
Hayao Miyazaki fans.
Thoughts
Just another classic. I loved multiple layers of themes, especially the ecological ones. A Miyazaki staple and anime rarity was female main character who is depicted in a positive and realistic way. Girl power!
The only flaw was the pace was one of his slowest films. An unexpected drawback was the realization that one of my favorites, 'Princess Mononoke', was completely derived from 'Nausicaa'.
What I would change
Nothing.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death
Viewed in
2005
Premise
Adolescent kids control giant robots to save the world, I think.
Who should watch
Anime fans who feel obligated to watch this pioneering series.
Thoughts
This was like those recap shows 'Lost' does every 6 months. If you forgot what happened in the first 24 episodes, this was for you.
What I would change
Nothing.
2005
Premise
Adolescent kids control giant robots to save the world, I think.
Who should watch
Anime fans who feel obligated to watch this pioneering series.
Thoughts
This was like those recap shows 'Lost' does every 6 months. If you forgot what happened in the first 24 episodes, this was for you.
What I would change
Nothing.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Rebirth
Viewed in
2005
Premise
Adolescent kids control giant robots to save the world, I think.
Who should watch
No one.
Thoughts
I have been told this is a re-interpretation of the episode 25. The silly thing is, it is only 40 minutes long, and is exactly the first 40 minutes of the last movie, 'Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of'.
What I would change
Not bothered with making this.
2005
Premise
Adolescent kids control giant robots to save the world, I think.
Who should watch
No one.
Thoughts
I have been told this is a re-interpretation of the episode 25. The silly thing is, it is only 40 minutes long, and is exactly the first 40 minutes of the last movie, 'Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of'.
What I would change
Not bothered with making this.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of
Viewed in
2005
Premise
Adolescent kids control giant robots to save the world, I think.
Who should watch
Anime fans who feel obligated to watch this pioneering series.
Thoughts
This is basically the new ending for the series. It was pretty much like the rest of the series: confusing, disturbing, ambitious, and trippy. There was more gore, thanks to some mutilation scenes. In the end, I felt none of my questions were answered, which was probably intentional.
What I would change
Nothing.
2005
Premise
Adolescent kids control giant robots to save the world, I think.
Who should watch
Anime fans who feel obligated to watch this pioneering series.
Thoughts
This is basically the new ending for the series. It was pretty much like the rest of the series: confusing, disturbing, ambitious, and trippy. There was more gore, thanks to some mutilation scenes. In the end, I felt none of my questions were answered, which was probably intentional.
What I would change
Nothing.
Paprika
Viewed in
2007
Premise
An machine that allows a person to enter another's dreams is stolen. All hell breaks loose when dreams start to behave on their own.
Who should watch
Those who like trippy animation. Satoshi Kon fans.
Thoughts
Ever since 'Akira', trippy anime movies had the same qualities. The plot usually existed like a clothesline for the animators to display mind-bending, creative and disturbing images. Characters were as much spectators as the audience. The female body symbolized something greater than human, yet at the same time used for titalation. After jerking the audience around for no rhyme or reason, a character gave an obligatory pretentious monologue about the meaning of life as justification for these individual trippy scenes.
This movie had the same qualities, but did it better than most. As usual, the animation was just inspiring. I really liked to vibrant colors and extensive detail, which was quite different compared to most Satoshi Kon works. However, the individual scenes seemed to exist for the sake of blowing the audience's mind than for the sake of the story. While the story was bland, it did not jerk the audience around, and the story was easy to follow. I was able to tell if I was in a dream sequence or not.
As an anime fan, it was enjoyable. However, if you want to experience trippy anime with a good story, I recommend 'Spirited Away'.
What I would change
Find a way to better explain what the dreams meant.
2007
Premise
An machine that allows a person to enter another's dreams is stolen. All hell breaks loose when dreams start to behave on their own.
Who should watch
Those who like trippy animation. Satoshi Kon fans.
Thoughts
Ever since 'Akira', trippy anime movies had the same qualities. The plot usually existed like a clothesline for the animators to display mind-bending, creative and disturbing images. Characters were as much spectators as the audience. The female body symbolized something greater than human, yet at the same time used for titalation. After jerking the audience around for no rhyme or reason, a character gave an obligatory pretentious monologue about the meaning of life as justification for these individual trippy scenes.
This movie had the same qualities, but did it better than most. As usual, the animation was just inspiring. I really liked to vibrant colors and extensive detail, which was quite different compared to most Satoshi Kon works. However, the individual scenes seemed to exist for the sake of blowing the audience's mind than for the sake of the story. While the story was bland, it did not jerk the audience around, and the story was easy to follow. I was able to tell if I was in a dream sequence or not.
As an anime fan, it was enjoyable. However, if you want to experience trippy anime with a good story, I recommend 'Spirited Away'.
What I would change
Find a way to better explain what the dreams meant.
Perfect Blue
Viewed in
1999, 2000
Formats
DVD
Premise
A pop singer turned actress is stalked by an obsessed fan, or is it her imagination?
Thoughts
What I remembered most was how it effed with my mind with psychologically and graphically disturbing themes. Words cannot describe the mind-blowing fake rape scene. The film was dark, suspenseful, but made me feel a bit icky afterward.
What I would change
Nothing.
1999, 2000
Formats
DVD
Premise
A pop singer turned actress is stalked by an obsessed fan, or is it her imagination?
Thoughts
What I remembered most was how it effed with my mind with psychologically and graphically disturbing themes. Words cannot describe the mind-blowing fake rape scene. The film was dark, suspenseful, but made me feel a bit icky afterward.
What I would change
Nothing.
Ponyo (Gake no ue no Ponyo)
Viewed in
2009 (2), 2010
Premise
Hayao Miyazaki creates a very loose interpretation of 'The Little Mermaid'.
Who should watch
Anyone who wants to watch something amazingly cute and magical.
Thoughts
The legend creates another masterpiece.
Obviously, I loved everything about it, especially the overflowing cuteness, adorable love story, and (of course) impressive animation.
My friend charged me with blasphemy when I declared that its cuteness rivaled 'My Neighbor Totoro', granted, I would rather hug a mammoth-sized fur ball than a golf ball-sized mermaid.
Not only was I drawn to the main characters' perfectly captured five year old exuberance and innocence, I was hooked to their love for their parents and each other. Whether it is puppy love or just undying friendship, the relationships were genuine and wonderful to watch.
Lastly, there was the unrivaled animation, painstakingly hand-drawn. Some might be taken for granted, such as when Lisa drops her bags to unlock the door, then has to move the bags for the door to swing open, then picks them up to bring them in. Others cannot be ignored, such as a swimming army of ancient jellyfish, each with individual markings. It's only August, and 2009 has been a ridiculously great year for animation, when you think about 'Ponyo', 'Coraline' and 'Up'.
Overall, the American version was quite faithful to the original Japanese vision. Watching them back-to-back, I noticed a lot more labored exposition and dialogue in the dubbed version.
For example, Sosuke called her mom 'Mom', instead of the ambiguous 'Lisa', and characters reiterated that the Moon causes rising water levels. Those are useful shortcuts to eliminate confusion to the audience, but I preferred the ambiguous way, as I discovered fun new insights the second time around. Also, it clouded Miyazaki's theme that things cannot always be explained.
Also, the casting of Liam Neeson as Ponyo's father was miscalculated, as his voice was too serious for such a goof. Other than that, the American voices were quite excellent, though I still prefer the original, because some of the scenes resonated better emotionally.
I loved this adorable, magical and impressive family love story. Easily one of my favorite films of this year. What's harder is ranking it in Miyazaki's wonderful collection of films that leave me warm and fuzzy inside and smiling outside.
What I would change
Nothing.
Personal
Why did Sosuke call his mother Lisa? He correctly addressed everyone else in Japanese formality. My mom pointed out that even if she were a step-mother, she would still be addressed differently in the story. Just another perfect example of Miyazaki's unknown, but detailed backstories that adds flavor to the story.
You know you're a nerd when the first time you saw Sosuke save Ponyo from the ocean and put her in a bucket of tap water, and your mind screamed 'she can't survive in freshwater!'.
Can't believe it took me 20 years of Miyazaki's works to realize his characters all kind of looked alike. Not that it was a bad thing, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Still, my friend and I had a fun time pointing out which characters in 'Ponyo' resembled most from his other works.
2009 (2), 2010
Premise
Hayao Miyazaki creates a very loose interpretation of 'The Little Mermaid'.
Who should watch
Anyone who wants to watch something amazingly cute and magical.
Thoughts
The legend creates another masterpiece.
Obviously, I loved everything about it, especially the overflowing cuteness, adorable love story, and (of course) impressive animation.
My friend charged me with blasphemy when I declared that its cuteness rivaled 'My Neighbor Totoro', granted, I would rather hug a mammoth-sized fur ball than a golf ball-sized mermaid.
Not only was I drawn to the main characters' perfectly captured five year old exuberance and innocence, I was hooked to their love for their parents and each other. Whether it is puppy love or just undying friendship, the relationships were genuine and wonderful to watch.
Lastly, there was the unrivaled animation, painstakingly hand-drawn. Some might be taken for granted, such as when Lisa drops her bags to unlock the door, then has to move the bags for the door to swing open, then picks them up to bring them in. Others cannot be ignored, such as a swimming army of ancient jellyfish, each with individual markings. It's only August, and 2009 has been a ridiculously great year for animation, when you think about 'Ponyo', 'Coraline' and 'Up'.
Overall, the American version was quite faithful to the original Japanese vision. Watching them back-to-back, I noticed a lot more labored exposition and dialogue in the dubbed version.
For example, Sosuke called her mom 'Mom', instead of the ambiguous 'Lisa', and characters reiterated that the Moon causes rising water levels. Those are useful shortcuts to eliminate confusion to the audience, but I preferred the ambiguous way, as I discovered fun new insights the second time around. Also, it clouded Miyazaki's theme that things cannot always be explained.
Also, the casting of Liam Neeson as Ponyo's father was miscalculated, as his voice was too serious for such a goof. Other than that, the American voices were quite excellent, though I still prefer the original, because some of the scenes resonated better emotionally.
I loved this adorable, magical and impressive family love story. Easily one of my favorite films of this year. What's harder is ranking it in Miyazaki's wonderful collection of films that leave me warm and fuzzy inside and smiling outside.
What I would change
Nothing.
Personal
Why did Sosuke call his mother Lisa? He correctly addressed everyone else in Japanese formality. My mom pointed out that even if she were a step-mother, she would still be addressed differently in the story. Just another perfect example of Miyazaki's unknown, but detailed backstories that adds flavor to the story.
You know you're a nerd when the first time you saw Sosuke save Ponyo from the ocean and put her in a bucket of tap water, and your mind screamed 'she can't survive in freshwater!'.
Can't believe it took me 20 years of Miyazaki's works to realize his characters all kind of looked alike. Not that it was a bad thing, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Still, my friend and I had a fun time pointing out which characters in 'Ponyo' resembled most from his other works.
Porco Rosso
Viewed in
2001
Formats
DVD
Premise
Hayao Miyazaki's tale of a humanoid pig pilot.
Thoughts
Unfortunately the only thing I remember was that it felt lighthearted. Sorry.
What I would change
NA
2001
Formats
DVD
Premise
Hayao Miyazaki's tale of a humanoid pig pilot.
Thoughts
Unfortunately the only thing I remember was that it felt lighthearted. Sorry.
What I would change
NA
Princess Mononoke
Viewed in
2000 (2)
Formats
DVD
Premise
Hayao Miyazaki's epic about a cursed young warrior who finds himself in the crossfires of a war between man and nature.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but it was one of my favorites. Definitely the most serious, mature, action-packed, and violent films of Miyazaki's treasure troves. I greatly enjoyed the environmental themes, as well as the epic animation.
What I would change
Nothing.
2000 (2)
Formats
DVD
Premise
Hayao Miyazaki's epic about a cursed young warrior who finds himself in the crossfires of a war between man and nature.
Thoughts
It's been a while, but it was one of my favorites. Definitely the most serious, mature, action-packed, and violent films of Miyazaki's treasure troves. I greatly enjoyed the environmental themes, as well as the epic animation.
What I would change
Nothing.
Prince of Tennis
Viewed in
2007
Premise
Live-action movie version of the anime series, ‘Prince of Tennis’.
Who should watch
Fans of the series.
Thoughts
This movie basically recaps the first group of arcs from the series. The pace is blistering. Non-fans would find the movie confusing and unintentionally funny. As a casual fan, I found it amusing and entertaining. Pretty good special effects try to bring to life the unique tennis powers each player has.
What I would change
Nothing.
2007
Premise
Live-action movie version of the anime series, ‘Prince of Tennis’.
Who should watch
Fans of the series.
Thoughts
This movie basically recaps the first group of arcs from the series. The pace is blistering. Non-fans would find the movie confusing and unintentionally funny. As a casual fan, I found it amusing and entertaining. Pretty good special effects try to bring to life the unique tennis powers each player has.
What I would change
Nothing.
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