Anime

rants, raves, and other random thoughts...

a website by Francis Li

Anime

Are captivating stories and engaging characters involved in complex relationships too much to ask for in an animated film or series? Not in Japan where animation, called anime, is aimed at an adult audience as much as it is aimed at children. Compelling fantasies, comedies, science-fiction, and even horror films have been created with visuals that are a feast to the eyes. What follows are my thoughts on a growing sample of the genre.

Akira (1988)
A mind-numbing sci-fi thriller.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Blade Runner meets The Lawnmower Man.
Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
Miyazaki magic about a young witch growing up.
Koko wa Greenwood (1991)
Chronicles of the life and times of an unlucky high school student.
Lupin 3rd: Die Nostradamus! (1995)
Master thief Lupin goes head to head with a cult of Nostradamus.
Macross: Do You Remember Love (1984)
The movie version of the epic Macross television series.
Macross II The Movie Edition: Lover's Again (1992)
Macross rehash- the elements are there, but it doesn't add up.
Macross Plus (1994)
Macross on overdrive- a gripping drama with sensational animation.
Mononoke Hime (1997)
Miyazaki's masterpiece on the conflict between humans and nature.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Miyazaki magic about two little girls and their encounter with the spirits of the forest.
Ninja Scroll (1993)
A wandering samurai battles demons to save the land.
Perfect Blue (1997)
A shocking animated psychological thriller- a must see!
Ranma 1/2: Big Trouble in Nekonron China (1991)
Ranma and the gang return to China to recover the kidnapped Akane.
Tenchi Muyo! (1992)
A boy learns of his outer space heritage and battles to protect his friends.
Tenchi the Movie: Tenchi Muyo! in Love (1996)
Tenchi meets "Back to the Future".
Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer (1984)
Bikini-clad anime babe Lum and gang get trapped in a dream- or is it a nightmare?
Wings of Honneamise (1987)
An epic tale of the beginnings of space travel.