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Anime, Manga, etc...
This is the home of my favorite anime. You'll find my thoughts and opinions down below.
However, you'll find my school's anime club website linked below. This is a brand-new endeavor for my school, and I'm proud to be one of the founding members. Be sure to check back often for updates and new ideas.
Akira: (coming soon)
For Akira, I'm hoping <croses fingers> that this will be my Christmas present because it's been a *long* time since I've seen this movie. If my parents don't follow my quite obvious hints, I'll go and buy it myself.
UPDATE: Well, I didn't get Akira, and I can't seem to find it on DVD, so it might be a while before I review it. If things continue at this rate, I might be forced to rent the tape. The horror!
Ghost in the Shell:
I got the DVD of this for Christmas. I have to say, I loved the story, but it did have a few problems. First of all, the actress who played the lead of Major Motoko Kusangi had the range of a brick wall. Major had all of the good lines in the movie, and in the dubbed version, this actress sounded like she was reading the script. The casting was perfect for the rest of the characters. The story was complex and thought provoking but I thought the climax was a little drawn out. At the end, the story was drawn out to a turtle's pace, and the resolution was a bit predictable. However, the first half of the movie was as close to perfect as possible. The action scenes were amazing with a fabulous combination of computer and traditional animation. Every move of the "camera" was choreographed to allow the viewer to fully comprehend the sequence of events.
The DVD is a beautiful piece of work. I highly recommend buying Ghost in the Shell on DVD for all of the supplemental materials. There was a 30 minute long commentary about how the movie was made, character and crew bios, and a general overview of the themes presented in the movie.
Ghost in the Shell, for the most part, is an excellent introduction to the world of anime. Questions are raised about the rising role of technology in our society and what defines being human. Is our ghost the only qualification for humanity? Decide for yourself.
Nausicaa: (coming soon)
I'm in the process of writing the review for the graphic novels. Unfortunately, I've yet to see the movie, but I'll get back to you on that one, as soon as I can find it!
Princess Mononoke
This was the first anime movie that I've seen in the theatre, the way it's supposed to be seen. Let me tell you, I was in awe when I walked out the doors. If you only see one anime movie *ever*, make it this one. The characters were well-thought out, the development was amazing, the animation was beautiful, and the plot was intricate. Environmental consciousness, "grey" characters, talking animals and cute forest spirits... all were artfully woven in one gorgeous film. Plus, I went the opening weekend, so the die-hard anime fans were out in force! Everyone clapped, laughed, and gasped... possibly the best audience that I've ever seen a movie with.
Pokemon
Okay, I admit it. I'm a Pokemon addict. I've seen almost every single episode of the television series, I've played the video games, and I even went to see the movie. I have a Pokemon mousepad, Pikachu squeeze toys, and several Pokemon trading cards, although I'm not an avid collector of those. And yes, I'm 16. <waits for laughter>
However ridiculed Pokemon might be in today's society and in the anime world however, Pokemon is partly responsible for bringing anime to the attention of the American public. Who would've imagined how big it would be just three years ago? America has PokeFever, and this can only be a good thing for anime in general. Why?
1. Increased awareness: With so much Pokemon around, japanimation is being focused on more and more in the American mainstream.
2. Higher demand: With a great demand for all things Japanese, more movies, OAVs, and tv shows are available to the American public. Also, more distributors are releasing things on DVD with lower prices. I can find almost anything for a very reasonable price, unlike just five years ago.
3. Pokemon Morales: Unlike Power Rangers and violent cartoons, Pokemon emphasizes friendship, the uniqueness of others, and a need for tolerance. The "battles" are not violent and Pokemon don't die. Ash learns humility, life lessons, and other important values. What's wrong with that?
Record of Lodoss War
I bought this two DVD set because a friend said, "This is the best anime, EVER!" After viewing all 13 episodes, I think I'm inclined to agree. This series combines a "Dungeons and Dragons" feel with a beautiful story of friendship and loyalty. The drawing was beautiful, with rather scary villains and beautiful women. I loved how Parn, the main hero, was drawn... big blue eyes and black hair that emphasized his innocence in the world. Deedlit, Karla, Leylia, and the other female characters were beautiful, in a sharper style than Princess Mononoke. The action scenes, while not as complex as Ghost in the Shell, were well organized and drew the viewer into the action. I did notice a bit of penny-pinching when they reused cells, but for the most part, everything was appropriate and beautiful. I think I'm addicted to the "Fantasia of the Winds," the theme song for the series. I'm definately planning on watching this intricate story again.
Sailor Moon: (coming soon)
Okay, this is a trivial update, but for Christmas I got the coolest Sailor Moon wall scroll. It's the girls in front of the Arc D'Triumphe (sp?) in Paris with a French flag. I was excited because I'm an admitted Francophile. Alright. I'll review Sailor Moon R soon, okay?
Uteni: Revolutionary Girl: (coming soon)
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