I am not an anime fan. Not for any specific reason; I've never intentionally avoided it, but no anime film has ever really captivated me or even really held my interest. But I know an awful lot of people who are in love with the format and so in an attempt to broaden my horizons I have embarked on a oddysey of sorts with Brett Woolgar, friend and anime enthusiast/geek of 42review.blogspot.com (go follow & comment!)
Brett decided to start me off easy, with the films of Studio Ghibli, one of the most renowned and recognized (or so he tells me) producers of anime. Generally we'll be focusing on the films of Hayao Miyazaki, probably the most distingiushed director of anime in the history of the format. Some of his more well known films (at least to western audiences) include Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle. But Brett and I have started this marathon at the beginning, viewing and discussing the first five films produced by Studio Ghibli.
Four of these films Nausica of the Valley of the Wind (1984), Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbour Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) were directed by Miyazaki, whilst the fifth, Grave of the Fireflies (1988) was directed by Isao Takahata - incidentally, this was also my favourite of the five films by quite a considerable margain.Anyway you can listen to our thoughts on each of the five films in the YouTube clips below. Seeing as most of you won't listen to all of them, I've given a brief summary of mine and Brett's thoughts below each clip. At the very least though I would recommend listening to our discussion of Grave of the Fireflies, seeing as I think we are at our most articulate (or at least our least incoherent) in that particular review. I also think that, as a non-anime fan, Fireflies will probably appeal most to general film goers.
Please leave your thoughts on the works of Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli or anime in general, or hit us with any complaints/suggestions you might have, in the comments section. Be sure to check out Brett's newly christened site 42 Review, where he will be reviewing films, anime, games, books, music and anything else that takes his fancy. Finally, keep a look out for parts two and three of our Ghibli marathon, which I'll be posting over the next few weeks.Tom: "A really cool universe with inventive creature design and some exciting action. The dialogue was very expository however and Nausicaa herself is too flawless a protagonist. Worth watching."
Brett's thoughts: "The dialogue near the beginning is awkward and some of the music choices is dated. The animation looks good though, and the ending is incredibly emotional. Still one of Ghibli's best films."
Tom's thoughts: "A very sweet adventure story more appropriate for a younger audience. A great continuance of the sky motif from Nausicaa. You could put on the English dub and watch it with the family."
Brett's thoughts: "Enjoyed it more an second viewing. A lot of parallel's to be found between Laputa and Nausicaa. Certainly more of a family film."
Tom's thoughts: "It's pretty weird. I liked it but it's a little slow and I don't think it has as wide appeal to children or non-anime fans as the previous two films."
Brett's thoughts: "It's a fairytale...the lack of real plot doesn't get in the way. Good if you're looking for something cute and fun. Animation is much more refined and the soundtrack is amazing."
Tom's thoughts: "Grave of the Fireflies is not what people think of when they think of anime. This is fairly considerably my favourite of the films we've watched so far, the best both in terms of animation and story; you feel a genuine emotional attachment to these characters. "
Brett's thoughts: "Amazing animation and a stunning score. Very emotional and is at times quite upsetting. Comes close to being my favourite Ghibli film."
Tom's thoughts: "I was bored witless. Felt like an attempt to appeal to a very young Western audience; came across like a very weak Disney film or saturday morning cartoon."
Brett's thoughts: "Miyazaki's worst film. It's completely generic from the music to the animation."
