Get to Know Anime
From Zanecorpwiki
- Ninja Scroll : an approachable, fairly straightforward action thriller that none the less has deep roots in Japanese history and literature[notes 1] Ninja Scroll received critical acclaim in Japan and remains one of the most popular animes in the states. At 94 minutes, it doesn't require the the commitment of a long series. There's a good dose of Japanese mythology and folklore wound into the tale, along with numerous differences vis-a-vie the US heroic narrative aesthetic serve to remind one that this is a Japanese film. Purchase.
- Cowboy Bebop (the series)
- Gundam Seed : giant fighting robots and space battles is for many what anime is
- Last Exile : A great story, told with tender care and beautifully rendered, this is right up there with my favorite stories. Weird? Sure. It's a world of steam-punk retro-tech flying ships fighting an uber-tech enemy led by a madwoman. But for all the oddities of the backdrop, it's an approachable, human story. [Purchase.
- Desert Punk : don't let the animation style fool you, this is for adults only. The raunchy script and fixation on breasts and low brow humor belie the sophistication and deep underlying tension that only become clear about half way through the series. Desert Punk appears to be a simple action story with gung-ho characters and a lot of T&A references, yet it also incorporates one of the boldest and most interesting protagonists I've ever seen in a film. Both facets of the series will alienate some viewers, but for myself, I found the combination both unexpected and praiseworthy. It's this kind of narrative boldness which makes anime so interesting. Plus, I love the post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk aspects. Purchase.
- Geo Armor (need full title and to rewatch to confirm)
- Invader Zim
Notes
- ↑ The story is based on a mythologized Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi and pays homage to Futaro Yamada's The Kouga Ninja Scrolls.
