Quote:
Originally Posted by _Ea_
There's anime - and then there's anime. I guess I mean that while Japanese animated movies tend to share a certain style, they vary as much quality-wise, or style-wise to be nice, as for instance American animated films. I don't watch 'amine' myself, but I think when it comes to making animated films, Hayao Miyazaki, who've made, among others, "Princess Mononoke", can sweep the floor with Disney. Sorry  There's a otherworldly magical quality to these films that you just don't find with Disney. Really great storytelling, and beatiful, detailed handmade animation. THey're all over very 'rich'.
'Princess Mononoke' has some themes that are best understood by older children or adults, but some of his earlier films, like 'My neighbour Tototo' are more children's films, and captures a wonderful childlike innocense.
I think the best one to start with would be 'Chihiro' ('Spirited Away'). It has some of both childish and the adult themes - probaly because the character herself is between child and adult), and I think it's one his absolute best films. It feels very complete. So don't don't watch it because it's 'anime', actually it's much more like a Disney film - I just feel Miyazaki's films has greater depth and nuance. They feel more like a work of art than a product.
There's the most beautiful short with flying whales in Fantasia 2000. And we get to meet Donald Duck on Noah's Ark. The short films are generally playing around with drawing and colouring styles to great effect. The original Fantasia is more conservative that way. The introductions by famous actors is a bit cheesy, but you can always skip that 
What did you think of 'Local Hero' btw.? Hardly anyone I meet have seen it - it's always a surprise to me that someone else know of it. |
OK .... I will give Miyazaki's films a try. And, since I already have a copy of "Spirited Away" ... I can probably start my education tonight.
I loved "Local Hero" ... it was such a strange film, but Burt Lancaster and Scots mermaids?? What's not to like??
I was in to pin collecting for awhile ... so I have all sorts of pins from Fantasia 2000. Doesn't really add anything to my reply, I know ...