From One Anime Amateur To Another!
I have been binge watching anime for some time now. It’s easy for the newcomers to think that anime is nothing more than strange-looking cartoons reserved for children. In fact, that’s what most people in my family think. However, if you’re willing to give them a chance it’s likely you’ll be surprised at the difference between the cartoons you expected and what they actually are.
Anime is a genre and style of animation mostly associated with Japanese studios, although due to its increasing popularity among people from Europe and America, western studios have also adopted and taken from certain aspects of anime and put them into their own creations. But what makes anime different from something like The Simpsons? While they are certainly shows that are focused on humor, where the genre really shines is in its more adult-themed anime.
I am not badass enough to even suggest anime but following are some I have been feeding off. Here is an essential list of ten of the most exhilarating, visually breathtaking, character and plot-driven anime shows I left everything else for.
1. Clannad. It is a Japanese visual novel developed by Key. It has the most ultimate manifestations of romance, in my opinion.
2. Toradora. It is a Japanese light novel series by Yuyuko Takemiya, with illustrations by Yasu. It is a Visual novel, Drama, Romantic comedy.
3. Spirited Away. In this animated feature by noted Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki. It is full of mystery and fantasy.
4. Revolutionary Girl Utena. Revolutionary Girl Utena is far from what many people think of when you say “magic girl” shojo anime. It doesn’t just defy gender roles; it flips and bends them beyond recognition. At its very core, it’s a story about a woman trying to save another woman. Beyond that, it’s a show laden with socially and ethically conscious metaphors and darker themes. And although the dueling can get a bit repetitive, it’s still pretty fun to watch fancy sword fights.
5. Death Note. It is one of the most tightly plotted anime I have watched. It’s a fascinating show with a colorful cast of main characters, with moments both hilarious and haunting.
6. Paranoia Agent. Do you ever question what’s real and what’s a product of your imagination? Are you fascinated by the spread of gossip and fear in a community? Do you find yourself wondering if everything is your fault, or if you’re simply a victim of circumstance? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are high that you’ll enjoy Paranoia Agent, a masterful anime only 13 episodes long.
7. Future Diary. A young man competes with people around the world for a chance to become the successor of God, with a diary that is able to tell the future.
8. Grave Of The Fireflies/Hotaru No Haka . Considered by critics as one of the best films to come out of Japanese cinema, this film is the story of a young boy and his little sister’s struggle for survival in Japan in the midst of the Second World War.
9. Perfect Blue. Making a great thriller is already challenging enough, but to do it so well with an anime movie deserves special attention. The tension is gripping and the movie successfully keeps you at the edge of your seats.
10. Paprika. Best for the last. Paprika is arguably one of the greatest movies of this century.
You should definitely take out some time and give them a chance while pouring out sparkling wine. It is totally worth it. Please let me know if you watch any of them. Cheers!!
I was also in a season where I used to watch anime back to back. :’) But only Death note from your list. 🙂
I have been into anime for almost four years now. What all other anime have you watched other than Death Note?
Four years. Wow.. My association is just year and counting. 🙂 The series are One man punch. Attack of the titian. Full metal alchemist.. Ghost in the shell.. Steins gate.. My hero academia.. Black butler.. Bleach.. Code geass.. Fairy tail. Inu yasha.. Rurouni kenshin. Assassination classroom. 🙂
That’s huge. You have watched quite a handful, brilliant ones. I have watched a few of them too. Let me know if you watch any more. It is nice to know you appreciate anime too. Good wishes.
Yea. My first anime was Death Note. What was yur entry series? Yea.. Likwise yu can also share series details to me. 🙂 I haven’t watched many from yur list too. Planning to watch after I am done with star trek TNG :).
My firsts were Cowboy Bebop, Black Lagoon, Psycho-Pass and Ergo proxy. I have prepared a list of whatever more I have to watch by the end of this year. You should watch some from this blog post, especially Paranoia Agent and Paprika. They are old yet gold. How is Star Trek TNG going?
Yea. Have heard about Cowboy bebop. I wil try to watch your list. :’) Star Trek TNG is awesome.. love Sci fic space genre. 😀 What are you watching nowadays?
Science fiction and time travel based stories are engrossing and diverse than standard movies. Their stories are also varied and captivating every time unlike conventional ones. I recently watched Hiroshima Mon Amour and Antichrist. They gave me Goosebumps.
Yea. You said it perfectly. Like Jules Verne book.. What if a movie will be basis for space exploration. :’) I have heard of the Antichrist but not the other one. .. I wil try to watch it.. Already my list is getting longer 🙂
It is a beautiful movie made in 1959. It features different perspectives on the Hiroshima bombing. It has won several awards for its screenplay as well. No matter how many things I watch from my list, it only keeps getting longer.
Thanks for the info.. Will try to watch. 🙂 True that.. I can relate to that. It is never ending list. Now I have few animes and two movies to watch. Thanks to yu.. 🙂
Good luck to you finishing the list. 🙂
Thank you. Same there.. 🙂
🙂
I love them! I have not seen many, but they are really different in themselves.
I connect more with anime than any other genre. It is entirely insightful and different in its own way.