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Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2003)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Andy

If you haven’t seen the Mamorou Oshii’s 1996 masterpiece, Ghost in the Shell, then you can go and sit in the corner of anime class and face the wall. In a lot of ways, Ghost in the Shell was the heir to Otomo’s Akira. At times explosive action, at others a meditation on what it means to be human, Ghost in the Shell presented a fully realised world of rapidly advancing technology set against a backdrop of decaying … (read more)

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Versus (2000)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Deni

Ryuhei Kitamura’s Versus is a frenetic, low budget, deliberately B-grade mix of some of the coolest movie madness you are ever likely to see. Passionate about films of the 70’s and 80’s, like Dawn of the Dead, Evil Dead and Mad Max, and influenced by filmmakers such as James Cameron, John Carpenter and Sam Raimi, Kitamura is not only a walking advertisement, but an outspoken advocate for the Hollywood pre-CG action film. Which accounts a lot for the … (read more)

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Kai Doh Maru (2001)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Mark Morrison

From the opening frames it is clear that Kaidohmaru is an anime of distinction; it begins with a flashback told in scratchy black and white art and almost primitive animation. It takes a gamble with the viewer’s attention, and shows that the animators are willing to create their own style. If there is such a thing as arthouse anime, this is it.

When the obligatory “Five Years Later” title comes up and the real art kicks in, we are still … (read more)

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Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Ching Yee

“To live is everything”, Isao Takahata says as he opens his interview about The Grave of Fireflies. This comment encapsulates the overall message of the film and is indeed the persistent action of the two main characters, 12 year old Seita and his four year old sister Setsuko. Against major devastation on their home, family and spirit, the two children try their best to survive, post extensive firebombing of Japan in 1944.

However from the outset, we know that … (read more)

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Twelve Kingdoms (2002)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Ching Yee

Well, this was a pleasantly infuriating experience — it was gripping yet so maddeningly convoluted and slow to develop that it nearly drove me to distraction. Nearly, but fortunately, not quite.

You’re reading the synopsis and thinking ‘hey, it doesn’t very sound very different from other series’ [see Escaflowne]. Youko Nakajima wouldn’t be the first reluctant anime character to be told she is the ‘chosen one’. She wouldn’t be the first to be consequently ripped from Earth, dumped into … (read more)

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Galaxy Angel (2001)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Andy

You know I tried to resist but “wacky and zany” pretty much sums up Galaxy Angel. It is a far-flung future where hysterical over-reaction is the standard response to any given situation and any notion of plot is subservient to comedic set-ups & pay-offs.

And where there is anime hi-jinx, a little fan service can’t be far behind. Discipline in the Galaxy Angels seems to be fairly relaxed with the standard issue uniforms undergoing a number of personal modifications. … (read more)

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Samurai Champloo (2004)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Deni

I have a feeling this review is going to be about a hundred words long.

Why? Well, come on, be honest. Is there any point in me going into any great length on it? I mean, the minute I answer The Question you’ll be off, either straight to the store to buy a copy, or to your room to lock yourself in and watch reruns of Sailor Moon until you can get over the disappointment (or cultivate enough denial).

It’s … (read more)

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Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)

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Posted on January 25, 2006 by Andy

Miyazaki’s follow up to Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is a distinct change of pace. Perhaps as a reaction to Nausicaa’s overly dense plot and general grimness, Miyazaki creates a film that lets its elements breathe.

Laputa can almost be viewed as the base clay of Miyazaki’s career: it features a surprising number of themes and elements that recur throughout his work. The danger inherent in the abuse of technology is at the core of Nausicaa. … (read more)

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