Poetic, visually jaw-dropping,
deeply, philosophical,
anime has it all.
It's such a vast and diverse genre.
In fact, it can be difficult to know where to begin,
so here are five recommendations.
Think of it as a beginner's guide to anime.
If there are classic films you think we've overlooked,
don't hesitate to share them in the comments.
There are dreams that grow and I…
We're switching places?
Body swap stories are nothing new.
What are you?
It's me, mum.
But Your Name doesn't pay this magic for laughs.
This is a story about time and love.
A boy and a girl embark on a quest to meet each other
after waking up in the other's body.
They are forced to learn about each other's lives
by living them.
This film does an amazing job of
balancing fun and humour…
Sis, what are you doing?
There's a realistic feel.
…with powerful emotion.
Oh, and did I mention how beautiful it is?
Just look at the traditional hand-drawn [inaudible].
Howl's Moving Castle is a fantasy adventure film
directed by the iconic Hayao Miyazaki.
His company, Studio Ghibli, is one of
the most prominent names in animation,
making this a must-see.
The film tells the story of a young milliner
named Sophie
and her encounter with the mysterious Howl,
who is voiced by Christian Bale
in the English version.
Now, straighten your legs and start walking.
As they float through the sky
walking on nothing but air,
the seeds of romance are sown.
Until…
Sophie is forced to leave her town
in search of a cure,
where she encounters this enormous moving castle.
There are breath-taking natural vistas,
clashes with gigantic flying warships,
wizards transforming into beasts…
In anime, anything is possible.
But, beyond the superficial,
Howl's Moving Castle holds important advice
about fear and ageing.
Sophie's curse has the potential
to become a blessing,
but you have to watch the film
to see what lessons she learns.
Then do something!
What the hell is wrong with you?
I can't believe you bit me!
This movie is guaranteed to hit you
right in the feels.
I'm mad at you!
I'm doing the best I can!
What are you even saying?
A Silent Voice is a testament
to the power of anime
to explore real world issues
in a way that normal TV just can't do.
Can we be friends?
It's the story of Shôya…
You're such a freak!
…a young boy who bullies the new deaf girl
in the class, Nishimiya.
Years later, Shôya is plagued by guilt
and sets out on a journey of redemption
to meet Nishimiya
and make amends.
Can me
and you, Shoko…
Can we be friends?
A Silent Voice tackles anxiety,
depression and self-hatred
in empathetic ways.
Shôya's inability to connect with people,
for instance, is shown by this.
And, if you loved films like After,
you'll love this anime movie.
Ready?
And fire!
Princess Mononoke.
This is one of Studio Ghibli's
most highly-acclaimed animations.
It's a period drama
set in the Muromachi period of Japan,
which stretched from 1336 to 1573,
and follows the journey of Ashitaka.
In real life,
the Emishi were an ancient group of people in Japan
and this film makes Ashitaka their last prince.
His goal?
To make peace between the human settlers
of fictional Iron Town
and the creatures living in the surrounding forest.
Now, Miyazaki plays with real life and fantasy here
by clashing modern-day anxieties
about climate change
with a semi-historic world.
On one side of the clash, we have Lady Eboshi
who created Iron Town to serve as a sanctuary
for down-trodden people,
but they are under threat.
People kill forest monsters
and pierce the thickest Samurai armour.
Lady Eboshi will do anything to protect Iron Town
and even go as far as
war with the spirits of the forest.
Meanwhile, there's San,
also known as Princess Mononoke,
which translates to "vengeful spirit".
Now, in true Hayao Miyazaki style,
Princess Mononoke has no true antagonist:
both sides are fighting for righteous reasons.
Every character is filled with both love and hate,
thus making them all capable of good and evil.
These kind of plots that put morality into perspective
are the cornerstones of what makes anime great.
Come in!
Spirited Away is
the undisputed Studio Ghibli masterpiece
that stands as the first and the only Japanese film
to win an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
It tells the story of a ten-year-old girl, Chihiro,
whose family is transported into the spirit realm
on their way to a new home in a new town.
Her parents fall under the curse of a witch,
and young Chihiro must find a way to rescue them
and escape back home.
The world is beautiful,
the creatures are nuanced with so much detail
and Miyazaki gives spaces to pause and breathe
and just take it all in.
In true anime fashion,
the film is layered with real world lessons.
Here, greedy humans turn into greedy pigs.
Spirited Away is a [inaudible] tale
like no other
with a thematic death
and breath-taking animation
that will make you fall in love with anime.
You can watch all these films
streaming on Netflix UK now.
And, for more recommendations
on what to watch, check back on the channel.