Of Bugs And Anime...

[Trivun]

Yes, it's another anime thread. No, it isn't what you're probably expecting. Especially as this is really a thread in two parts, sort of. Firs, a little backstory. Last week, I was working on a short film with some friends, and after we wrapped we decided to go to our local pub for a drink. What was going to be one pint turned into four, and then going back to one guy's house to drink vodka and coke and watch a random film. Since none of us, aside from the guy whose house it was (who owned the DVD), had seen Starship Troopers, we decided to watch that, and suffice to say I greatly enjoyed it.

Afterwards, we just sat around until around 5.00am watching random late night TV, and ended up catching the end of Kiki's Delivery Service, a Studio Ghibli film. We'd been discussing anime earlier in the night, and I'd never seen a Studio Ghibli film before, so this was basically my first time seeing anything from the studio. And again, I loved it. I decided that night that I would try and watch more stuff from the studio, especially as some of their films have been recommended to me in the past, particularly through this site.

So I have two questions that I'd like to hear opinions on. The first is about Starship Troopers. Having seen the first film, are the sequels any good? Is it worth me watching them? And the second question is, which Studio Ghibli films would you specifically recommend I watch (aside from Grave of the Fireflies and Spirited Away, which I plan to see anyway...)?

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

Just watch anything Ghibli with Miyazaki.

I'd especially watch Porco Rosso.

 

[fulano]

The only good Starship Troopers movie is the first one. As for Studio Ghibli, you can safely take your pick of the litter.

 

[Evilsanta]

You should either watch Grave of the Fireflies first or last as it will crush your very soul.

And my recommendation would be Howl's um...Walking or is it moving...Castle.

 

[Arqus_Zed]

Just watch anything Ghibli with Miyazaki.

I'd go as far as saying anything from Ghibli, not just Miyazaki.

Films such as Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns and Pompoko are still very enjoyable.
(And let's not forget that Grave of the Fireflies isn't by Miyazaki.)

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

Just watch anything Ghibli with Miyazaki.

I'd go as far as saying anything from Ghibli, not just Miyazaki.

Films such as Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns and Pompoko are still very enjoyable.
(And let's not forget that Grave of the Fireflies isn't by Miyazaki.)

They are indeed enjoyable, but I could have sworn Miyazaki was involved with Whisper...I guess I was wrong.

 

[Ragsnstitches]

The first ST is great, as its got solid action, great (for the time) visuals and a solid plot, all wrapped up neatly in some well played parody. The others are just hamfisted spoofs of other action films with an alien twist.

I won't sweat the details, so I'll list some shows to watch first.

Princess Mononoke, Luputa: Castle in the Sky, Porco Roso (spelt wrong?), Naussica of the valley of the wind. These are all relatively mature in theme. For a lighter experience, try My Neighbour Totoro, Only yesterday, and Ponyo.

I'd recommend you watch most of their stuff... its all good, but they vary wildly from film to film in themes and tones, so they might not all suit your tastes.

 

[Arqus_Zed]

Just watch anything Ghibli with Miyazaki.

I'd go as far as saying anything from Ghibli, not just Miyazaki.

Films such as Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns and Pompoko are still very enjoyable.
(And let's not forget that Grave of the Fireflies isn't by Miyazaki.)

They are indeed enjoyable, but I could have sworn Miyazaki was involved with Whisper...I guess I was wrong.

*Checks Wikipedia*

Well I'll be damned, I was right about the fact that Miyazaki didn't direct it (that honor goes to Yoshifumi Kond&#333, but he did write the original screenplay.

Fancy that.

 

[mireko]

Starship Troopers? Don't bother with the sequels. The first one is funny and satirical and the rest.. aren't.

As for Ghibli, you should try My Neighbor Totoro. The tone is pretty similar to Kiki's Delivery Service.

 

[Lokithrsourcerer]

ok...

no the sequels to starship troopers are awful (all strait to video I think)

Studio Ghibli films I recommend (aside from the ones u mentioned):

Princess Mononoke
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (actually released b4 the studio was founded but generally considered one of theirs and its well good!)

 

[Athol]

I can't help you on the anime front, but as for the Starship Troopers sequels...avoid like the plauge.