What is so great about Anime?

[Thaius]

Because Japan considers anime to be a subset of film, whereas we in American culture consider animation to be a childish plaything incapable of telling serious stories, presenting impacting issues, or developing meaningful characters. It's a terrible, ignorant idea that is the prevailing approach to animation in our culture.

Japan understands otherwise. Their animated works are, by and large, better than their live-action ones, and those who appreciate anime have come to understand the storytelling potential that animation has, however untapped and misunderstood it may be by most of our own culture.

Gurran Laggan, by the way, is an intentional self-parody of the sci-fi mech genre. Don't look to it for serious storytelling. Naruto actually has an incredibly complex culture, mythos, and story, but it must be watched from the beginning to get it, which unfortunately subjects the viewer to a lot of unnecessary juvenile drivel on the way to the brilliance the show exhibits later. Code Geass I haven't seen, so no comment.

Did you watch the first episodes of these shows? Most anime is not like the episodic drivel that populates western animation; you watch it from the beginning or you will be lost. Thus, if you did not see the beginnings, your ideas are entirely invalid due to lack of context and understanding.

Apart from your vague implications of Japanese high-horsery, this is a good arguement. So I guess the reason Gurran Laggan makes no sense is that its parodying genre conventions I'm not familier with? Interesting.

I don't mean to imply some sort of Japanese supremacy, I just really respect them for using animation for more than blindingly stupid children's television and the occasional dirty adult comedy. I am consistently irritated when I tell someone that Pixar's Up, for instance, was awesome and made me cry, and their response is, "But isn't it a cartoon?" As if its status as a cartoon immediately disqualifies it from having any emotional impact. The western idea of animation is an ignorant and stilted one, and it never ceases to annoy me. I don't think Japan is somehow a better culture, necessarily, I just think they generally have an astronomically better understanding of animation than western cultures.

Besides, it was an anime called Clannad that first made me cry my eyes out, and broke me for any future sadness in storytelling. It's a two-season anime that made me, a 21-year old man who had never, ever cried in a movie, book, game, whatever, bawl for pretty much the entire last half of the second season. Nothing else has done that to me. The freaking soundtrack still makes me cry.

And yeah, Gurren Laggan is suppsed to be ridiculous and over-the-top. After Evangelion, the mech genre started getting a bit overused, pretentious, and ridiculous. Gurren Laggan is a parody of everything that makes mech anime what it is. Thus the ridiculousness and lines like, "Yours will be the drill that pierces the heavens!"

I recommend Full Metal Alchemist if you want a good fantasy (the original, not Brotherhood; watch that one later if you want), and Death Note if you want a very intelligent psychological thriller. I already mentioned Clannad, which is a romantic comedy/drama, though it might involve a bit of culture shock for you considering it actually takes place in Japan.

I recommend you give anime a bit more of a chance, simply because it offers a perspective on animation that you will rarely see in western culture (exceptions being almost completely limited to Pixar's films and Avatar: The Last Airbender, which is pretty much the best show ever made). It's not a genre that is all the same, it's another culture's animation, an entire sub-medium of film from another culture.

If you're finding it too hard to get into, I recommend watching Avatar: The Last Airbender. It's an American show, so it lacks a lot of the weirdness that often pops up in anime, but it is an animated kid's show that, despite the juvenile nature of much of the first season, is an absolutely brilliant fantasy that you are guaranteed to love by the end.

 

[Texas America Murphy]

LOL Im bookmarking this thread because of hte live updates XD

If I can get enough requests I'll start a poll thread and start doing user selected watchthroughs/updates. This is actually rather fun.

 

[UrbanCohort]

Giving anime a 'fair shot' would require you to go at LEAST 4 episodes in, 6 is usually the case though...and I think in your case it might just be a waste of time you'd rather spend jerking off.

We nerds are making an effort to show you why WE like anime (though you may not ever like it yourself), the least you can do is hunker down for a bit and just watch. You might even find an aspect about it that you like, if you can suspend your distaste and keep the bile from getting to you. Also provided you don't have a seizure (Stay a fair distance away from the TV and watch in a well lit room ).

Last but not least, I agree with you that the Protagonist for Neon Genesis Evangelion made me want to drown baby kittens.

 

[findelhe]

Dear Nerds, explain to me what the heck the deal with Anime is.

A little bit of background before we collectively explore this artistic train wreck you call ?Japanimation.?

I?m a film student at the University of Texas. I have never seen an Anime before yesterday. I like to think that I give everything I watch a fair shake. Hell, I even watched an Irani film once. Now, my girlfriend Leanne is a member of our school's anime club, which meets every Friday night. Normally I don?t go with her because my JROTC usually meets on Fridays, but last night I was free because it was Christmas Eve (and its Winter Break), and my girlfriend invited me to have an ?Anime Christmas? with her and her friends who live in the area.

So I walk into the living room and there are these girls dressed up in these weird costumes and stuff. One of them runs up to me and shouts something like ?Cowiie Desi.? So I?m put off, but still determined to see what the big fuss is about. DVDs go in the player and I?m treated to what my girlfriend tells me is the most popular Animes.

First off we watched Naruto. I?ve seen German Art House cinema that made more sense than this. I guess it was about Ninjas, but they were all wearing orange jumpsuits? At no point did any of the plot make sense or any of the characters develop.

After that we watched two episodes of Code Geuess. It was like walking into a Mexican soap opera midway through the plot. Everyone was pulling gambits and double gambits and Russian reversals. I didn?t know who was betraying whom, and I don?t think those cardboard cutouts did either. Also, why is Britain invading Japan? We already did that!

Finally, we watched an episode of this thing Guren Lagan. It felt like I was six years old and watching Power Rangers again. You?d think this would be a compliment. A sort of return to youth. But even at 6 I was doubtful of the artistic validity of Power Rangers. Also, the fact that every character on that show was sexually attracted to a 12 year old girl is incredibly disturbing. Is this okay in Japan?

Some basic research reveals that these shows are some of the most popular Anime both here and in Japan. Why is it so popular? What is so great about these shows? I?m so confused. Nothing anyone does makes any sense, the characters are all cliches, and nothing ever actually happens.

I couldn?t help but notice that virtually half the people on this board of some sort of Anime character as their avatar, so obviously people here love it and its popular. But for all my education I cannot possibly comprehend why people call this ?art.? I was hoping that maybe y?all could enlighten me. There must be something I am missing

Edited for spelling.

It just might not be your thing. Kinda of how I can barely stand just about everything that Hollywood is putting nowadays. It's just a what people find interesting not everyone will like anime and some will. I would just be careful about saying something is or is not art just cause you don't like it doesn't make it less of an artistic medium.

 

[Smooth Operator]

Cowboy Bebop Update Whatever:

So just Spike ambushed the Outlaw Guy wearing a poncho and sombraro for no reason than the show writers felt the need to go "HEY YOU GUYS WE JUST LOVE SERGIO LEONE COWBOY MOVIES AND NOIR MOVIES TOO GET IT THATS WHY ITS CALLED COWBOY BEBOP!" But then Kung Fu happens and its all "BUT WE ALSO LIKE RETURN OF THE DRAGON! ARN'T WE UNIQUE LITTLE SNOWFLAKES!?"

Alright Cowboy Bebop so do I but you don't me hollering it from my goddamn roof.

...You really are trying your hardest to discredit it aren't you?

I actually really like this a bunch. I'm probably going to watch more of it.

It's just funny how hard it trying to appeal to the Film Nerd crowd.

Cowboy Bebop shouldn't even be called Cowboy Bebop. It should be called "This is Anime for People who have 35mm Prints of Underloved Movies from the 70's In Their Basements. Also I Got Beat The Fuck Up in Highschool: The Series."

I had a hunch the "Dear nerds" smelled of troll, and you have most certainly proven me right, so good luck with all that.

 

[mirasiel]

-snip-
Deal with it.

you're saying you're a liar and crook, intelectually,morally and ethically bankrupt.


Like I said troll and pretentious with it.

You remind me of a guy I knew when I was about your age but he was studying philosophy and was actually quite nice to his partner afaik.

 

[masterjiji]

Sorry, one more thing. NEVER EVER FUCKING WATCH HETALIA. IT IS A GODLESS ABOMINATION AND DESERVES TO BE STABBED IN THE THROAT AND LEFT TO ROT ON THE RUSSIAN BORDER.

Sorry, I'll shut up now.

 

[Glaive_21842]

LOL Im bookmarking this thread because of hte live updates XD

If I can get enough requests I'll start a poll thread and start doing user selected watchthroughs/updates. This is actually rather fun.

that would be epic

 

[Griphphin]

All gamers like anime is a pretty stupid catch all statement. I don't watch it. The 100 other gamers I know on campus don't.

Also, what the hell is a weaboo?

All animes are like the ones you described (not even touching on how you didn't even have context) is just as catch-all to be honest. Anime is a medium because it encompasses so many different things. Imagine your favorite movie for a second. There is an anime that exemplifies what you think makes that movie so great.
I don't think there are too many people here that think all anime is great, but there is something for everyone.

 

[Shirokurou]

Historically the industry for anime is much more developed and broader than western animation.
There's porn, anime for grandmas, kids, girls and boys. And they splinter even farther with in their difference in subject matter.

There's a show about agriculture, even.

So, it just happened that way I guess.

 

[mirasiel]

Last but not least, I agree with you that the Protagonist for Neon Genesis Evangelion made me want to drown baby kittens.

I always thought that was the point of shinji, to really make you just not give a damn about humanities survival.

or show how everyone is messed up in the brainpan and thats just the human state

 

[UrbanCohort]

LOL Im bookmarking this thread because of hte live updates XD

If I can get enough requests I'll start a poll thread and start doing user selected watchthroughs/updates. This is actually rather fun.

Prepare a will beforehand, you'll inevitably run into an anime that makes you lose all faith in humanity.

Also:

Last but not least, I agree with you that the Protagonist for Neon Genesis Evangelion made me want to drown baby kittens.

I always thought that was the point of shinji, to really make you just not give a damn about humanities survival.

or show how everyone is messed up in the brainpan and thats just the human state

I'M NOT MESSED UP IN THE BRAINPAN AND IF YOU IMPLY OR SAY DIFFERENTLY, I'LL KILL YOU.

 

[Chocomint]

Don't know if I'd call anime 'art', as a whole, but I like the comics more than the animated versions, for what it's worth (and I do consider comics as an art form). Just as with tv programs from any other country, the majority of the shows are going to be a waste of time.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is the only series I can think of, off the top of my head, that might be more accessible.

 

[Glaive_21842]

LOL Im bookmarking this thread because of hte live updates XD

If I can get enough requests I'll start a poll thread and start doing user selected watchthroughs/updates. This is actually rather fun.

Prepare a will beforehand, you'll inevitably run into an anime that makes you lose all faith in humanity.

Garzey?s Wing! Do Garzey?s Wing!

 

[RatRace123]

I don't like it myself, but plenty of other people do.
Of course, some people like it too much, then they get weird about it.

Sounds like you experienced the weird aspect.

 

[Texas America Murphy]

I think, based on some of the earlier posts you made about unresolved tension and lack of understanding after the first episode, that you may be missing a piece of fundamental information regarding anime.

It's all part of one story, they are not 'episodes' as such, much segments of a long film, do not expect to fully understand them after the first few pages, so to speak.

If you already understood that, then sorry, my bad =)


Secondly, Cowboy Bebop should be good, enjoy, and if that doesn't hook you try this [http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/claymore-episode-1-english-dubbed-online-free#English]. I was pretty much in the same boat as you a short while ago, maybe a few months, I pretty much thought that all anime was a massive waste of time, full of stereotypical characters with oversized breasts. I watch one episode of Claymore on a friends request, and got hooked.

My advice is, don't look at these things with the eyes of a critic, just try to enjoy it. When I pick apart the music I like in my head (as a musician) I find things I would've liked done another way, and it can destroy what I would otherwise have got out of it. On top of this, there is a massive psychological correlation between what you expect to feel/see/e.t.c, and what you do - so much so, that it is actually possible to fool people into believing they are eating different flavoured sweets depending purely on what colour they are.
Remember this, and approach anime with a genuinely open mind, not thinking about what snarky remarks you will post on the forums later.

I really hope you end up liking anime, because, to be honest, if you can just suspend your disbelief sufficiently, and become immersed in it (as you would a video game or book), it can be a great way to unwind, and to fuel your imagination. Good luck =)

Also, I would advise that you watch subbed, as bad voice acting (acting in general) can ruin any media.

Thanks for the advice. Once you're a film critic its really hard to turn that part of your brain off when you watch movies. The snarky remarks actually help me to turn that off. They keep me watching and just thinking about the thing I'm watching as just one silly thing to be taken in as a whole, as opposed to a VERY SERIOUS BUSINESS DAVID LYNCH MOVIE.

In other news

COWBOY BEBOP UPDATE 5: THE EMPIRE GETS DRUNK

I have to admit. I have nothing bad to say about this show's art design. Nothing. Also the fucking space fighters are rad as fuck.

But Outlaw. Stop doing drugs. They're hurting you. They're BAD FOR YOU. CAN'T YOU SEE THEY'RE TEARING THIS FAMILY APART.

Pregnant dames with hyper violent meth head boyfriends who are being pursued by bounty hunters. Ill fated shoot outs with the police. Lazy towns ravaged by drug abuse.

Shit. They up and made an anime about my Uncle's neighborhood in West Texas. Goddamn.

Oh she wasn't pregnant she was just smuggling drugs. But now they're both dead. The end of this is episode is just "HEY KIDS, DON'T DO DRUGS BECAUSE YOU'LL GET SHOT THE FUCK UP BY MEXICAN POLICE."

Which is pretty much something how my Uncle Ronnie told it to me.

 

[Marik2]

LOL Im bookmarking this thread because of hte live updates XD

If I can get enough requests I'll start a poll thread and start doing user selected watchthroughs/updates. This is actually rather fun.

Well count me in, its always funny when people who are new to anime watch it for the first time XD

 

[Texas America Murphy]

-snip-
Deal with it.

you're saying you're a liar and crook, intelectually,morally and ethically bankrupt.


Like I said troll and pretentious with it.

You remind me of a guy I knew when I was about your age but he was studying philosophy and was actually quite nice to his partner afaik.

Philosophy is for pussies so actually he's not like me at all.

 

[mirasiel]

I'M NOT MESSED UP IN THE BRAINPAN AND IF YOU IMPLY OR SAY DIFFERENTLY, I'LL KILL YOU.

Hey i dont judge dude, I went through a period of masturbating myself over semi-naked girls in comas.


hell, I'd probably still do it if it wasn't for that restraining order.

 

[2xDouble]

Cowboy Bebop Update Whatever:

So just Spike ambushed the Outlaw Guy wearing a poncho and sombraro for no reason than the show writers felt the need to go "HEY YOU GUYS WE JUST LOVE SERGIO LEONE COWBOY MOVIES AND NOIR MOVIES TOO GET IT THATS WHY ITS CALLED COWBOY BEBOP!" But then Kung Fu happens and its all "BUT WE ALSO LIKE RETURN OF THE DRAGON! ARN'T WE UNIQUE LITTLE SNOWFLAKES!?"

Alright Cowboy Bebop so do I but you don't me hollering it from my goddamn roof.

...You really are trying your hardest to discredit it aren't you?

I actually really like this a bunch. I'm probably going to watch more of it.

It's just funny how hard it trying to appeal to the Film Nerd crowd.

Cowboy Bebop shouldn't even be called Cowboy Bebop. It should be called "This is Anime for People who have 35mm Prints of Underloved Movies from the 70's In Their Basements. Also I Got Beat The Fuck Up in Highschool: The Series."

Actually, over the course of the series (and several of the early episodes) certain bits of information come out that makes the title make more sense. Some are very subtle, but once you see them you can't not see them. In particular, as you notice the multiple meanings of both "cowboy" and "bebop" when used in context...

Yeah, I know... but like gestalt concept, clever wordplay is way more interesting than cynicism. (heh, cine-cism)