1. Kamikaze Girls
This movie tells the story of an unlikely friendship. When Momoko, who loves lolita style and French Rococo, meets Ichigo, a Yanki in a girl biker gang, her life is turned upside down. This is the Japanese version of a teen movie, with lots of humor and style to spare and rife with Japanese pop-culture. I would say that this movie is enjoyable overall, but especially for those interested in Japan and its pop-culture.
2. Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter
The straight to DVD companion movie to the big screen Watchemen includes the animated short film "Tales of the Black Freighter"(which was a pirate comic about a survivor of a pirate attack, who learns the meaning of "The road to hell is paved with good intentions") and "Under the Hood" (a documentary based on the autobiography of Hollis Mason, the first Night Owl), both of which appeared in the original graphic novel of Watchmen.
It really shows Zack Snyder's passion for the graphic novel that he insisted on creating these aspects of the book that would have been thrown out by most directors, because they are not immediately pertinent to the story. However, they are important thematically. While I agree that Watchment is not for everybody, if it is your cup of tea, then I suggest you get the companion DVD and watch these extras as well, because they expand upon the world and make it come more alive.
3. Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, by Mary Roach
Having already tackled the subjects of human corpses (Stiff) and the afterlife (Spook), Roach once again takes on the taboo in Bonk. As the title suggests, she looks at the science of sex -- from viagra to female libido to erectile implants to sex as a health benefit -- and she does so in her straightforward, unflinchingly humorous style.
This book will probably make you blush; it made me blush. It also made my jaw drop, and I would keep looking around sheepishly to see who might be watching and judging me read this book. Oh, and I laughed, too.
This may or may not be a book for those who have inhibitions about discussing sex, as it is definitely unabashed about describing anatomy, though purely in a scientific way. There is much to be learned in this book, much that needs to be learned, and much that is purely amusing for the sake of anecdote. Bonk was a very enjoyable, though sometimes disturbing, read.
4. Click, by David Almond, Eoin Colfer, Roddy Doyle, Deborah Ellis, Nick Hornby, Margo Langan, Gregory Maguire, Ruth Ozeki, Linda Sue Park, and Tim Wynne-Jones
After their famous photographer grandfather Gee dies, he leaves his grandson Jason some signed photographs from famous sports stars and his granddaughter a box of seven shells. These mysterious items begin the unfolding of mysteries that carry across decades.
Ten authors came together to write this novel, each writing one chapter, more of a series of short stories. It's amazing to me how well these stories weave together to make a complete picture, not just a random assortment of stories, but truely a novel. The book is well written throughout, and the characters are interesting. This is a genuinely sweet and touching story, and definitely one of my new favorite books.
Proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to Amnesty International, which makes a good deed out of enjoyable entertainment.
5. Otto; or, Up with Dead People
This is a gay zombie movie. That's the simple explanation. Here's how Netflix describes it:
This movie can be a little confronting, in that there are a few short explicit sex scenes (I'm warning you now, because I was warned, but the warning didn't keep me from being surprised either). However, if you can get past sex (which comprises a very small portion of the film), Otto is very creative and very interesting from an intellectual point of view. Definitely worth a look, just make sure you can handle the sex, and don't watch it with someone who is going to freak out.
This movie tells the story of an unlikely friendship. When Momoko, who loves lolita style and French Rococo, meets Ichigo, a Yanki in a girl biker gang, her life is turned upside down. This is the Japanese version of a teen movie, with lots of humor and style to spare and rife with Japanese pop-culture. I would say that this movie is enjoyable overall, but especially for those interested in Japan and its pop-culture.
2. Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter
The straight to DVD companion movie to the big screen Watchemen includes the animated short film "Tales of the Black Freighter"(which was a pirate comic about a survivor of a pirate attack, who learns the meaning of "The road to hell is paved with good intentions") and "Under the Hood" (a documentary based on the autobiography of Hollis Mason, the first Night Owl), both of which appeared in the original graphic novel of Watchmen.
It really shows Zack Snyder's passion for the graphic novel that he insisted on creating these aspects of the book that would have been thrown out by most directors, because they are not immediately pertinent to the story. However, they are important thematically. While I agree that Watchment is not for everybody, if it is your cup of tea, then I suggest you get the companion DVD and watch these extras as well, because they expand upon the world and make it come more alive.
3. Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex, by Mary Roach
Having already tackled the subjects of human corpses (Stiff) and the afterlife (Spook), Roach once again takes on the taboo in Bonk. As the title suggests, she looks at the science of sex -- from viagra to female libido to erectile implants to sex as a health benefit -- and she does so in her straightforward, unflinchingly humorous style.
This book will probably make you blush; it made me blush. It also made my jaw drop, and I would keep looking around sheepishly to see who might be watching and judging me read this book. Oh, and I laughed, too.
This may or may not be a book for those who have inhibitions about discussing sex, as it is definitely unabashed about describing anatomy, though purely in a scientific way. There is much to be learned in this book, much that needs to be learned, and much that is purely amusing for the sake of anecdote. Bonk was a very enjoyable, though sometimes disturbing, read.
4. Click, by David Almond, Eoin Colfer, Roddy Doyle, Deborah Ellis, Nick Hornby, Margo Langan, Gregory Maguire, Ruth Ozeki, Linda Sue Park, and Tim Wynne-Jones
After their famous photographer grandfather Gee dies, he leaves his grandson Jason some signed photographs from famous sports stars and his granddaughter a box of seven shells. These mysterious items begin the unfolding of mysteries that carry across decades.
Ten authors came together to write this novel, each writing one chapter, more of a series of short stories. It's amazing to me how well these stories weave together to make a complete picture, not just a random assortment of stories, but truely a novel. The book is well written throughout, and the characters are interesting. This is a genuinely sweet and touching story, and definitely one of my new favorite books.
Proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to Amnesty International, which makes a good deed out of enjoyable entertainment.
5. Otto; or, Up with Dead People
This is a gay zombie movie. That's the simple explanation. Here's how Netflix describes it:
Controversial filmmaker Bruce La Bruce's irreverent take on zombie movies centers on a cheerless, undead teenager named Otto, whose quest for love and acceptance outstrips his hunger for flesh. Feeding on roadkill, Otto wanders the streets contemplating his existence and looking for a job in this unapologetically campy German import.
This movie can be a little confronting, in that there are a few short explicit sex scenes (I'm warning you now, because I was warned, but the warning didn't keep me from being surprised either). However, if you can get past sex (which comprises a very small portion of the film), Otto is very creative and very interesting from an intellectual point of view. Definitely worth a look, just make sure you can handle the sex, and don't watch it with someone who is going to freak out.
1. I had a hard time getting out of bed all this week. I'ms not staying up any later than usual, but I was quite tired. I'm of the opinion that I need to exercise more, and probably eat a little better, too. I was doing 10 minute morning exercises, but have not done so much this week, because of how late I was getting up. Maybe I will start walking every night after work now that there is more daylight in the evening. It sounds like a good plan to me.
2. I just started reading Breaking Dawn the last-ish novel in Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. Even though I recognize the many problems that run rampant through these novels(in writing style, themes, characterizations, plotting), I can't help but enjoy the melodrama of the series. To me it's kind of like falling in love with a soap opera. I get to run to my friends and go, "Oh, my god!" At which point we gush about the drama in this book. For me this is just good fun.
3. A friend had a their lj community practically ripped apart by a hacker. It's amazing to me that people go around doing that kind of shit. She posted a link to a list of things you can do to protect your account from hackers here on livejournal. Since I thought it was a good idea to know these things, I'm going to link to it, too.
4. Dollhouse, the new Joss Whedon TV show, is beginning to look a little more interesting as things slowly begin to fall into place (I've been watching it on hulu.com, because Friday nights are hard for me). I'm enjoying it so far, but I don't quite know where it's going and I don't know that I'm loving it yet. Buffy and Firefly I responded to instantly. I'm hoping Dollhouse sticks around long enough to develop though. I do want to see what happens, and I am interested in the characters enough to care.
5. I received a nice note from the editor of Bear Creek Haiku, a lovely and tiny (literally and figuratively) literary journal that publishes haiku and other short poetry. On the back of the envelope containing the latest issue (I am a subscriber) he wrote that he did not have any new poetry from me, and welcomed anything new that I might have. I published one of my poems previously in his journal. It's nice to get a personal note from an editor like that. Nice to know that someone liked my poetry enough to solicit it. One of my projects this weekend is definitely going to be putting together a submission packet for him.
2. I just started reading Breaking Dawn the last-ish novel in Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. Even though I recognize the many problems that run rampant through these novels(in writing style, themes, characterizations, plotting), I can't help but enjoy the melodrama of the series. To me it's kind of like falling in love with a soap opera. I get to run to my friends and go, "Oh, my god!" At which point we gush about the drama in this book. For me this is just good fun.
3. A friend had a their lj community practically ripped apart by a hacker. It's amazing to me that people go around doing that kind of shit. She posted a link to a list of things you can do to protect your account from hackers here on livejournal. Since I thought it was a good idea to know these things, I'm going to link to it, too.
4. Dollhouse, the new Joss Whedon TV show, is beginning to look a little more interesting as things slowly begin to fall into place (I've been watching it on hulu.com, because Friday nights are hard for me). I'm enjoying it so far, but I don't quite know where it's going and I don't know that I'm loving it yet. Buffy and Firefly I responded to instantly. I'm hoping Dollhouse sticks around long enough to develop though. I do want to see what happens, and I am interested in the characters enough to care.
5. I received a nice note from the editor of Bear Creek Haiku, a lovely and tiny (literally and figuratively) literary journal that publishes haiku and other short poetry. On the back of the envelope containing the latest issue (I am a subscriber) he wrote that he did not have any new poetry from me, and welcomed anything new that I might have. I published one of my poems previously in his journal. It's nice to get a personal note from an editor like that. Nice to know that someone liked my poetry enough to solicit it. One of my projects this weekend is definitely going to be putting together a submission packet for him.
You're packing your bag for that other desert island—the one with no electricity—what 5 books do you take with you? Submitted By |
1. Leaves of Grass, by Walt Whitman
2. The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver
3. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
4. Illusions, by Richard Bach
5. The Absolute Sandman, by Neil Gaiman (This is sort of a cheat, since it comes in three volumes, but I'm counting it as one.)
This is my list of the moment. I'm sure it could change over time.
I'm assuming that I will be on this electric-free desert island for a long time, so I'm choosing books that I would be willing to read over and over and over again. Whitman and Gaiman I would probably read the most. I can always find something new every time I read a poem, some new resonance or turn of phrase that make me all happy inside. And The Sandman is just has so much going on. The art is beautiful, and there are so many story lines within the overarching narrative, that I could spend quite a long time finding all the interconnections. In fact, I could almost make do with these two books alone.
Stolen from ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
mrissa, and is x-posted to her comments section.
1. Pizza with chicken and pesto. Yum.
2. Finding out that, yes, I do have enough money (barely).
3. Tomorrow is payday. Whoot.
4. I don't have to do anything tomorrow except read and write.
5. Watching lame scifi tv shows curled up in a blanket while it rains outside.
What might yours be?
mrissa, and is x-posted to her comments section. 1. Pizza with chicken and pesto. Yum.
2. Finding out that, yes, I do have enough money (barely).
3. Tomorrow is payday. Whoot.
4. I don't have to do anything tomorrow except read and write.
5. Watching lame scifi tv shows curled up in a blanket while it rains outside.
What might yours be?
I made a video about five tips and tricks that I have used to get through Nanowrimo in the past. Take a look if you are so inclined and let me know what you think.
Or maybe I should say that these are five bands that I found through the internet or through other means that I enjoy very much. And since I enjoy them, there's a chance you might, too. So, if you feel like it, check out their myspace page where you can listen to some of their music and get to know them a little better. Oh, and Happy Friday, everyone.
1. Bim
www.myspace.com/bimmusic
I found out about Bim through myspace, through a friend of a myspace friend. Bim is the creation of Rebecca Rosier (singer/performer) and Tim Davis (composer/producer). They have an electronica crossed with pop sound, and I enjoy Rosier's smooth and soothing voice. I found myself going back again and again to their page to listen and sing along with their music, and I can't help wanting to write a short film just so that I can see about incorporating some of their music into it.
2. Michael J. Sheehy
www.myspace.com/michaeljsheehy
Years ago I was digging through the used cd racks at Rasputin Records at came across a blue cd with what looked to be a prom dress on the front. The band's name was Dream City Film Club; I had no idea who they were. I bought the cd anyway. It turned out to be an alternative rock band with haunting disturbing lyrics. I fell in love with the lead singer's voice, creating my own images of him in my head, because there were none that came with the cd.
I was never able to find another cd of theirs, and it wasn't until I found their page on myspace that I knew why. They had broken up years before I even started listening to them for the first time (I feel lucky to have stumbled upon them in the first place). Their page informed me, however, that the lead singer, whose voice I so admired was still making music.
Michael J Sheehy's music has evolved to include blues and folk inspired sounds. I still love the sound of his voice.
3. The Ditty Bops
www.myspace.com/dittybops
I fell in love with these girls the second I saw them open for Tori Amos. They were just so darn cute, one playing a banjo, the other a base. I have a hard time describing the kind of music they do, kinda folk, kinda jazz, kinda bluegrass (but not really, kinda 20-30s oldtimey music. All I know is that they are upbeat, their lyrics are cheerful and playful, and they make me want to dance and sing along.
4. Divisible
www.myspace.com/divisible
This is another band that I found through myspace. They are a bit more of a traditional indie rock band, but I can't help but be drawn to rock bands that have female lead singers (since they are far out numbered by the bands that have men as leads). Besides, I really dig their Radiohead cover.
5. Anais Mitchell
www.myspace.com/anaismitchell
Anais Mitchell is one of the musician's signed to Ani DiFranco's independent label Righteous Babe Records. Ani DiFranco is my all-time favorite musician, so naturally I was interested to hear what other musicians she signed to her label. Anais has a sweet crystalline voice which accompanies her acoustic guitar. "Your Fonder Heart" is my favorite song of hers, and it's up on her myspace page.
1. Bim
www.myspace.com/bimmusic
I found out about Bim through myspace, through a friend of a myspace friend. Bim is the creation of Rebecca Rosier (singer/performer) and Tim Davis (composer/producer). They have an electronica crossed with pop sound, and I enjoy Rosier's smooth and soothing voice. I found myself going back again and again to their page to listen and sing along with their music, and I can't help wanting to write a short film just so that I can see about incorporating some of their music into it.
2. Michael J. Sheehy
www.myspace.com/michaeljsheehy
Years ago I was digging through the used cd racks at Rasputin Records at came across a blue cd with what looked to be a prom dress on the front. The band's name was Dream City Film Club; I had no idea who they were. I bought the cd anyway. It turned out to be an alternative rock band with haunting disturbing lyrics. I fell in love with the lead singer's voice, creating my own images of him in my head, because there were none that came with the cd.
I was never able to find another cd of theirs, and it wasn't until I found their page on myspace that I knew why. They had broken up years before I even started listening to them for the first time (I feel lucky to have stumbled upon them in the first place). Their page informed me, however, that the lead singer, whose voice I so admired was still making music.
Michael J Sheehy's music has evolved to include blues and folk inspired sounds. I still love the sound of his voice.
3. The Ditty Bops
www.myspace.com/dittybops
I fell in love with these girls the second I saw them open for Tori Amos. They were just so darn cute, one playing a banjo, the other a base. I have a hard time describing the kind of music they do, kinda folk, kinda jazz, kinda bluegrass (but not really, kinda 20-30s oldtimey music. All I know is that they are upbeat, their lyrics are cheerful and playful, and they make me want to dance and sing along.
4. Divisible
www.myspace.com/divisible
This is another band that I found through myspace. They are a bit more of a traditional indie rock band, but I can't help but be drawn to rock bands that have female lead singers (since they are far out numbered by the bands that have men as leads). Besides, I really dig their Radiohead cover.
5. Anais Mitchell
www.myspace.com/anaismitchell
Anais Mitchell is one of the musician's signed to Ani DiFranco's independent label Righteous Babe Records. Ani DiFranco is my all-time favorite musician, so naturally I was interested to hear what other musicians she signed to her label. Anais has a sweet crystalline voice which accompanies her acoustic guitar. "Your Fonder Heart" is my favorite song of hers, and it's up on her myspace page.
It's taken me forever, but I'm finally putting my post up on my trip to Ireland. I put up two previous posts, here and here.
So, this is only kind of fits the September self portrait challenge of contrast. They are both self portraits from Ireland. One in Carrickmacross, where is was sunny and warm; one in Monaghan, where it was raining.
So, here are five things about my trip to Ireland:
1. International Mixer
The company that set up this trip for me, Combilift, invited over 100 other media people, as well as distributors and customers, from around the world. So, even though I was in Ireland, I ended up meeting people from many other countries, too. During the celebration dinners, I ended up talking to some gentlemen from Poland (cheers in Polish is Nastrovya) and Finland (I learned the Finnish version, too, but don't know how to spell it. Kipice?). Anyway, it was very interesting, because the nature of the event cause me to spend time with people from other countries as much as I spent time with the Irish.
2. Mixed drinks? No!
Yeah, they don't really mix drinks in Ireland. We (me and some other media friends I made)figured that out when we ordered an Irish Carbomb (and yes, we did notice that that is a really inappropriate name for a drink; we had a discussion about it). We had to describe it to him (half pint of Guinesse, a shot with half whiskey, half Baileys, drop the shot in the pint glass and chug). He looked at us like we were crazy (we were, and well on our way to being drunk, too). Anyway, we talked him into having one with us, and he said it wasn't bad. He ended up having four more carbombs with us that night. We were all definitely piss drunk by 2 am, which is about when we went to bed. Touring through town and museums the next day was very interesting.
3. "There are no exits in Ireland"
It was recommended that we drive out to Castle Leslie (the castle where Paul McCartney got married to his most recent ex), so G asked innocently asked which exit he was supposed to get off at to get there.
People laughed and then said, "You've been spending too much time in the States. There are no exits in Ireland."
Well, actually there are, but they are only on the main expressways. In the area between us and the Castle, there wouldn't be, so I guess that's what he meant. Instead, there are many, many roundabouts. I have never seen so many roundabouts in my entire life. I don't know that I'm totally sold on the roundabout concept. I guess it works in Ireland, but it seems like a prime opportunity for accidents to me.
4. Helicopters
I got the chance to ride in a helicopter. It felt kind of like being on a roller coater ride. It was all bouncy and sometimes we would be flying sideways, and sometimes the pilot would dip up down and I would squeal like a girl. It was good fun. Anyway, I posted a video of it on youtube (oh, and if any of you have youtube channels, let me know so I can check it out). It's not great, but there it is.
( Helicopter video here )
5. One Regret
Okay, other than the fact that the trip was far too short, I have one regret. I had an opportunity to meet with C.E. Murphy, the writer of Urban Shaman and the rest of the books in The Walker Papers series. She lives in Ireland (obviously). We connected through facebook, and she made the offer to meet for lunch. I was very excited about the opportunity, but with delays connecting through the internet and uncertainties about my plans, I ended up not being able to meet with her. Who knows when I'll be able to get back to Ireland again?
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So, this is only kind of fits the September self portrait challenge of contrast. They are both self portraits from Ireland. One in Carrickmacross, where is was sunny and warm; one in Monaghan, where it was raining.
So, here are five things about my trip to Ireland:
1. International Mixer
The company that set up this trip for me, Combilift, invited over 100 other media people, as well as distributors and customers, from around the world. So, even though I was in Ireland, I ended up meeting people from many other countries, too. During the celebration dinners, I ended up talking to some gentlemen from Poland (cheers in Polish is Nastrovya) and Finland (I learned the Finnish version, too, but don't know how to spell it. Kipice?). Anyway, it was very interesting, because the nature of the event cause me to spend time with people from other countries as much as I spent time with the Irish.
2. Mixed drinks? No!
Yeah, they don't really mix drinks in Ireland. We (me and some other media friends I made)figured that out when we ordered an Irish Carbomb (and yes, we did notice that that is a really inappropriate name for a drink; we had a discussion about it). We had to describe it to him (half pint of Guinesse, a shot with half whiskey, half Baileys, drop the shot in the pint glass and chug). He looked at us like we were crazy (we were, and well on our way to being drunk, too). Anyway, we talked him into having one with us, and he said it wasn't bad. He ended up having four more carbombs with us that night. We were all definitely piss drunk by 2 am, which is about when we went to bed. Touring through town and museums the next day was very interesting.
3. "There are no exits in Ireland"
It was recommended that we drive out to Castle Leslie (the castle where Paul McCartney got married to his most recent ex), so G asked innocently asked which exit he was supposed to get off at to get there.
People laughed and then said, "You've been spending too much time in the States. There are no exits in Ireland."
Well, actually there are, but they are only on the main expressways. In the area between us and the Castle, there wouldn't be, so I guess that's what he meant. Instead, there are many, many roundabouts. I have never seen so many roundabouts in my entire life. I don't know that I'm totally sold on the roundabout concept. I guess it works in Ireland, but it seems like a prime opportunity for accidents to me.
4. Helicopters
I got the chance to ride in a helicopter. It felt kind of like being on a roller coater ride. It was all bouncy and sometimes we would be flying sideways, and sometimes the pilot would dip up down and I would squeal like a girl. It was good fun. Anyway, I posted a video of it on youtube (oh, and if any of you have youtube channels, let me know so I can check it out). It's not great, but there it is.
( Helicopter video here )
5. One Regret
Okay, other than the fact that the trip was far too short, I have one regret. I had an opportunity to meet with C.E. Murphy, the writer of Urban Shaman and the rest of the books in The Walker Papers series. She lives in Ireland (obviously). We connected through facebook, and she made the offer to meet for lunch. I was very excited about the opportunity, but with delays connecting through the internet and uncertainties about my plans, I ended up not being able to meet with her. Who knows when I'll be able to get back to Ireland again?
My mom is not fond of animation. In her mind, regardless of the content or depth of the storyline, all animation is just cartoons. She can't help but think of Looney Tunes, Disney movies, and other forms of children's entertainment.
I try to get her to watch some of the Japanese animation or some of the animation coming out of Europe. I want her to watch some of this mature animation, animation geared toward adults, because I think she might reconsider her point of view if she did. But I can't get her to come anywhere near it.
I compiled this list of movies in her honor. These are movies that I think might turn her around, that might make her think beyond cartoons when she watches them. And maybe, just maybe she might see them the way I do, as films that potentially have artistic value equal to that of live action (I'm sure there are some out there that disagree). In my mind there are some things animation can do for a story that live action can't, just like there are some things that painting can do for art that photography can't (and vice-versa) Like any medium or form, there is the good and the bad.
I choose to mainly stick with dramas when creating this list, as I think they have a greater chance of inspiring respect in my mother. With science fiction or fantasy, there is a greater risk that my mother would not be able to take it seriously (so no Akira and no Ghost in the Shell, two movies I love despite their flaws). Also, I stayed away from most U.S. animation, as it tends to be Disney inspired. I personally feel that The Iron Giant is a great movie, but my mother would still consider it more cartoon than art. I find it unfortunate that American cinema doesn't take animation more seriously.
Anyway, here's the list:
1. Persepolis, 2007 (France)
Based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novels, this movie is a poignant coming-of-age-story. Marjane is an outspoken young girl who is raised during the Iranian revolution and witnesses how the country changes when Islamic fundamentalists take over the country. The stark black and white animation deftly illuminates the injustice as it is seen through Marjane's eyes.
2. Perfect Blue, 1998 (Japan)
Mima is a retired pop singer, whose sense of reality is shaken when she tries to move into her career as an actress. Things get even more complicated when people start turning up dead and she finds the blood on her own clothes. While slightly disjointed, this is an intense and enjoyable psychological thriller.
3. Princess Mononoke, 1997 (Japan)
In fuedal Japan, Prince Ashitaka is infected with an curse after protecting his village by a poisoned boar/god. He is banished from his home and sent to seek out the spirit of the forest who might heal him. He ends up traveling to a iron mining town, where the people are at war with the gods of the forest. There he meets Princess Mononoke, a girl raised by wolves, fighting along side the animals. While this one is definitely in the fantasy realm, it earns points for its complex characters and complicated politics. Both sides of this battle have valid reasons for staking their claim to this land, and as is in any war, there are no clear villains.
4. Tokyo Godfathers, 2003 (Japan)
Three homeless people--a transvestite, a young girl, and a middle aged bum--find an abandoned infant in a pile of garbage. Together they set out on a quest to return the child to its mother, leading them on an adventure through Christmas-time Tokyo. A light comedy about hope, forgiveness, and redemption.
5. Graveyard of the Fireflies, 1988 (Japan)
After their mother is killed in an air raid in war torn Japna, brother and sister Setsuko and Seita are sent to live with relatives. But a quarrel with their aunt forces the two out into the world where they have to survive on their own. Food and comfort is in short supply for them, but they manage to find entertainment in the light of the fireflies. This movie is one of the most emotionally moving movies I've seen, animated or otherwise, and it left me an emotional wreck for hours afterward.
I know that there are many films I missed (The Last Unicorn, Watership Down, Metropolis, Steamboy, Cowboy Beebop: The Movie, The Tripplettes of Bellville, Animatrix, etc.). I've seen a lot animated films, but it's a tiny drop in the bucket compared to how many are out there. If you think there’s a gateway anime (or animation in general) that I missed, I would love to hear about it. I’m always looking for new animated films to try to talk my mother into seeing.
I try to get her to watch some of the Japanese animation or some of the animation coming out of Europe. I want her to watch some of this mature animation, animation geared toward adults, because I think she might reconsider her point of view if she did. But I can't get her to come anywhere near it.
I compiled this list of movies in her honor. These are movies that I think might turn her around, that might make her think beyond cartoons when she watches them. And maybe, just maybe she might see them the way I do, as films that potentially have artistic value equal to that of live action (I'm sure there are some out there that disagree). In my mind there are some things animation can do for a story that live action can't, just like there are some things that painting can do for art that photography can't (and vice-versa) Like any medium or form, there is the good and the bad.
I choose to mainly stick with dramas when creating this list, as I think they have a greater chance of inspiring respect in my mother. With science fiction or fantasy, there is a greater risk that my mother would not be able to take it seriously (so no Akira and no Ghost in the Shell, two movies I love despite their flaws). Also, I stayed away from most U.S. animation, as it tends to be Disney inspired. I personally feel that The Iron Giant is a great movie, but my mother would still consider it more cartoon than art. I find it unfortunate that American cinema doesn't take animation more seriously.
Anyway, here's the list:
1. Persepolis, 2007 (France)
 |
Based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novels, this movie is a poignant coming-of-age-story. Marjane is an outspoken young girl who is raised during the Iranian revolution and witnesses how the country changes when Islamic fundamentalists take over the country. The stark black and white animation deftly illuminates the injustice as it is seen through Marjane's eyes.
2. Perfect Blue, 1998 (Japan)
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Mima is a retired pop singer, whose sense of reality is shaken when she tries to move into her career as an actress. Things get even more complicated when people start turning up dead and she finds the blood on her own clothes. While slightly disjointed, this is an intense and enjoyable psychological thriller.
3. Princess Mononoke, 1997 (Japan)
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In fuedal Japan, Prince Ashitaka is infected with an curse after protecting his village by a poisoned boar/god. He is banished from his home and sent to seek out the spirit of the forest who might heal him. He ends up traveling to a iron mining town, where the people are at war with the gods of the forest. There he meets Princess Mononoke, a girl raised by wolves, fighting along side the animals. While this one is definitely in the fantasy realm, it earns points for its complex characters and complicated politics. Both sides of this battle have valid reasons for staking their claim to this land, and as is in any war, there are no clear villains.
4. Tokyo Godfathers, 2003 (Japan)
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Three homeless people--a transvestite, a young girl, and a middle aged bum--find an abandoned infant in a pile of garbage. Together they set out on a quest to return the child to its mother, leading them on an adventure through Christmas-time Tokyo. A light comedy about hope, forgiveness, and redemption.
5. Graveyard of the Fireflies, 1988 (Japan)
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After their mother is killed in an air raid in war torn Japna, brother and sister Setsuko and Seita are sent to live with relatives. But a quarrel with their aunt forces the two out into the world where they have to survive on their own. Food and comfort is in short supply for them, but they manage to find entertainment in the light of the fireflies. This movie is one of the most emotionally moving movies I've seen, animated or otherwise, and it left me an emotional wreck for hours afterward.
I know that there are many films I missed (The Last Unicorn, Watership Down, Metropolis, Steamboy, Cowboy Beebop: The Movie, The Tripplettes of Bellville, Animatrix, etc.). I've seen a lot animated films, but it's a tiny drop in the bucket compared to how many are out there. If you think there’s a gateway anime (or animation in general) that I missed, I would love to hear about it. I’m always looking for new animated films to try to talk my mother into seeing.
There is still no power at my house, so I still don't have regular access to a computer. Basically I have not had the opportunity to read anyone's journals, which I am sorry for. So if there's something I missed that you would like me to check out or you just want to say hi, please respond to this post, or email me (absvensen at hotmail dot com).
So, I've decided start doing Five Things Fridays, inspired byerinlin. Basically every Friday I'll give you a list of five things, any five things. Totally random.
So for this week, i'm giving you a list of five things that went wrong on my fourth of July family trip to the lake. Let me preface this by saying that we really did have a marvelous time. The lake was beautiful, the weather was good, and we were surounded by lots and lots of great people. Besides it mostly has a happy ending.
( Five Things That Went Wrong on Our Trip to the Lake )
How's that for a Fourth of July weekend.
So, I've decided start doing Five Things Fridays, inspired by
erinlin. Basically every Friday I'll give you a list of five things, any five things. Totally random. So for this week, i'm giving you a list of five things that went wrong on my fourth of July family trip to the lake. Let me preface this by saying that we really did have a marvelous time. The lake was beautiful, the weather was good, and we were surounded by lots and lots of great people. Besides it mostly has a happy ending.
( Five Things That Went Wrong on Our Trip to the Lake )
How's that for a Fourth of July weekend.
