TOYSREVIL's Top Ten Favouritest Must-See Anime Movies List (#10-#8)

I Love Anime. And though I dare not claim to be a purist or elite-connoisseur of the genre, or have even seen the complete encyclopedia of animus available to the modern world, I have my particular favorites, and I aim to share them with you all! Today, I begin a List counting down the TOP TEN FAVOURITEST MUST SEE ANIME MOVIES - starting from #10, down to the top-spot on Saturday!

Do note that this list excludes classic era animation, and as well Super Robot movies (which is required for a list all by themselves) and focuses on animes I have had the opportunity to engulf within the last three decades, and as well readily available at your movie rental outlets or perhaps libraries (I assume but not know for stone-fact). More obscure films might possibly make another list - but hey, don't hold your breathe, and go enjoy a good anime instead!

There are of course others who echo within me (like Korea's Wonderful Days etc) and more obscure varieties I have yet to partake of ("Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and "Perfect Blue" are just a couple of them all) - but none so splendid as the following. Understandably they might not be YOUR list (Am interested to see yours too tho) but they are on my list, and has influenced me till this day. And yes, they come with "toys" too :)


Favouritest Must-Watch Anime Movie #10: MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.
Released: 1988 in Japan / 1993 in America / Duration: 86 minutes

WHY: The "cutest" movie of the whole lot - the notion of a "secret" giant cat is alone pretty ominous (let's not even go into the freakishly-cool flying CatBus), but we accept him because he is too enormously huge to avoid, and highly huggable - and being introduced to the realm of animation by way of celluloid-realism, is the charm of Japanese animation that is lacking in more modern offerings than anyone ever gives credit for, IMHO. The grand-daddy of all cutesy-anime-flicks, this is a highly recommended MUST-WATCH! And how influential is Totoro? Check out a desk-scene in "Bonnie's room" in Pixar's 'Toy Story 3' in which he appears as a guest star!


ANIME-MOMENT: While Mei falls asleep on Satsuki's back, she holds unto an umbrella amidst a merciless rain, waiting for dad at the bus stop - Totoro suddenly appears beside them, with only a single leaf on his head for shelter. [Read more on Wiki]


What Totoro is, is essentially a plush toy, and there's nothing anyone ever can do about it. Also spotted on Amazon is a plush CatBus! LOL


Favouritest Must-Watch Anime Movie #9: TEKKON KINKREET
Directed by Michael Arias and animated by Studio 4°C
Released: 2006 / Duration: 111 Minutes

WHY: While not exactly mind-blowingly cultish in the big scheme of animation (for that you might want to watch Genius Party 1 & 2 from Studio 4°C) the execution alone for this animated piece from Studio 4°C, was pretty much exceptional amidst potent CG-renders of this timeline, which had already blended in with traditional cell-animation work. I personally admire it muchly as it stands to serve also as a virtual bridge between Japanimation and modern animation ala Animatrix and Batman Gotham Knight - crossovers with the West, and a potential evolution, that somewhat gets lost in pure CG (Hey, I love my Pixars right next to everyone, ya know). More "potential" than "effectual", this was a sign of how things would happen if both worlds and sensibilities do collide, IMHO.

Or perhaps I am too "greedy" to see it all "come together". Or perhaps none are served as mashup crossover, beyond experimental outings like Animatrix and even Gotham Knights (which is the closest description of mood to Tekkon Kinkreet as ever, IMHO). For many a moments, the scenes look like they are straight out of a Japanese illustration book (those lush ones, mind).


ANIME-MOMENT: With the relentless Yakuza-alien-humaoid chasing "White" thru the back-alleys of Treasure Town, the camera moves along with frenzy, and an obvious showcase for technical abilities of CG [Read more on Wiki]


"Tekkon Kinreet" was essentially known as "Black and White" in manga, and a slew of of merchandise / figurines were released by the now-defunct JUN Planning. Of note is the KURO figure in this line-up alongside Chocolate (left) and White (right) all standing 8" tall - although truth be told, they would serve more as "display" pieces than something you might bring out to place on high-spots for snaps. But I would if I had them, really! :) [Images via Auction now]


[This is a fan-made trailer and NOT the original]
Favouritest Must-Watch Anime Movie #8: NAUSICAA VALLEY OF THE WIND
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki based on his manga. This was considered to be the "first" movie from Studio Ghibli, but was not produced by.
Released 1984 / Duration: 116 Minutes.

WHY: I read the comicbook first (which I suspect to be a bootleg version :p), then saw the animation much later, and both realms clicked together splendidly for me, although not necessarily always in synch (The comic was "better" :p). The adventure and danger of the nomadic tribes linger throughout the film, and most times makes you forget it is an animated piece you are looking at, as well the triumph of a lady protagonist, is truly magnificent.

Epicness of design, and grandeur in visual scale. A splendid piece considering it was released in 1984.

One of the aspects of Japanimation that constantly holds it's grounds against foreign offerings: A strong female presence as the protagonist in varied movies. Princess Mononoke also springs to mind, among many others - even Neon Genesis Evangelion (yes, that will be in another "Top-Ten List" for "Super Robots"!)


ANIME-MOMENT: When Nausicaä desperately windrides to save the baby Ohms and being saved from the gigantic and misunderstood Ohms. One of those heartwarming moments where the heroine gives herself to protect the innocent, and is rewarded for her sacrifice. [Read more of the film on Wiki]


Without a doubt, the "Formania Gunship" replica from Bandai Japan is the model to own - which celebrates the design aspect of the film moreso than having a 12" figure of Nausicaä herself. The model where she windrides on her personal glider seems to pale in comparison to this marvel, IMHO. Check out more product pics on Flutterscape.


[Also known as "Warriors Of The Wind" in U.S.A.]

UPDATED: Check out the listings for #7-#5 HERE!