Friday, 7 February 2014

Tips For Choosing An Anime Video Review

By Jayne Rutledge


There is lot of Japanese animation out there. It ranges from long running TV shows such as Dragon Ball to films as diverse as Spirited Away, Akira and Ghost in The Shell. Choosing the right one you want to watch can be difficult, particularly if you are relatively new to the genre. Therefore it helps to choose the right anime video review.

Broadly speaking anime originated when American soldiers arrived in Japan during World War 2. They brought with them cartoons and comics. These distinct visuals would go on to influence a wide range of stories. While initially influenced by the American cartoons and comics over time the Japanese style would become more distinct.

However the Japanese did not merely copy their Western neighbours. They created a distinct look of their own. Typical examples of anime tend to be distinctly expressive facial features, slow motion and use of repeated frames. In some cases this is used to save time but it can also be used creatively as well.

However this is a simplification. For example the dystopian sci fi thriller Akira is visually spectacular. Once referred to as the Citizen Kane of anime it features a lot of breathtaking visuals and stunning action. However its philosophical musings are also reminiscent of the Matrix, adding an additional layer of depth to the narrative.

By contrast the work of Hayao Miyasaki is closer to Disney. Each frame is hand painted by the man himself. This creates a world of bright colours and gives it a look that is visually very distinct. However this should not be mistaken for cuteness as films such as Graveyard of the Fireflies and Princess Mononoke also have a fair amount of depth and do not shy away from controversial topics.

Anime can also apply to TV shows. This is often associated with collecting shows such as Pokemon or Yugioh. It is easy to be cynical and suggest these shows are designed to cash in. However a fair retort is to argue that many Western cartoons such as Transformers have a similar tendency to push merchandise. In both cases the shows often have more layers than a casual viewer may think.

Another variation may be to have a roundtable discussion. Some people prefer this as you get a broader range of views. It can then make it easier for you to decide whether or not this is an interesting title you want to see or one you wish to avoid. Alternatively you may want to choose a comedy review site that pokes fun at the genre. These are often best when you want to avoid the worst shows and films but equally this type of show can be entertaining in and of itself. It is important to remember that the people producing comical shows are often just as passionate as those who do serious reviews.

You can find a number of different types of anime video review shows online. It is also worth checking online and using social media to get recommendations from fans to see what shows they would personally recommend. This will make it easier to find one you like and also make it easier to find the shows and films that you are more likely to enjoy in this fascinating and diverse medium.




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