True to his word, Daniel brought over "Castle in the Sky" so we could complete the Miyazaki double feature. Animation wise, it is full of stunning visuals, albeit simpler ones since this was in 1986 (released in 1989 in the US). Daniel says that this style is his favorite of Japanese Animation. I have to admit, I have never really been an Anime fan. My brother was into Robotech and all the other popular animated series that came out in the mid-80's. Personally, my brain took a better liking to the old Warner Brothers and Disney shorts. Having said that, these two movies have really opened my eyes to the features coming out of Japan. I hope to see some of Miyazaki's other works as well as some of the other pioneers.
In Club Josh news, I updated Movable Type for the first time since I installed it almost a year ago. The new version has some cool features and better interfaces when authoring. Templates are still a pain, but hopefully somewhere, somehow I'll be able to restore the PDA Archives. Also, I am working on a new WML version of the site to be compatible with the new Cell Phones that are out there. It appears that my HDML site just doesn't cut it on my new phone. Figures.
The one thing I would like to say in denfense of Anime is its not as much a type of movie like say Horror as it is a peculiuar medium. What I am trying to say is there are anime titles that are just for 13 year old girls, anime titles just for boys, anime titles that are philosophical and anime movies that are simply romantic. I have found that its overly generalizing to say "I like anime" or "I don't like anime". It's just too diverse to like or dislike it all.
Miyazaki's films are bloody incredible. I mean Mononoke was literally mind blowing. Kiki's Delivery Serice is much more cute, but also enjoyable. Its a little bit older but out on video/DVD in the states for the first time.
Of course I love Robotech too. Its a great space war epic /soap opera. What's not to love? Oh, I have the entire series on VHS if anyone is interested. I don't need it now that I have the DVD's.
My latest anime title that I have been watching is Ruroni Kenshein on Toonami (Cartoon Network) The story follows a retired Samurai. The fight scenes are fun and it has some great serious moments too. Keshein looks after his friends and it makes for some tender moments.
Wendy of course prefers Tenchi Muyo. She has 4 of the 5 series of OVA and has seen all of the movies. Its very cute, and most of the story focuses on a boy, Tenchi, and his miriad of otherworldly girlfriends of varying degrees of poise and charm.
Of course if you like robots fighting you have to watch Neon Genesis Evangelion. But that's not for everyone.