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Anime Movies You Need To See – Otaku Digest

Anime Movies You Need To See – Otaku Digest

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Otaku is a term that most people would only associate with fans of anime series, but in reality we can be fans of all different mediums whether it is anime films, manga and a wide spread of Japanese culture. That’s why here at Otaku Digest, we strive to bring you a wide array of all things Otaku.

Anime films are a vastly underrated medium where fantastic creators are being overlooked. That is not to say there are not anime films out there that are being praised, but these are mainly from Ghibli which monopolises the market. Whether it is a high or low budget, there are anime films out there well worth the look and can usually lead to the discovery of some truly amazing creators.

So this week I will take you through some anime films I think every otaku needs to see. The usual disclaimer stands here; this is my own personal opinion, but I always want to discover new things so if you feel I missed anything then let me know in the comments.

#4 Summer Wars

This is probably the most widely known film on this list since it is sold in any good DVD store on this side of the world. This list is a little biased in terms of one aspect and that is because three of them come from the amazing anime director Mamoru Hosoda. Again, this would be the film from him that is the best known and usually comes in a boxset with The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Based around the concept of virtual reality and avatars in an online world, seventeen-year-old Kenji Koiso cracks a code using his math know-how and it puts the Earth in grave danger. I won’t drop a single spoiler here for this film since its story is what sells it along with the amazing animation and characters. I have found that a lot of fans have not seen this film and their reasoning was that it was too similar to another film, The Digimon Movie. I agree with this as there are a lot of similar points, but at the same time it is quite different; the message is different in terms of Summer Wars has a much more realistic story that looks at how powerful technology can be.

Do not let comparisons turn you away from what is a very enjoyable film. If you want action, comedy and just an all-round good time then pick up a copy of Summer Wars.

#3 Escaflowne

This would have to be the most unknown of the films on this list, and some might be surprised that out of all the anime series retellings, this is the one I choose. The reality is it may be unknown but in my opinion this film is superior to the 26 episode series, The Vision of Escaflowne, directed by Kazuki Akane released in 2000.

Why this film surpasses its anime series counterpart is due to the rework of the characters and the story. Where the original anime fell short (or very short) was the rehashing of animation and the story which seemed like it would never end. How to fix this? Shorten, darken the story and redesign characters to be less irritating – there you will have perfection. There are few series or films where you can honestly say the film is better than the original. Action and dark storytelling your game? Then Escaflowne is your film.

#2 Wolf Children

It’s not the most action packed film you could ask for, Wolf Children has a simple concept – a story about a mother caring for her two young children. The twist is that her children are wolves or a type of werewolf. It’s another film by director Mamoru Hosoda and another little title which completely flew under the radar. Perhaps this is because it falls under the slice of life and fantasy category but does not have any of the action of high energy fantasy elements fans are more accustomed to in these films.

The story follows Hana as she copes with being a single parent in the modern world raising her wolf children. However, the stress of raising them in the big city and people discovering their true identity motivates her to move them to the country side. This is such an innocent story and truly shows the strength of human kind and how far the love of a mother can stretch to. If you are on the lookout for a heart-warming and inspirational but nice watch then Wolf Children is for you.

#1 The Boy & the Beast

Last but certainly not least is the newest addition to the filmography of Mamoru Hosada. I have been quite outspoken about this film and covered it over in Otaku Review. I have openly said that this film surpasses even some of Ghibli and even some creations from the great Miyazaki himself (not all, but some). It’s set in modern Tokyo with a fantasy world twist – which is not a relatively new concept – but what was brilliant about the film was the relationship between the characters and how the whole film flowed through these relationships.

For a more detailed look into this film, pop over and check out the Otaku Review. It’s everything you need in a film; there is action, suspense, comedy and love, though not the kind you might instantly think of in these sort of films. The most compelling part of this film is the coming of age story and the discovery of who you are, that you decide who you are and not the circumstances that you come from. The perfect blend of emotions for a perfect film night in.

What anime movies would you recommend? Let me know in the comments!

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