Anime: The Overlooked Art Form

Let me begin by saying that while film and books have been for a long time, revered methods of storytelling and learning, there is almost no art form to date that truly encapsulates the 'Modern Art' label as anime does. Even though anime has been around since the 20th Century, many have dismissed them as "cartoons" meant for the amusement of children. Let me ask you something. Does this look like it's for children?

Anime: Attack on Titan (2013 - Present)

No, I didn't think so either. Need more convincing? Happy to oblige.

Anime: Perfect Blue (1997)

Shocked yet? Yeah, I bet. Those who do watch anime however aren't that surprised. In fact, the above pictures are still just the tip of the Iceberg.

Anime is probably one of the most monopolized art forms around. To make an anime you would be smart to learn Japanese. Japan is the mecca of Anime and where almost all anime is produced. Even though Netflix has begun its foray into the world of anime, it's still a long way behind achieving the storytelling heights that this art form offers.

A Netflix Original Animation: Blood Of Zeus (2020 - Present)

Weeb. Nerd. Otaku. These are words that are used to describe people who watch anime. It used to be a derogatory term of sorts, one that made another feel embarrassed or slightly shamed. But nowadays it's becoming more of a compliment rather than an insult.

Anime, in its entirety, shares many parallels with the world of filmmaking and the literary arts. Anime has its juggernauts and legends of their world like Studio Ghibli and legendary storyteller, Hayao Miyazaki.

Anime: Spirited Away (2001)

The legendary anime, Spirited Away all-in-all truly embodies the heights that Anime can reach as it took home the Golden Bear Award, the highest honour at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival as well as an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature film in 2003.

Despite achievements like these, anime still continues to be disregarded as an Art form. Only occasionally being noticed when an abundance of people hypes it up to then-rival live-action films.

What Makes Anime Art?

I know I'm stating the obvious when I say drawing and animation is art. However, in the context of symbolism and metaphorical displays, anime FAR outranks films. It is BARELY a competition. See for yourself.

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995 - 1996)

I know, I know. You've seen this before right? "I'm sure I've seen a film like this" or "I'm sure I've seen this in a film" is what your thinking. Well, the fact of the matter is, many of the most visually pleasing films to date, have in some way, shape or form drawn from anime as inspiration. This is not to say that those films shouldn't be praised as original works of art, but it's more to say that credit is due when it's due. There have been several films of note that have drawn from anime and admitted as much. Here are some examples.

(left) Perfect Blue, (right) Requiem For A Dream

Shot for shot, like for like. Jennifer Connelly in Darren Aronofsky's Requiem For A Dream (2000) the clear inspiration taken from 1997's anime Perfect Blue gives this scene a much more emotional and deeper effect while allowing the audience to truly emote with what the character is feeling.

(left) The Matrix, (right) Ghost In The Shell

A little known fact about the Matrix, starring the amazing Keanu Reeves is that the Wachowski sisters who made the film and later the trilogy were hugely influenced by 1995's anime Ghost In The Shell. The obvious green-tint of the Matrix, as well as its green digitized text and also the parallels between both film and anime's protagonist, show a clear and vivid inspiration. The Wachowski's to their credit, openly admit to their inspiration that was taken from the anime to make their vision come to life.

(left) Inception, (right) Paprika

Christopher Nolan has developed a reputation as a filmmaker that plays with the concept of time set in original storylines and plots. But even he has taken inspiration and used it in a direct way to enhance the visuals and to further develop the world of his film. The anime here is Paprika (2006) written by Yasutaka Tsutsui and directed by renowned Japanese director, the great Satoshi Kon.

(top) Perfect Blue, (bottom) Black Swan

Yet another Satoshi Kon anime film that has been referenced several times in this blog (yes I am a fan) Perfect Blue (1997) is perhaps one of the best anime films ever made and even today it continues to inspire filmmakers and artists alike into creating beautiful films like Black Swan.

The point of these comparisons is not to disparage the notoriety or the originality of the film or the filmmakers behind it. Instead, it's to shine a light on a medium that has for far too long been labelled 'cartoons" or "childish" and showcase the effect it has on our lives whether we choose to admit it or not.

Thank you all for reading!

What do you think can be done to help anime shake the stigma of being made for kids? How can we better integrate this art form into our mainstream society and give it the love it so desperately deserves? Comment Below! and once again I appreciate you for reading! Stay safe!