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Subject: Japanimation Author: John [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 22:42:09 07/06/02 Sat In reply to: John 's message, "More films" on 22:22:53 07/06/02 Sat Metropolis (3): No, not the great silent film from Fritz Lang. This is the animated version of the manga by Tezuka. First, a little background. Tezuka was one of the greats of Japan's comic industry, pioneering much of the style that makes it what it is today. I think he started back before WWII. He had found a picture book of the film Metropolis, but didn't know the story or ever see the actual film. Those images inspired him to create his own story set in the future about a titanic metropolis, a robotic woman, and a power struggle between the ruling elite and the commoners that live down below. Even though I don't really like the style of manga I was excited to see what could come from this interesting genesis. The artwork is truly astounding. The settings and objects are rendered with skill and beauty--astounding. The characters look like stupid big-eyed manga dolls--astounding. Why produce a rich and varried environment only to populate it with crappy comic figures? Since I'm not Japanese I can't answer that one. But what about the story? Well, it seemed like it was written by a comic book artist instead of a writer. Wait, it was! Hmmmm. What I'm trying to say is that there is precious little story, almost no characterization, and a lot of boring scenes set in glorious animation. Unless you're a die hard anime fan, pass this one up. In case you're wondering, there are many Japanese animated films I do like that use more realism in depicting the human form. Also, one of my favorite films is Princess Mononoke. [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

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[> Subject: Asoka Author: John [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 00:58:37 07/07/02 Sun Asoka (7): There should be a horizontal line over the s to make the pronounciation Ashoke. This is an Indian film about the life of King Asoka, the first ruler to adopt Buddhism. If that doesn't sound interesting to you, don't give up yet. You see, this is an Indian film. Although Buddhism originated near India in Nepal and was eventually taken up by King Asoka, over time Hinduism regained dominance again and today India is primarily Hindu. So, the filmmakers, being Hindu, are much more interested in Asoka's bloody and lusty past. In fact, this film ends just as he strides across the last battlefield viewing the senseless carnage and realizing that he will give up his warrior ways and accept Buddhism. So... if you like power struggles to gain the throne, adventures to woo beautiful maidens, swordplay, and battles with war elephants then you've come to the right film. Another facet of being an Indian film is that there will be a number of song and dance numbers resembling Indian pop MTV. It's pretty strange, but entertaining in a novel kind of way. If you want to see an exotic alternative to the standard Hollywood widget then give this a chance. The absolute best thing about this film is the actress who plays the king's second wife, the one who is Buddhist. She is one of the most amazingly beautiful women I have seen in my lifetime. A true goddess. I'm not talking about the woman on the video cover who plays his first wife.