FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 22

The Gravitational Pull of Love

   Today we do something a little different. Rather than covering one film or series, I will be covering a franchise; briefly covering each of its media representations, and reviewing it as a whole. This months reviews will cover stories that show relevance and solid representations of social issues and experiences of the LGBT community. It is often difficult to find a story that covers this subject respectfully in any form of media, but particularly in anime, but I shall do my best. To start off, I chose the poignant and lighthearted story of Gravitation.

   With the struggles of the LGBT community and musical artists (in this week's story particularly) of the world always being glorified for being parodies of themselves in film and animation , I can think of no other franchise that takes and turns that trope and subject matter on its head more truly to heart and with a hearty nature and a touch of the dramatic, than Gravitation. Starting with the manga both written and illustrated by Maki Murakami from 1996 - 2002, the 12 volume saga tells the tale of the lovable and zaney Shuichi Shindo and the cool and collected Eiri Yuki; it tells of how they met, how they express their feelings to one another, and the many struggles they come to face in their relationship. With an incredibly vast and colorful supporting cast of characters, a humorous yet realistic exposition on the drama in relationships, great comedic timing and references throughout, and a sense of sexuality that's not over played, it's no wonder Gravitation has sold over half a million copies of the manga. That success eventually launched the opportunity for an ova adaptation in 1999, and anime series in 2000. While chronologically, the ova takes place after the anime, it was released first. Both were highly successful and well received, particularly by the shonen-ai and yaoi fans in America, leading to the tagline " America's favorite shonen-ai couple".

   For a series in a genre that relies heavily upon fan service and humorous in-jokes, Gravitation became noteworthy for being accessible to audiences and not reliant on provocative imagery, but rather subtle and evocative imagery which let the readers use their own imaginations. The charming and lively stylization of the characters by Maki Murakami also contributed to their appeal. The ova was directed by Shinichi Watanabe (1964-) of noted fame for works such as: Excel Saga, Puni Puni Poemi, Tenchi Muyo GXP, The Wallflower, and of course the Gravitation ova. His vision and adaptation cemented the characters being presented in a certain way which only expanded into the anime series, directed by Bob Shirohata. Some of his works include: Hetalia Axis Powers, Hetalia World Series, Diamond Daydreamers, The Tamayori Princess Saga, and Gravitation. Even though the anime only adapts material up to volume 7 of the manga the bulk of the romance and drama is built up successfully. Yes the story is a great comedy, with spurts of the genuinely dramatic, but the heart of the story is still the two lead characters and the journey of their tremulous romance. The range of social and personal issues covered in this series is immense. From accepting one's self, coming out to one's family, the invasiveness of celebrity, the vicious nature of fame, the heartbreak of miscommunication, the depths of depression of artists without their muses, the cost of naivety in show business, lack of trust in ones partner, the path to self reliance, to countless other issues, this story touches on so many topics.

   While the plot does predominantly focus on the journey of fame and fortune quite a bit and does go off on obscure and odd tangents sometimes, I still found the chemistry of the two leads engaging enough to want to know what happens next. No, this is not Shakespeare, but the love of two people and their mad scurry to understand each other and themselves in a sometimes uncaring world, relates to all of us at some point. While there's so much more I could add about the many people involved with this franchise, and how great it really is in a sea of knock offs and diluted stories, I won't, because then we'd be here for quite a while yet. Nonetheless, Gravitation is one story I can recommend to those who are open to its subject matter and style of expression. I understand that it's not for everyone; but respect is. At its core, Gravitation is a comedic yet lovingly told story of two people and the twists and turns their relationship takes. Please enjoy.

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 21

Children of the Wolf

My god. Wolf Children (2012) is probably one of my favorite modern classics; and trust me, that's saying a lot. A tale of love, loss, and life choices, this story exemplifies a family unit brilliantly... even if its far from a typical family. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda (1967-), of noted fame for his work on: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, and of course Wolf Children, as well as being key animator on multiple Dragon Ball Z projects. With multiple producers and help from Madhouse Studios, in addition to Hosoda's own Studio Chizu, the animation in this film is truly something to behold. The subtle yet moving score of the film is composed by Takagi Masakatsu (1979-), who is more recognized as a promotional advertising composer, but does a suitable job here. Distributed by Toho, one of the best known in the business, and a successful box office smash with a $53,923,613 return as well as winning multiple awards such as: the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the year in 2012, the Mainichi Film award for Best Animation Film, the 2013 Tokyo International Anime Fair award for Animation of the year, two awards at the Oslo Film Festival in Norway: The Silver Mirror, and the Audience Award, and another Audience Award at the 2013 New York International Children's Film Festival; I'd say, yeah. This film is damn awesome. Last but not least, it even has a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its truly staggering how much praise this film has received, and even more on how much it deserves it. Now, for my own thoughts on the film.

I know coming from someone who loves anime, that it might not seem too surprising for me to say, but here it is: I love this film; its a masterwork. With soft lines and colors to match the score, the visuals stand out even more by not throwing themselves into the audience's face. Aesthetically, from the very first moment color lights up the screen, its a journey; a journey of soft colors and strong emotions. I can't begin to tell you how often a mother's love is overplayed and doesn't feel genuine in films. That is definitely not the case here. In both the Japanese and English scripts, the dialogue and strong performances of both actresses shines an honest light on the ever complex ranges of emotions that a mother has. The story does a grand job pulling at the audience's heartstrings, but can also make them feel joy, sadness, frustration, and empathy with these characters and what they go through. There's a lot of really good anime feature films out there, but to me this one really does stand out. Definitely a brilliant commentary on raising kids, the honesty and turmoil of a family unit, the parents journey through seeing the choices ones kids make as they grow up, and pain of loss expressed through selfless love, this film has much to offer. Both Japanese and English voice cast are strong, but personally I resonated with and enjoyed the English cast more. A superb family film, a great study on life and love, an engaging cast of characters and enthralling story, this film should not be missed. I truly hope everyone check this one out! Enjoy!

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment #20

That Darn Pig

   This is one of the most charming of the Miyazaki films. A fantastical story of love; a love of the skies, and romance. This 1992 feature film is based on a three part manga written by Miyazaki himself. A unique feature of this film is its setting in a believable world, making it just about possible for it to have occurred in the real world, save for a cursed hero and a light-hearted attitude towards piracy. I have to say, it's a thrill to have Joe Hisaishi on the score again, and Toshio Suzuki on production. With both subtle and overt tones of war and political strife, this film had a bit of controversy wrapped up around it due to the war in Yugoslavia at the time, and some of its old time ideologies. So let's jump right in.

   My goodness, the score! This is one of the most uplifting scores that match its visuals perfectly. There's also a lot of silent expositional moments as well, but they all serve the film well. Very beautiful film indeed. While in some instances this film is a over romanticized look on wartime, it also retains a certain quality of darker tones in the background. Another notion in this film that I sometimes find irksome is its constant references to females announcing that they are females. The " it's because I'm a woman!" tagline gets a bit in your face sometimes, in my opinion. At the same time, this film does a good job of showing women as strong of mind and body as engineers and builders. The strong female is prevalent in many of Miyazaki's films, but here I feel it's rather diluted in comparison to some of his stronger female characters. Still, this film has its many charms as well. With warm and bright colors, even the darker elements of the story seem to fade away to the background. This film is one of those that I feel could have been a series filled with many more adventures, and a long-standing tale of great romance. This film is also a lovely tribute to aviation, which as one may notice, Miyazaki is a large fan of. Every single one of his films has a flight scene. The cast performances here are subtle, but noteworthy. The Japanese cast I think it's okay, but I personally love the English cast here. And an all star cast it is! This film stars Michael Keaton, Cary Elwes, Susan Egan, Brad Garrett, and Kevin Michael Richardson. While I wouldn't go so far as to call this my favorite of Miyazaki's films, I still recommend it for fans of planes, wartime dramas, classic romance, with nods to slapstick humor. While the mystery of Porco Rosso's curse eludes us, there's no doubt as to why people find this film so charming. Memorable characters, a classic film feel, beautiful scenery and the sensation of flight, all add up to a great work of art. Hope you enjoy!


From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 19

There Can Be Only One

   Ah, Highlander. With an expansive legacy encompassing multiple live action films, and multiple series, an animated series, novels, comics, video games, and this anime feature film; no one would question the success of the Highlander franchise. The film is directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (1950- ), known best for: Wicked City, Demon City Shinjuku, Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust, and more. This 2007 film was produced with the help of Madhouse Studios, which means heck yeah, it's going to be shiny. The score is composed and edited by Jussi Tegelman and Nathan Wang. So with the gathering of a talented group, this film sets out to bring audiences a fresh take on a beloved story. With no intent of replacing its legendary predecessors, this film still succeeds in bringing us a fascinating story, great visuals, entertaining action and characters, wrapped up with a touch of sci-fi / fantasy. So let's begin. 

   While this film definitely stands on its own merits, it does still give nods to its source; the main character is still a MacCloud, a man both blessed and cursed with immortality. Also the outlining quest to be the last man standing remains. That aside, this story is all new. While some may want a retelling, what we get here is a reimagining of the basic story, with a few new twists and turns. As always, I prefer not to spoil any main plot points because my goal is to get people to seek out great anime films, such as this. No surprise, the visuals here are stunning. Crisp stylization, a vivid color palette, and fluid motion in the animation; while expected from Madhouse, is still consistently a pleasure to behold. Oh right, before I get lost in all the shiny goodness, let me say that yes, there be lots of violence and some partial nudity. I personally enjoy the modernization of this beloved tale. With a range from a post-apocalyptic world to ancient times, the possibilities are endless. Not only are the visuals epic, the soundtrack accompanying will rock your socks off! A combination of rocktastic and medieval; you never know what you're going to get, but odds are it will be awesome. A tale and journey of the ages, our hero wanders on his search for vengeance. Back to the visuals for a minute. The architecture, character design, weapon design, fashion, and overall design of large to small items is spectacular. The way the film is shot creates a tone of dark despair with only a sliver of hope, adding to the atmosphere. While yes there are also a handful of classic action movie troops, with a tad of corny dialogue, the result is still a fun action packed package. Once again, odds are if you liked the original Highlander, you'll get a kick out of this film. The English cast is quite fun, while the Japanese is the only version to have the director's cut. I enjoy the English cast: it's fun, and the translation gives way to some funny Americanized dialogue tropes. Overall, the main take away is a bunch of fun. An enjoyable action flick, but as for Highlander himself, there can only be one! Enjoy.

From The Ashes, V.~

From The Ashes: Anime Reviews Archive

1. Akira
2. Ninja Scroll
3. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
4. Cowboy Bebop (TV)
5. Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
6. Ghost in the Shell (Movie)
7. Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind 
8. Trigun
9. Trigun: Badlands Rumble 
10. Vampire Hunter D (OVA)
11. Castle in the Sky
12. Rurouni Kenshin (OVA)
13. Steamboy
14. My Neighbor Totoro
15. Read or Die (OVA)
16. Kiki's Delivery Service
17. Dante's Inferno
18. Tekkonkinkreet
19. Highlander: The Search for Vengeance
20. Porco Rosso
21. Wolf Children 
22. Gravitation 

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 9

Cause & Effect...The Movie

   Home again, home again. And we're back for another adventure full of Vash and his antics. The film, once again produced by Madhouse Studios, is directed by Satoshi Nishimura, with Trigun creator Yasushiro Nightow on story. Just like the series, Tsuneo Imahori is once again the composer, bringing his take on the sounds of this technological western. The film released in 2010, well after the end of the series, but chronologically takes place somewhere between the first third and second third of the series. The story brings back a lively foe: Gasback, leader of The Badlands Gang in the series. One major difference between the series and the film however, is the updated animation clarity and quality. The movements of characters are decent in the series, but a lot more consistently fluid in the feature film. The color palette of the film even seems more bright and lively; considering the film's focus on one adventure rather than the darker themes of the series. 

   Now what I meant by calling this " cause and effect: the movie", because it's pretty darn accurate. Just like in the series, Vash's ideals of the value of each life plays a part. The films focus this time around, however, is the consequences of saving a life rather than taking it. With every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Basically, even good can bring about bad. Now I don't really want to get into the story details too much, because I'd prefer people actually seek this one out. While the plot here is nowhere near as dark as the overall series, it still has a strong focus. Vash's nature makes him want to save each life, because he truly believes in every life's purpose, as well as he simply does not agree with taking lives. Often in the series, the remnant effects shown focus on the negative aspects of taking a life, while here, Vash has to deal with the opposite. His journey of owning up to the choices he makes often stretch over many years. However, Vash is definitely no fool, and always learns from every event. Other focal points of the film are aesthetics and pride. The beauty of a job well done and completed without a hitch, can be considered aesthetically pleasing. Of course when the Humanoid Typhoon is out to play...do I even need to say the rest? As for pride; I don't think there was a single humble character in this story save for Vash. Everyone has their quota, and they all want to meet it. However it becomes apparent at one point, that selfish desire can blind one to the negative consequences of one's actions. There is a lot of good stuff in this film. It looks and sounds great, its got clear and clever themes, and is all around well made. Once again I love the English dub, but only a few of the original cast return to their roles, which is kind of a bummer. Still, it's worth checking out. As for the film, it's definitely light hearted and fun; indeed a rumble. Nonetheless, it offers a taste of what the series was like. Hope you enjoy!

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 8

Not My Doughnuts!

   This weeks topic is a wonderfully complex paradigm on ones views on life and who deserves life. And yet, most often, people do not think of moralistic philosophies and the true nature of man when talking about Trigun. They think of laughter, shoot em up action, and doughnuts. A particularly odd masquerade, no? Thus, we have Trigun. The original run from 1996 to 1999 began in Monthly Shonen Captain, and was written by Yasuhiro Nightow (1967-), who also wrote Gungrave. The original run was initially published in three volumes, but re released and translated in two volumes in 2003 / 2004. The continuation of the remainder of the story was published in 14 more volumes called Trigun Maximum from 2004-2009. The anime began airing in 1998, and the English dub in 2003. A feature film based on an arc in the manga, was released in 2010. Both the series and film were produced by Madhouse Studios, one of the most renowned animation studios in Japan. The anime series was scripted by Yosuke Kuroda (1968-), who has quite the impressive resume line, some works including: Excel Saga, Hellsing Ultimate, Gungrave, High School Of The Dead, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Panzer Dragoon, Tenchi Muyo!, and of course Trigun. Awesome, right? Another pretty groovy crew member is composer Tsuneo Imahori (1962-). While he is best known for his work on Trigun and Gungrave, he also contributed to the soundtracks of anime series Wolfs Rain, and Cowboy Bebop! All in all, the production of the anime for Trigun was in safe hands. 

   One of the best examples of the Space Cowboy genre, Trigun's established world and setting is definitely a mysterious and intriguing one. The bulk of the story takes place on a rather barren planet which sets the tone for the series, showing the lives of humankind living amongst cities that look like nothing but ruins. A strong theme of the series is ones view of the value placed on life. Who or what is more worthy to survive over another? The extent of the superiority complex of the villains faced is atrocious. Arguments of both extremes are validly and soundly made, even though the heroes and villains are quite easy to separate. One side sees only man's ability to destroy; their selfish desires, and their actions as a result of fear. The other side promotes the sacredness of all life, and that mankind is inherently good, only straying from that when given shape by negativity and faithlessness in each other. The true tragedy, is that both viewpoints are valid: there is both a great potential for man to be selfless and kind, but also that man can truly cause great destruction, and both can be done quite easily. Which side then determines worthiness? Which side of man's nature will doom them to destruction? Both good and bad can doom a soul; a fact which is tirelessly exemplified by the series main protagonist: Vash The Stampede. Both a positive force, as well as a brooder over tragedy, Vash's battle within himself on how to live, is the heart and core of the series journey. Yes there is a lot of intense action, side splitting comedy, and gut wrenching sadness throughout the series; yet it all comes together in beautiful unity through the deep blue eyes of our hero. The Western twang of the sites we see over Vash's travels are intermingled with broken remnants of a technological era of the past, which slowly unveiles its mystery over the series. The animation of the series is solid; its quality but it can have its moments of redundancy as well. The voice casts are both synonymous with their roles, however I greatly enjoy the English dub. The silly and sad nature of Vash is well performed, and the depths of the other characters personalities ( both shallow and deep aspects) are brought to life quite well. I cannot even begin to say how much more there is to reflect, discuss, and enjoy about this series but I highly recommend it, for it definitely has something for everyone. Indeed, it does start out quite silly and does hold that tone throughout the series but don't let it fool you. The themes and roots of the characters journeys and ideas are so much more than they appear at first glance. A beautiful story, great characters, a fascinating environment, and a very driven focus make this series one of my all time favorites. I hope you enjoy it!

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 7

Man vs Nature

   Welcome to another addition of Miyazaki week ( every third week). This time around it's the 1984 classic, Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. A beautiful story about man vs nature, set in a post-apocalyptic world, with a spirited princess struggling to fight for peace. This fantastical epic was inspired by many works, most notably Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea, Isaac Asimov's Nightfall, and JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. A prominent theme in many of Miyazaki's works is anti war and environmentalism; this film is no exception. In fact, I dare say it makes its points the most successfully. While yes, its in your face, the film's themes are so softly and elegantly executed that one doesn't mind the neon headlights pointing you in the desired directions. On a more subtle and spiritual note, the stories starlet is of a very advocative mind and constantly seeking a peaceful answer for all; very Buddhist notions. A neutral and open minded nature is required and Nausicaä has them both in spades. And thus, the first of Miyazaki's good hearted leading ladies was created. Another future beloved aspect of Miyazaki's Productions, was the decision to work with the composer Joe Hisashi (1950-). At the time, he was known as an experimental artist, dominantly working with neo-classical and progressive rock themes. The soundtrack of this film definitely has moments where it yells loudly that it's from the 80's, but also manages to make sense with a blend of Eastern, Mediterranean, and classical melodies. Being the first original film that Miyazaki wanted to direct, it definitely has its newbie moments. The dialogue throughout many parts of the film is incredibly expositional rather than letting the imagery speak on its own and lead. However, especially towards the latter half of the film and the climax, the action and chaos does not allowed for muted pacing in its writing and dialogue. The imagery still gets it say, and is definitely not left behind. The overrun nature of the forest and plant life absolutely dominate the established world. An overwhelming feeling of enclosement gets across quite well. Humankind needs to keep all its focus and resources on survival, yet constantly bickers over power with land wars, and the powerful all have their own agendas. The film itself is an agenda: a message and a warning. Nature ought never to be forgotten or disrespected, for it will always have come before man and can overtake at any time it pleases. With so many films under the banner of "love the earth", what makes this one so special? So many focus on either challenging ones audiences mind, in order to show the logistics of action and consequence. Other films, overzealously appeal to the audience's hearts by bringing out all of the "feels" and just how darn mean that johnny human is and golly gee we should hate that jerk. Oh and hug the trees and crap. Nausicaä does neither of those, yet both. The good news is that while it appeals to both heart and mind, it also includes the spirit, making it a complete work and rightly satisfying to its audience. The success of Nausicaä gave Miyazaki and crew the needed boost to finally found Studio Ghibli in 1985. Another amusing footnote, the designs of characters and creatures have continued to inspire other creators such as Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. The horseclaws and their riders inspired the beloved chocobos; a staple of the long time series.

   With all I have said already about the story, it's difficult to say much more without spoiling anything, as is my intention in every review. The film is beautiful, the soundtrack is diverse yet accompanies the film well, the characters and their progressions are all acted with a fierce sense of reality: both the most sly evil in man, and the genuine purity of man as well. As with most Miyazaki films brought to English speaking countries, I quite enjoy the English cast here. An all-out ensemble cast boasts so many talents for this special occasion, some being: Alison Lohman, Shia LaBeouf, Sir Patrick Stewart, Mark Hamill, and Edward James Olmos among others. Definitely worth many viewings, this film is not one to let slip unnoticed.

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 6

It Found A Voice

   One of the grandest film projects of it era, the haunting masterwork of Ghost In The Shell is our topic this week. There are no words needed after viewing this film, and yet I could go on with an unforeseen magnitude of them. Drawing its first breath in 1989, the manga ( both written and illustrated) by Masamune Shirow (1961-) was first published in three volumes before being subsidised into one large trade. The story is far more than its cyberpunk thriller cover implies. A greatly ambitious work, Ghost In The Shell big questions of its viewers on an almost spiritual level. First and foremost asking: what is the defining trait of a soul? In a world where humanoid cyborgs outnumber those without any technological modification, lies a special force that deals with the elite hackers of society; for hackers are the new Lords of crime. Sounds pretty intense, right? You better believe it. With a budget of $10,000,000, a simultaneous release in Japan, the US, and the UK, & a cultural and philosophical impact unrivaled, this film doesn't even have to beg for high praise, it earns it without question. Who better to even attempt to bring the creation of this magnitude to the big screen, then director Mamoru Oshii (1951-). Best known for intensely complex films did move his audience, some being: Angels Egg, Patlabor The Movie, The Sky Crawlers, and of course the Ghost In The Shell films. If that wasn't impressive enough, there were not one but four producers on this film! Another impressive aspect of this film's production is its intensely haunting and mesmerizing soundtrack, composed by Kenji Kawai (1957-). He boasts a diverse resume, breaking ground in numerous genres such as: horror, sci-fi, and historical epic; which gives his work very unique sound. Some of his work includes: Vampire Princess Miyu, Blue Seed, Sorcerer Hunters, The Ring, The Princess Blade, Fate Stay Night, Death note, IP Man, and Ghost In The Shell. So yeah, color me impressed. All that, and the film still has far more credentials in its roster. This film is still one of the most successful to integrate CG and cell animation into its effects. As much as I'd like to continue rambling about this gargantuan production, the intellectual content of this masterpiece holds more sway over me personally. 

   What a story! As always, I intend to be spoiler free so that anyone reading is more inclined to actually see the film. As I mentioned earlier, most prominent theme or question brought too light is: what is the defining trait of a soul? When machine and man are so intimately intertwined in modern biology, the line of difference between a memory chip and a memory cell becomes blurred. Philosophers have pondered what makes a man and what is his soul, for many millennia. In that respect, this premise is unremarkable. Rather than the cybernetic prosthetics and processors of Major Kunesagi, was not the lovely Pgmaylion a machine simply made of ivory? The debate of man playing God by creating perfection of his own image is more a precursive note, rather than the prime point in this film. In fact it is immediately established that man has no qualms playing creator, from the opening credits. In this established world, cybernetic prosthetics is just one more market among all the rest. Speaking of an established world; boy oh boy does this film indulge in making sure you feel the weight, sounds, sites and scents of its environment! Sooooo many establishing shots! While I do see how some viewers would consider this a detriment to the films pacing, I personally would not agonize over it. The visuals are stunningly detailed. As with quite a number of his films, director Mamoru Oshii tends to leave lots of space and time for the audience to think while watching; making it more of an experience to take in. As with any film, every film is not for everyone. That is definitely not a bad thing. However, I can very easily say that I immensely enjoy this particular brew of storytelling. Another personal preference, is my choice to view it was the English cast. Both tracks are fine, I just like the English actors. They give a strong yet subtle performance, and it doesn't hurt that they all come back for the other films and series. Phew! This film has had a great cultural impact and spawned philosophical discussion since its worldwide released in 1995. My only hope is that you will seek this film out, give it a watch, and let your mind get immersed in the world. Just don't lose your Ghost!

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 3

Before Austin, There Was Lupin

   This week and every third week will be Miyazaki week! Wha-cha! The brilliant combination of slick, silly, and sexy super spies and thieves might not be all together unique; but anyone who has watched Lupin III would tell you, Lupin is far from ordinary. The saga of Lupin the 3rd began with the manga's run in Weekly Manga Action in 1967. The series ran for 2 years and eventually became serialized in 14 volumes. A couple anime series later, the long list of feature films began. The second of these films is The Castle Of Cagliostro. This film (released in 1979), was the directorial debut of now renowned director Hayao Miyazaki, known for his many beloved films such as: Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke. The 1991 theatrical release finally brought Miyazaki to American viewers. 

   Crafting together a roster full of colorful characters this franchise has it all: the silent and strong swordsman, the chain smoking gun slinger, the slick as she goes super spy, and the happy-go-lucky master thief. While the anime series played up each of the characters archtypes, Miyazaki's adaptations of each one was more subtle and mature in his film. This shift in tone was criticized by some elitists, but praised by other fans. Personally, I enjoyed a darker shade to this motley crew; for I often recall being perplexed at how the anime made everything seem so bombastic it was often difficult to take seriously at all. Mind you, the film still has some clunky animation and oh boy is the English dub a bit awkward at times, but overall it is still a well-put-together piece for both Japanese and English. I prefer the Japanese cast because I feel it closer ties the voice actors to their roles, but the English cast is great for a laugh at any 3 a.m. viewing. The spoiler free zone remains as I traverse through my review. This film is a lot of fun. Seriously. First you think Lupin is just a giggling thief looking for his next big score, but then he throws a curveball at you by being clever, honest, and brave. That goes for the plot of the film as well. At the beginning, it looks as if you can expect a thrill ride made up of a few chase scenes with some big payoff at the end where our protagonist gets the girl and the treasure, but you'd be surprised. With a very Bond-esqe villain to boot, the story has some nice twists and turns as well as familiar spy-movie tropes tossed in as well. I know, the vagabond with a heart of gold isn't out of the box per se, but the way it's told here is quality. And that's something I see reflected in all of Miyazaki's work: heart, beauty, depth, spirit, and quality fair and square. Just like in all his other films, one can't help but feel warm and fuzzy inside by the time the credits begin to roll. Mind you, there's definitely a bit of dark tossed in for good measure: a bit of language over here, some vile act of villany over there, and some untimely (pun intended) demise over there. Definitely a great start to a prosperous career, Miyazaki's The Castle Of Cagliostro is a thrill wrapped in a chase with a few surprises tossed in, but mostly just a lot of good old fashion fun.

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 2

Simply the Bees Knees

   Ahh, Ninja Scroll. How can one film contain so much shiny goodness? I'll tell you. For starters, it was written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (1950 - ), who has worked on numerous successful projects such as: Wicked City, The Animatrix, Highlander The Search For Vengance, and my personal favorite of the list, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. The character designs, which are ever so drool worthy, were done by Yutaka Minowa, who has pretty much worked on all of my favorite franchises in anime such as: Record of Lodoss War, Metropolis, Escaflowne The Movie, Devil May Cry the animated series, X, and again, Highlander The Search For Vengance, and Vampire Hunter D : Bloodlust. Hot damn! 

   The 1990s there were the big three movies in anime and they were: Akira, Ninja Scroll, and Ghost in the Shell. As far as the vhs sales for the original release of Ninja Scroll, that sold more than 70 thousand copies in the North American continent. That's quite a lot especially for vhs. The success of the feature film prompted a 13-episode series to follow. It was sadly considered subpar an unnecessary by many fans. Sure, we wanted more Ninja Scroll, just...not...that. On a happier note, yay comics! Yes there are comics. Published by Wildstorm in 2006, a12 issue series that continues where the film ended was released. And I can at least personally say ( because I own it and read it all ) that it is a far more satisfactory continuation.

   Now the film itself. Holy caricatures Batman! This film has so many character types that long time anime fans could point out and giggle at when they see them: the creepy old perv sage, the silent and tough hot ninja chick, the blind swordsman who only speaks in riddles, the overblown bad guy with muscles so sculpted that Michelangelo's David looks downright scrawny, oh the list goes on. Outside all that silliness however, the film has a truly dark tone with only its hero at the softly lit center. To fulfill my best efforts to not have spoilers I shall continue with a general overview. This is a timeless story in its esscence, with many strong themes such as: the value and journey of discovering one's own self-worth, the pursuit of justice and goals at any cost, respect for both sexes, the prices man pays for greed fueled endeavors, among countless others. In one interview director Yoshiaki Kawajiri stated that he wanted Ninja Scroll to be a period piece focusing on the artistry of ninja tactics, but to also have it be enjoyable and accessible to general audiences who would not have a background knowledge of Japanese history. Personally, I feel he highly succeeded. Ninja Scroll is an eloquent masterpiece of dark beauty, taking a peek behind the thin veil of propriety and tradition that the greedy hide behind when scheming for power and control. This film is a buffet for the senses, filled with such diverse sights and sounds to enchant and ensnare any audience. Both the Japanese cast and English cast are memorable, but for my own nostalgia I always go with the English cast. And there you have it: Ninja Scroll. Well worth a view for any anime, martial arts, feudal period piece, and all around film fan. Don't miss out!

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 1

The Beginning

   Welcome to the first official edition of From the Ashes: Anime Night. This will be a weekly segment where I bring to you the best in modern classics/nostalgic anime, as well as some of my personal favorites and recommendations. This will be a review segment, so please be aware there may incidentally be spoilers; though I will do my utmost best to only give an overview. And with that said let's begin! 

   Those who know anime well have probably done some research as to the history of what is commonly known as anime today. First off, the term"anime" is simply an abbreviation of the word animation spoken in Japanese. Be it slang or short cut this generalization did not start being commonly used until about the mid to late 1980s. Go figure; so many other things we today would call nostalgic were also spawned in that time.
One cannot fully take this journey through anime without acknowledging some fundamental contributors to the establishment of anime's popularity in world culture, particularly Western culture. Osamu Tezuka (1929-1989), considered by many the "godfather of anime" was the creator of classics such as: Astro Boy, Kimba The White Lion, Black Jack, and Princess Knight. He also wrote a manga version of Metropolis in 1949, which was adapted into an animated film in 2001. He is also responsible for the staple "big anime eyes" and the beginning of the mecha genre.

   Another name to know is Go Nagai (1941- ). With Cutie Honey, he began the ever fruitful "magical girl" genre and refined upon the mecha genre by creating the "super Robo" subgenre, starting with Mazinger Z.
Eventually others such as Yoshiyuki Tomino (1941- ), would build up on that legacy with the establishment of the Gundam series, starting with Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979. Shoji Kawamori creates the now legendary anime space opera The Super Dimension Fortress Macross in 1982, and the rest as is often said is history.

   Now to finally bring you to our first selection: AKIRA (1988). This was both created and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, who also wrote the manga which ran from 1982 to 1990. Collected in 6 large volumes that still barely contain the weight of the story is this magnus opus. As I stated earlier my intention is to give an overview because I feel that everyone should seek out these films and watch them because they are masterpieces. If you're not one for graphic violence, dystopian society, and the adventures of a group of delinquents forced into the situations their very real cruel world pushes them into, then let me tell you this might not be for you. But hell, its awesome! If you want an impactful introduction into the world of anime film I cannot think of a better starting point. Not only does this film satisfy its own genre requirements (cyberpunk, thriller, action, dark humor, among others), it serves as a strong allegory to man's desire to seek out the power of God or the universe and how that power corrupts. This film is beautiful. The visuals are groundbreaking ( no pun intended), and still highly exceptional even today. The soundtrack hits when it needs to and leaves silence in moments when no sound could possibly enhance what one is seeing on screen. For first-time viewers I personally feel the Japanese cast performance was far more synonymous with the film's tone, but the English cast is still quite adequate. For a long time viewers of anime in English you may recognize many of the voice actors in this film. But seriously back to the visuals. The level of detail in this film is astounding. Every movement a character makes every explosion and all the background images are done exsquisitly well. With all this in its corner it's no wonder Akira is considered one of the most prevalent anime films and just about singularly responsible for the boom of interest in anime in Western culture. Akira has also been listed in Time magazine's list of top 5 anime DVDs.

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 18

Badass Kids...Check 

And now, time for one of those movies that wins everything. Tekkonkinkreet, a 2006 film adaptation of a three-volume manga written by Taiyõ Matsumoto and originally published from 1993 to 1994 in Big Comic Spirits, definitely qualifies as a winner. This film is directed by Michael Arias (1968-), an American filmmaker who is also based in Japan, and Hiroaki Ando as co-director. While primarily starting off in computer graphics and sequence effects, Arias has also done storyboard art, production, programming, and work on numerous other films before making his way into the director's chair for Tekkonkinkreet. Indeed a man of many talents. Hiroaki Ando is also multi-faceted in his work; as a storyboard director, CGI director, animation director, and technical director. This film has many talented people on his payroll, with numerous producers and the assist of Studio 4°C, whose works include: Memories, Spriggan, Steamboy, Justice League: Flash Point Paradox, Berserk: Golden Age Arc, Thundercats (2011), Batman Gotham Knight, Halo Legends, and many more. Another addition to this culturally diverse crew, is British electronic music duo, Plaid, as composers for the film's unique soundtrack. With such a varied and talented team to support this film, it's no wonder the film got noticed. Winning multiple awards including the Best Film Award at the Mainichi Film Awards, best original story and best art direction at the Tokyo International Anime Fair, and animation of the year from the Japan Academy, and much praise from critics, this film superbly exemplifies talent and originality. So without further ado, let's jump right into the film.

With a wistful opening scene leading right into the colorful opening credits, thus begins our journey. Very quickly is a hyper detailed metropolis established as a feast for the eyes. Truly, this film is beautiful. As not only an anime fan, but also a film enthusiast, I can say: I love how this is filmed! With its bizarre framing, flowing sequences and flight filled angles, it's as if one is soaring through the story rather than simply witnessing it unfold. This is the tale of city vagabonds, cruising the terrain of their jungle like city, kicking ass and taking names, with a mega free running parkour style badassery. The music enthrals, the visuals enchant, and the characters entice one into being sucked into it all. The main story takes one who is corrupt but loves, and one who is pure but fears, and makes them best friends in a harsh world. Anyone viewing this can take much away from this film; justice of youth versus the plans of greedy old men, the consequences of peace and turmoil, a representation of the duality of man's heart and mind, the list goes on. While not blatantly stating anything, this clever story would seem like nothing but a slice of the hard knock life, yet it is so much more than it appears at first glance. I could watch this film a hundered times and still discover one new detail, one new thought; there's simply an abundance of content in this film. It's definitely a dark and twisted tale, with trippy images of dread and euphoria both eloquently blended in. If one looks for it though, rampant symbolism of duality seeps itself into all the imagery. One could almost call this "hidden gems and easter eggs: the movie". Yin and yang, black and white, night and day, its all there. This is most definitely a film to open one's mind to. Astoundingly detailed and complex, exhilarating to the senses, and all around a fantastic experience. Its quirky illusions and allusions may not be for everyone, but for those who would be willing to seek it out; absolutely not want to miss. As far as the voice cast, I personally found the English cast bland and the Japanese cast to be epically awesome. Gut wrenchingly great performances for sure. Be sure to check this one out!

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 17

Death, Destruction, and Mayhem...in Hell

Ah, Dante. A master poet, writer of the magnificent work The Divine Comedy, & a significant contributor to the master pieces of literature. Well, not here folks! This self dubbed "animated epic" is based on EA's 2010 hack and slash video game, Dante's Inferno; which took a very liberal approach to their adaptation of the classic masterwork. Considered a decently successful production, and most noted for its visually impressive stylization of the levels of hell; a feature film adaptation was bound to follow. Released as a direct to video feature simultaneously with the video game, this project was a grand collaborative effort. Multiple studios worked on the film, including: Production I.G., Film Roman, JM Animation, Manglobe, and Dong Woo. Similar to projects such as Gotham Knight or the Animatrix, multiple directors were in charge of a section of the film; each customized to the directors particular vision. The directors are: Shukou Murase, Yasuomi Umetsu, Mike Disa, Victor Cook, Jong-Sik Nam, Sang-Jin Kim, Lee Seung-Gyu. I particularly chose this to review because I enjoy the opportunity of a Japanese, Korean, and United States collaboration. Now, keep in mind while this is all pretty great sounding, this film is in no way for the squeamish, similar to the video game. It gets pretty crazy. So let's try and wrestle this beast.

Geez this film is graphic; but in multiple ways. First off, its stunningly detailed and mesmerizing to behold with each chapter. But daaaamn is it also stomach churning, gorey, creepy, perverse, and downright gross as well. Then again, so is the video game, so if you've played that, you'll pretty much know what's coming your way. Still, with any film versus game, you'll have a lot more time to stare at the surroundings then one does while playing a video game. This adaptation takes out much of the philosophical, spiritual, and romantic notions and concepts focused on in the original poem, and greatly focuses on beating the shit out of literally...everything. Even babies are freaking demonic hell spawn that need to be butchered. Need I say again; not for the squeamish, and probably not what one would consider showing to the family, hahaha. As for those who are looking for a glorified gore fest, this is definitely for you. The fluid movements and over the top action sequences are insane. Insanely cool, that is. The plot, while deluded greatly from its roots, is a solid quest: save the girl, kill everything in your way. And here, it works. Were it not for the watchful eye of his guide, the warrior would not have easily traversed his destined path. There is still the occasional verse of wonder and wisdom, so a sufficient balance to keep the pacing of the plot is maintained successfully. Add the occasional quip, and one has the recipe for this film's success. All around, I'd call this a haunting, gripping, and truly epic visualization. With an eerie and grand score, & a great cast for all three languages, one can't really go wrong here. I have predominantly watched this in English; which is by no means dissatisfactory. English cast members include: Graham McTavish, Vanessa Branch (both leads also in the video game), Peter Jessop, and Steve Blum as the loquacious Lucifer. Thus, in conclusion I would say if you're up for a wild ride through hell, then this is for you. If gore and gallantry is not your bag, then this film isn't going to change that. Still, this is a dark and grand adventure, and not want to miss. Enjoy!

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 16

Everyone's Favorite Witch

    Ahh, Kiki's Delivery Service. One of director Hayao Miyazaki most endearing classics; comes a tale that can be described in one word: lovely. From it's beautiful and timeless score, to the coming of age story that we all know so well, this cast of lovable characters, romanticized and colorful scenery, makes this film still one of the most recognizable and renowned of Miyazaki's works. This 1989 masterpiece is not only directed by Miyazaki, but also written and produced by him as well. Its lively score is once again composed by Joe Hisashi, who gives the fantastical utopian euro-esque landscapes and scope a timeless feel. This film is based on the 1985 novel by Japanese children's author Eiko Kodono (1935-). This also represents the first collaborative effort between Studio Ghibli and the Walt Disney Company, releasing an English dub theatrically in 1998. Production of Kiki's Delivery Service was a hectic one, until all the pieces were in place. The animation crew wanted to give this film a unique but timeless feel, so they researched landscapes ranging from the Swedish iles to South Australia to get the kind of imagery that they wanted. Also, some changes from the original story were made for the script to feel more flowing as a single narrative, as Kodona's novel was considered more a group of short stories. Now, for the story we get in this film.

    I love this movie. Its just....so...cute!!! From the breathtaking beauty of the opening scene, this film just gives one a nostalgic and peaceful feeling. I personally find myself smiling from time to time for no particular reason; its just a feel-good kind of movie. For what on average would seem just an ordinary slice of life story, Kiki offers more. A lead character with relatable goals and fears; to succeed at being true to oneself, and the fearful feeling of directionlessness. The story is heartwarming. We as an audience are swept up with Kiki as she flies her broom into the big world, and follow her in her adventures. The secondary cast of characters are also wonderful. With an excellent script, brilliantly adapted and performed, these elements only add to the quality here. I myself, adore the English dub, starring Kristen Dunst and the late Phil Hartman ( in his last performance), as Kiki's cat Jiji. Any of the changes for the personalities of the characters based on the English script are completely fine and enjoyable to me, so I can't say I mind them. All in all, this was a well-received film by audiences and critics alike, grossing $18 million in 1989. Siskel and Ebert also gave it a "two thumbs up!", as well as receiving a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.com. Adventure, fun and fantasy, with a heap of heart, this is not only a great film, but definitely one the whole family can enjoy. Check it out!

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 15

Read...or Die!

      A bit more than your average action series, this sexy spy filled adventure brings a bit of James Bond mixed with Kung Fu movies and a touch of the supernatural and historical. Director Koji Masunari (1965-) directed not only this film, but the sequential anime series as well. I will be focusing on just the OVA/film released in 2001, as there is much story to cover from the manga, OVA, series, and light novels. The staff on this project have covered a lot more range in anime series rather than in feature films. Koji Masunari has worked on: Azumanga Dioh!, Kamichu!, Magi: the Kingdom of Magic, Naruto, Tenchi Universe, Read or Die, and more. Producer Keiichi Matsuda has a much shorter resume list, but still impressive projects such as: Hetalia, Read or Die, Rurouni Kenshin, You're Under Arrest!, and a few more. One area this project shines is in the films soundtrack, with composer Taku Iwasaki (1968-) at the helm. Known for his upbeat, contemporary style, Iwasaki also brings a great sense of scale with his scores, working on the following: Black Cat, Black Butler, Getbackers, Gurren Lagann, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Origins: Sprits Of The Past, Read or Die, Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal, Rurouni Kenshin: Reflections, Soul Eater, The Soul Taker, Witch Hunter Robin, Yakitate! Japan, and many others. Another quality aspect of this film is it's crisp, fluid, and lively animation; brought to the screen by Studio DEEN, whose more popular projects include: Ah! My Goddess, Akira, Angels Egg, Batman: Gotham Knight, Blade Of The Immortal, Blood+, Cowboy Bebop, Darker Than Black, Ergo Proxy, Mobile Suit Gundam, Naruto, Queen Emeraldes, Ranma 1/2, and oh my GAWD does the list go on! I'm sure you see my point; this film is pretty in multiple facets. Now for the film itself.

      Dear goodness, this film is shiny! Everything, seriously, just about every surface with detail practically shimmers. I digress. From the introductory sceane, a supernatural and epic scale comes across quite seamlessly. Then, a smooth transition into the opening musical number, and boy is it a good one. I can't listen to the opening theme without feeling like a secret agent, its great. This film has a solid mix of action, comedy, the supernatural, science, other anime and historical references, and all around fun. The story isn't really meant to be overly complex or thematic,but its more like a fun for fun's sake kind of tale. Superpowered secret agents retrieving stolen historical objects out in the field, and using their powers and quick wit to save the day. Sweet! It's quick to bring a smile to my face with its rather dry humor, but its not the kind to give you side splitting laughter. This doesn't mean the story and writing is bad or sub par, it's just not amazing or anything. I find that a consistent theme here. While the music, animation quality and concepts here are all great, the overall writing, acting and impact are "just" good. Solid, but not spectacular. Which is kinda blah really, because the concepts here are just so damn cool! Historical figures brought to life with one track minds on serving their masters goal?! Come on, that sounds awesome. I don't want to give away much more, but I can say that if you're looking for a quick, fast paced action adventure with a touch of comedy and reference humor, then this is definitely for you. If however you are seeking a more philosophical, story driven and heavy plot, then you may find this OVA a bit lacking. The voice actors for both Japanese and English are okay; the script here is not a wonderment, so the actors only have so much to work with. The story of Agent Paper and her associates is not a dull one; but is better executed in the manga and light novels, in my personal opinion. At least, the story is given more time and complexity there. Still, this is definitely a fun one so check it out!

From The Ashes, V. ~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 14

Totoro-to-toro! 

   Now we're really talkin nostalgia! As beloved as Winnie the Pooh, and well known as Mickey Mouse, is Hayao Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro (1988). Once again magnificently scored by Joe Hisaishi, comes a heartwarming tale of childhood summers, and mystical forest spirits. Doesn't sound like it would add up at first, but indeed it does. With so many other grand adventures carrying massive sociological, ethical, philosophical and moralistic themes, it was just the right time to cozy up to a simplistic fairytale; the kind that explores the adventure in everyday moments. And that's exactly what this film does. With a vibrant color palette, and a soft and charming tone, an exemplary tale of every day, or "slice of life" unfolds. Totoro became so popular with international audiences, that he in fact has a cultural impact in media. With nods to the character ranging from the pages of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman: Brief Lives, to Toy Story 3, one can't deny influence. Another powerhouse film, Totoro added to the wave of anime in the 1980s expanding the viewership of western audiences.

   The story here is timeless. With the countryside settings and lush landscapes, the environment doesn't feel dated; rather, it represents a peaceful idealism of relaxation. That alone appeals to audiences everywhere; for we often want to escape from our hectic lives and just hear the quiet. While there are some plot lines, they are extremely muted; almost background noise, really. The main story is one that feels as if it could go on forever, for how does one put parameters on imagination and a youthful heart? While there is quite a lot of fantastical whimsy spread throughout the film, the focus is always the children and their everyday discoveries. Weather the moment calls for chasing a tiny forest spirit, flying through the night sky with Totoro, watering flowers, cooking dinner, or enjoying a sunset, all activities are met with a sense of genuine love of life. To be sure, the hardships in life sometimes breach ones euphoria, but that doesn't mean they should not be faced with grace. A simple story that manages to also be not that simple, My Neighbor Totoro definitely warms the heart. It makes us all recall carefree days, no matter our age. A beautiful message brought beautifully to the screen, this film is a must see. Exquisite animation as always from Studio Ghibli, and a fantastic English cast brought together by Disney, the overall production is quality. I prefer the English cast here because while the Japanese actors are fine, some of the performances just felt a bit off to me. To each their own. Anyways, if you want a happy reminder of youthful days gone by, nothing is more nostalgic and heartwarming then this lovely story of my Neighbour Totoro. *sings along to the Totoro song* Enjoy!

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 12

Legend of the Wandering Samurai

   This week's featured OVA has a special place in my heart. Back in 1999 when this first came out, it was one of the early strong examples representing the elegance and grace that anime was capable of exemplifying. This short series is certainly nothing to be glazed over. A masterpiece of all around film; it continues to be considered a must see on everyone's list. This OVA ( original video animation) when initially released, was divided into four episodes but later released as two separate two hour long feature films: Trust And Betrayal, and Reflections. The first film chronologically serves as a prequel to the beloved anime series Rurouni Kenshin (1996-1998). The second films serves as a conclusion to the anime series. However the mangas author, Nobuhiro Watsuki, does not consider the second film as official canon, so it should be considered an alternate ending. The anime series is based on the manga, both written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki (1970-). Trust And Betrayal was directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi (1960-), who also directed the Rurouni Kenshin anime series, as well as: Ranma 1/2, Hunter X Hunter, Getbackers, Le Chevalier D'eon, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, and numerous other series. The series was produced at Studio Deen, a derivative of Sunrise Studios. Studio Deen has been part of so many anime production processes, it would be silly to list them all, but some I consider noteworthy are: Angels Egg, Patlabor, Knight Hunters, Fruits Basket, Read Or Die, Samurai Deeper Kyo, Kyo Kara Maoh!, Fate/stay Night, Ranma 1/2, and of course the tv/ova for Rurouni Kenshin. Impressive right? Another impressive addition to this ova's roster is its beautiful score, composed by Taku Iwasaki (1968-). Known for his often jazz themed scores, the "historical drama" setting seems a bit off, but he truly does deliver. Other works of his include: Now And Then Here And There, Read Or Die, The Soul Taker, Sadamitsu The Destroyer, Getbackers, Witch Hunter Robin, Gurren Lagann, Black Cat, Soul Eater, Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure, Origin: Spirits Of The Past, and many more. That sums up the credits; now for the more difficult part: analyzing the film itself.

   Oh my word...shiny! Hear me out. I know this story holds a plethora of philosophical and psychological goodies, but I absolutely must acknowledge the stunning beauty of this ova. This is from 1999. Now I know there are many lovely films that date back even further, but still, this is quite an impressive feat. The level of intricacy and attention to the tiniest detail here is astounding. From every strand of hair to the subtle folds in every piece of clothing; the characters look beautiful. This ova has a much more crisp and realistic style than the anime series, thus alluding the concept of a darker, more realistic take on that part of Kenshins journey. Not only the people, but the landscape, settings, and everyday items are rendered in exquisite quality. In a dinner scene, the texture of a cooked fish breaking into pieces as it's lifted by chopsticks, is so expertly animated, that one occasionally forgets they are watching anime. There are many such moments throughout. The fluid motions of characters far more often than not, are flawless. Each movement in a battle sequences is quick, sharp, and graceful: worthy attributes of the samurai fighting technique. Speaking of fluids, however, oh how the blood spills. This is still anime, so you do get your crazy blood spraying every which way, but it's not actually over done, which I believe makes each incursion more impactful. There is much more that can be said for the visuals, but the story, themes, and ideologies brought forth here even more impressive and complex. Aside from the overhead themes of trust and betrayal, some additional themes and concepts expressed here are: loss of innocence, pride, consequence of violence, manipulation, duality, greed retaining ones humanity, corruption of ideals, vengeance, inner peace, love honor, mans ignorance, the vicious cycles in war, redemption, and countless others. Truly, this story has so much to offer, so much to inspire; it's far more than a blood fest. I dare not delve further with details, for if there was any film I would hope would be sought out, this would be one such film. It's quite an experience. From its evocative and stunning visuals to its sorrowful and beautiful score, animation and design, philosophical and ideological notions, the intricacies of this story make it an all-around masterwork. For audio preference, my own is the English cast. The subdued performance of J. Shannon Weaver as Kenshin Himura is especially noteworthy, in my own opinion. He adds a successful notch in the legacy of the character of Kenshin. Considered one of not only the greatest samurais in anime, but also one of the most epic characters in anime; Kenshin is truly a fine example of badassery. Honestly, I could write far more about Kenshins character, but I prefer you see it for yourself. Not a story to miss! Enjoy!


From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 11

Lost Cities Above the Clouds

   One tiny side note I must mention, this movie came to theaters on my birthday...a yeah before I was born, that is. Anecdotes aside, this week we travel to Hayao Miyazaki's Castle In The Sky. While Miyazaki both wrote and directed, Isao Takahata (1935-) produced the film. He is also the co-founder of Studio Ghibli. Another familiar crew member, Joe Hisaishi, returns as composer, bringing to life the grand sense of flight and fancy within this film. This 1986 feature was the first film produced and released under the banner of Studio Ghibli. However, with so many grand successes following, this film often gets outshined and at one of the longest running times (its over 2 hours), that's unfortunate. Many of the elements of the story and setting are inspired by Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift. I personally found that ironic, as Gulliver's Travels is a personal favorite of mine, while Castle In The Sky is not high on my list. Through no fault of its own; mind you it's still a Miyazaki film. Thus, its still got a lot in its corner.

   For me personally I see this film as a great tribute to architecture and all the lost cities of literature. From Atlantis to Pompeii, this film gathers a bit of each stories adventure and mystical nature. This film has scale. The environments are vast; showcasing an expansive variety of locations as well. From a Victorian era themed pirate ship to a long-lost technologically advanced society that defied gravity itself, this film has it covered. Aaaaaaaand that's where my high praise begins its slippery slope. While I do admire the film's creativity, it all feels rather...borrowed. Its still original to be sure, however it does not surpass the sum of its parts. The characters are mostly passive, which seems ironic as everyone is always doing something. I wish there were more than a couple quiet moments in this film. The story is very linear. While that's not uncommon in many films, it just feels so blase here. As I stated before, this film's strong point is its nod to era specific architecture. It looks stunning. The structural layout and design of city spaces both on earth and in sky are dynamic and detailed. It definitely keep you wanting to explore the visuals throughout the film's progression. The final 20 minutes of the film are satisfying to the utopian fantasy sci-fi fan in all of us. There are many beautifully animated moments I enjoy throughout this film, and the score compliments them quite nicely. As for which cast to view it with, either is honestly fine. The story is simple, the settings are vast, the characters are a tad bland but still capable of charm and warmth. Sometimes the movie feels too long for its story, other times I feel it should have been a miniseries to properly express itself. Despite all my rantings, Castle In The Sky is still an entertaining adventure flick even with its long running time. May each lost traveler find their own point of interest in this tale above the clouds. Enjoy!

 

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 10

The Illustrious D

   I am beyond excited to talk about this week's film. Ahh, D. *swoons* Before I lose myself, however, let's paint a picture of this timeless classic : Vampire Hunter D. This 1985 film was directed by the late Tooya Ashida (1944-2011), who was most noted for his work on Fist of the North Star ( both the series and movie), and Vampire Hunter D. The film was produced by Ashi Productions, known for: Machine Robo, Macross 7, Blue Seed, Ultra Maniac, and other series, but singularly Vampire Hunter D for feature films. The score was composed by Tetsuya Komuro (1958-), a very influential figure in Japanese pop in the 1990s. He has also collaborated with a plethora of artists ranging from the Backstreet Boys to Joe Lynn Turner. Speaking of artists, the character designs for this film are brought to life by living legend Yoshitaka Amano. Renowned and beloved, Amano's artwork on character design spans so many great properties, of varying media, some of which are: Angels Egg, The Heroic Legend of Arslan, The Tale of Genji, Sandman: The Dream Hunters, Elektra and Wolverine: The Redeemer, Vampire Hunter D (both the novels and films), and of course the character designs for the first 10 Final Fantasy games. Ok, ok, I can't help myself. Yoshitaka Amano is my favorite artist. Ever. Pretty amazing right? All this awesome, gathered to adapt to film the first in a long line of magnificent novels written by Hideyuki Kikuchi (1949-). Known as a master writer for his works in horror and fantasy, he has been compared to authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King. Other than D, some of his popular works include: Demon City Shinjuku, Wicked City, Darkside Blues, and the Treasure Hunters series of novels. That's quite a heavy list of credentials, no? Onto the film. 

   From the first moment of the opening sequence, one is beckoned by the soft and haunting score. Sure, it's very "80's" in tone, but still gets the point across. A muted and dark color palette gives but a hint of introduction to the first character, and our leading lady. Very quickly thereafter, an image of a gritty and uncaring world is established. Monsters roam the countryside tearing everything apart by night, and self indulgent and foolish monsters of men rule towns by day. Very easily can one feel alone and outcast in a world such as this. That in itself is one of the large overhead themes of the film; the outcast, and what it's like being on the outside looking in. Other powerful themes such as prejudice, betrayal, lust, pride, and revenge are all interwoven within this story. A tale of a hunted hunter, whose harshest critic is truly himself. Honestly, I could go on for ages. I love D. I greatly admire Hideyuki Kikuchi's novels. I adore Yoshitaka Amano's character designs. This is one of my all time favorite properties. I collect the novels (btw there's over 20), have both feature films on dvd, I collect the manga, and anything else I can get my hands on ( I still need the PlayStation video game). The film is a masterwork, however, it doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of complexity and range of the novel on which it is based, let alone the character of D. Mentioning the changes from novel to film would be utterly pointless, and would also take ages. Still, I'd like to think of the film as a sampler; a positive taste into the deliciousness that is Vampire Hunter D. This film is far from perfect, but that's okay with me. Sometimes the animation can be shotty, and the sound quality a bit grainy. Despite these apparent shortcomings, the film remains endearing, and still represents quality work. As for which voice cast to go with; honestly you could go with either. With the Japanese cast, I felt everyone was good, save for D. And with the English cast, I felt like D alone was great. So, I tend to stick with the English cast. As always, I hope that you give this classic a chance. Its muted nature, tone and pacing may not be to everyone's liking; but its characters, story, and themes are truly timeless. Enjoy! 

From The Ashes, V.~