Hail all,

Category: Movies

So - been watching a lot of animated films lately. Some I'd seen before, others - not so much. Surprisingly, all the movies I inform are my top 100 below are films I've seen within the past year. Some are old - some older than myself, though most come from within the past 25 years as well. There is a rule to this list though. All films must have had a theatre release, must contain at least 50% animation, and must be a singular story - no collections of short stories here. Without further ado...

PART 1 here.

PART 2 here.

21. AKIRA

A cult favourite, the film did poorly upon release outside of Japan but has now become something of a known quantity. This is one of the films that got me into Japanese animatiion (or anime), and it's based on a manga. Unfortunately, condensing so much into a 2 hour film has rushed the story a little, but themes such as the nature of corruption and the will to power still come through strongly. There's also themes of a cyberpunk delinquent society with social unrest and economic recovery. A great film.

22. Ghost in the Shell

I wanted to use the original Japanese movie poster, but that features nudity and I dont think I could have gotten away with that. Nevertheless, Ghost in the Shell features ample nudity in the film - but don't think of it as an erotic film. Think of this as a Japanese Terminator. Again, based on a manga, this film condenses a lot to get the main message across, but it's set in the future where a police force is attempting to stop a villain known as The Puppet Master, who hacks into people's minds and implants false memories. This is the Inception - before there was Inception. Very daring, beautiful animation.

23. Toy Story 2

What needs to be said? The film succeeds so well - the storyline so perfect. For most animated film sequels, the original is always better. And seriously - this film works hard to trump it. In some instances - it succeeds. The film is again about the toys - but features so much more. The animation and especially the dialogue, are better. Toy Story 2 is a film which other animated sequels should aspire to. Great viewing.

24. Beauty and the Beast

This combines just about everything that is great about traditional Disney animated features with a beautiful fairy tale. Belle and the Beast are created with such flair, and animate and speak so well - that you'd be forgiven for thinking that the film is live action. The infamous ballroom scene still gets me - and even though this film is generally marketed to women, there is enough here for males to enjoy as well. Some of the best work from Disney.

25. Princess Mononoke

Possibly the most expensive anime film ever made - and one of the most successful, Princess Mononoke is one of the dark films in Hayao Miyazaki's animated canon in that there really is no clear good or bad guy. The main character isn't really a hero, and you see both sides of the conflict and can sympathise with both sides easily. Some gorgeous hand drawn animation tell a twisted story about environmentalism with some traditional japanese folklore. Just... amazing.

26. My Neighbour Totoro

I know, I know. It's another Miyazaki film. I can't help it if I enjoy his films! Still, this is another film which defies easy explanation. I guess you could say it's about exploration - but it's not really. It's gorgeously animated, and the two main girls are incredibly lifelike. Totoro himself is a delight, very humerous. Its a very warm film which will pull at your heartstrings.

27. Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night

For many - they can't watch the film. This is probably the darkest film on the entire 100 list - it features allegories for rape and alcoholism. It's creepy - but it's also fascinating. It's been called a blatent cash in on the legendary Disney film, and there is some truth to that. But this feature film of Pinocchio can stand on it's own. Again, there is an evil carnival and shifty anthropomorphic characters who have their own intentions - but the main theme is about freedom and choice. A disturbing film, but something that has to be seen.

28. Aladdin

Yet another Disney ****c here. Aladdin is incredible - that magic carpet escape scene, the parade scene - the opening of the cave of wonders - this film has it all. Action, romance and intrigue. And some truly great characters. Iago has been a favourite of mine for years, and the Genie really shines. A great film.

29. Ratatouille

I initially didn't like this film as much as Brad Bird's previous films (The Iron Giant and The Incredibles). Yet it's since grown on me - and Ratatouille is now considered an old favourite of mine. What's amazing is that I feel emotion for rats - not an easy task. The films main theme is to follow your dream - regardless of your size, and I think that's an important message. A film about a rat that wishes to be a chef? It's about as far from reality you can get. But the film plays it up well and is great viewing.

30. Ferngully: The Last Rainforest

Ferngully: The Last Rainforest was the main inspiration (along with Dances with Wolves) for the most profitable film ever - Avatar. Ferngully has a strong environmental message - but also has breathtaking animation, beautiful backdrops and humerous characters. On the evil-meter, Hexxus ranks up there with the best of them. He's quite willing to destroy the world to feed himself. The scene where Magi dies and all of the fairy's are imbued with her spirit has to be seen to be believed. Incredible.

This is only Part 3 of my list. Hopefully you've missed a few of these and now with my blessing - will go and check them out.

Cheers,

Saga.