Anime is Based Actually

Most of the people who criticize new movies, television shows, or music never actually take the time to experience the artwork, yet are eager to dismiss them simply because they’re new. The one art form that gets made fun of the most might also be the one that has the most conservative messaging: anime. Historically, anime is a relatively new art form. Developed in Japan in the early 20th century, it was painstakingly created by craftsmen who poured hours of labor and love into creating hand-drawn cartoons that told simple, timeless stories. Its modern iteration began to take shape in the post-World War II era, as shows like Astro Boy became weekly staples. Astro Boy raised important cultural questions about complex topics like science and humanity, introducing important philosophical themes to children in an approachable manner. The series also showed the value of fatherhood and the importance of familial relationships. As the industry progressed, so did its artistic capabilities. Animation studios became more skilled at their craft, producing beautiful animation that appealed to both children and adults. In 1988, Studio Ghibli released My Neighbor Totoro , which is considered one of the best films of all time. The movie expresses a deep respect for the history of the Japanese countryside, while also promoting timeless values like respecting nature. Anime is far more willing to dig into things that are spiritual, mysterious, and unique. In the modern era, anime has exploded onto the global scene and has become a major industry, particularly in America. Many of the best American films of the past few decades have been inspired by anime, including The Matrix , Inception , and Kill Bill . Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 film Black Swan has been frequently compared with Satoshi Kon’s 1997 film Perfect Blue . Aronofsky was a fan of Kon’s and wrestled with a lot of similar themes using similar characters. Both movies feature young female artists wrestling with their identities and are willing to delve into complicated themes that Western films rarely tackle. American storytelling often tries to be relatable, with sitcoms like Friends or The Office lampooning modern culture. On the other hand, anime is far more willing to dig into things that are spiritual, mysterious, and unique. Mononoke features Japanese folklore and deals with weighty themes like form, truth, and reason, all while being set in a beautiful depiction of late Edo period Japan. The Sailor Moon franchise has become incredibly popular thanks to its protagonist, a reincarnated Moon Kingdom princess. She and her talking cat, Luna, go on adventures to find other Guardians, to stop energy-draining monsters, and to keep the cosmic order aligned. Bleach and Death Note both deal with souls and the concept of the afterlife, while Ah! My Goddess playfully depicts a goddess’s adventures on Earth. Anime frequently addresses important topics in its storytelling. Many series discuss the problem of good versus evil, and the value of heroism. The series Demon Slayer portrays a young boy, Tanjiro Kamado, who joins a group of demon hunters after his family is killed by a demon and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into one. The story follows Tanjiro’s journey as he hunts down the demon king and achieves justice for his family. Monster , a series adapted from a popular manga, sees the main character, Dr. Kenzo Tenma, learn to fight against the evil he once saved. Throughout the story, he is faced with hardship and suffering as he hunts down Johan. Tenma once saved Johan’s life, but after Johan goes on an insidious killing spree, Tenma fights to bring an end to the wave of terror instilled by Johan. Monster is challenging, because it addresses the question of good and evil in a way that encourages audiences to think about the implications of evil and the value of heroism. Anime also frequently addresses the value of loyalty. Many American movies and television shows are obsessed with being subversive, with everything from Frozen to Euphoria containing characters with secret motives and traitorous impulses. Anime chooses to emphasize how important loyalty and family are. In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood , brothers Edward and Alphonse are forced to make drastic sacrifices for one another. Over the course of the story, their devotion to their family is shown to be of the utmost importance, championing the value of family. Other series like One Piece and Spy x Family focus on found families, which show the value of building a community and holding yourself responsible for the people you love. Anime commonly addresses how important it is for characters to take on responsibility rather than running from it. Mob Psycho 100 won several awards and has received extensive praise for its portrayal of its young, male protagonist Shigeo Kageyama, nicknamed “Mob.” Throughout the series, he struggles with what it means to have supernatural powers. Over time, he discovers the importance of maintaining control over his emotions and how to be humble, eventually seeing him mature into a better person beyond his powers. In Your Lie in April , a piano prodigy, Kosei, moves past his trauma by rediscovering the value of healthy emotional relationships. After losing his mother, he learns to love playing the piano again and grows to understand the value of life and art. In Violet Evergarden , the titular character finds peace and human connection after being deeply wounded, both physically and emotionally, in the past. Anime is often unafraid to embrace traditional gender norms, something that American filmmakers frequently overlook. Movies like Supergirl and Madame Web have been box office flops , largely due to their main characters being depicted as off-putting “girl bosses.” They exclusively depict independent women, whereas anime addresses interdependent women. They portray women as having their own strength while still being vulnerable and relying on other, male characters. Their personal agency is far more aligned with their natural dispositions. In Spy x Family , the female character Yor Forger balances being an assassin and a loving housewife. She’s imperfect but always tries her best, such as when her attempts to cook meals for her family accidentally backfire. Yor is a strong and incredibly competent martial artist, yet she is portrayed as loving and quirky. Throughout the series, audiences watch her romantic feelings toward her husband grow. Her devotion to her family is as valuable as her professional capabilities. The films are aesthetic masterpieces, enhancing their storylines through careful craftsmanship. Another feature of anime that sets it apart from other modern art forms is its devotion to artistry. Studio Ghibli’s films are instantly recognizable and unlike any other, largely thanks to their dedication to hand-drawn animation. Most cartoons from the past couple of decades use computer-generated animation, and a growing number of content creators will use AI to generate cartoons that look robotic and feel lifeless. Studio Ghibli has continued to use hand-drawn animation, a lengthy and tedious process that pays off in dividends. Each frame of a Ghibli film is lovingly designed, with artists spending hours painting watercolor backgrounds, designing characters, and picking out color palettes. The films are aesthetic masterpieces, enhancing their storylines through careful craftsmanship. Ghibli’s creator, Hayao Miyazaki, once said that he wanted to “make a film to tell children ‘It’s good to be alive.’” Miyazaki’s mission has filtered through much of anime’s storytelling, offering characters who refuse to give up and stories where good guys persist against evil. Anime takes itself seriously, something that most Western animation refuses to do. This allows for anime to tackle difficult stories and balance complicated plots. We see characters try, fail, and struggle, but we also see them win and find peace in their journey. In an age where most media is cynical and subversive, the traditionalism of anime stands out as noble, courageous, and lovely.