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I should start by saying this is a totally biased piece; I love Hayao Miyazaki. From the first time I watched “Spirited Away” I was hooked. Not only does his work have heart but the children in his stories have a perspective that often saves everyone because they still believe that miracles are possible and that love can change everything. So here’s a list of his movies and what I loved best about them.
Spirited away:
This is the story of a little girl who is moving with her parents to a new town. After her parents trespass in a carnival that belongs to the gods, she is forced to work in a bath house for the gods until she can find a free them.
This movie is full of wonderful fantasy. Along the way she makes friends with living coal, a ghost a young boy and a dragon. I was moved by how realistically she is represented as a child; she cries, gets scared and is only brave in order to save the ones she loves. This story can be scary at times for small children but anyone over the age of seven should be fine.
Ponyo:
This is the story of a Goldfish who dreams of being human. She is a daughter of two powerful sea gods. When Ponyo is accidentally exposed to the world of men and befriended by a little boy she no longer wants to live in the deep ocean. Because of her magical nature this causes huge floods and tidal waves.
This is the one that I most recently watched, just a few weeks ago. It is very sweet, no violence. I would say that it is safe for anyone old enough to sit and watch a movie.
Castle in the sky:
A mysterious girl floats down from the sky and is being pursued by two different groups of people. She is somehow liked to mythic cities that are rumored to have floated in the sky. The boy who rescues her is the son of a pilot who believed in the cities. Who the mystery girl is and how she is connected to the city play out among epic air fights and journeys.
This is a fun story. It is a little more violent than others but not by much. I would say anyone over seven would enjoy it.
Howle’s moving castle:
This is the story of a girl who gets cursed to look really old and seeks out a wizard to help her. The only problem being that the wizard is rich, hansom and totally self-absorbed and there is that thing about the fire demon that keeps his castle literally moving. Howle’s talents are sought after by many and some will resort to dastardly means to force him to aid them.
This movie (second only to Spirited away) is my favorite. Howle is so vain and spoiled you instantly side with Sophie and Calcifer (the demon) in picking on him behind his back. There is more to the story than meets the eye and if you like fantasy this a winner. Though there is not a lot of out right violence, there is war imagery and disturbing scenes. This is for the seven and up group.
Nasica and the valley of the wind:
This story starts in the post apocalyptic version of an alien world. A great war destroyed everything and pollution as made the air, water and plant life toxic as well as made the insects grow huge. Nasica a princess from on of the last spots of civilization can communicate with the giant bugs and is secretly studying the nature of the deadly plants. She uncovers a plot to bring back the monsters that destroyed her world when a ship crashes into her valley.
I was really surprised by the strong ecological message in this movie. I thought it was a wonderful way to show how our choices change the world around us and can have very negative consequences. It has strong imagery and violence due to the message as well I would say this if for the 7-10 range. So much would be lost if they were not old enough to understand.
Kiki’s Delivery service:
This is the story of a young witch who has just set out to find her place in the world to do good and help people. She has her faithful cat Jiji but little else. At first it is hard for her to find a place to stay and meaningful work but eventually she figures out what her purpose is.
This story is very sweet with no violence and very little scary action. It is a sweet story about fining your place and making friends. This one is fine for the 5 and up.
The Borrower Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ Kari-gurashi no Arietti?) in Japan and The Secret World of Arrietty in North America
I have not seen this one but I know the story. I human child discovers a family of little people living in his house. He decides to befriend and protect them. Don’t worry I”m going to got put it in my queue right now.
1- Blood: The Last Vampire(2000) UR
In this anime horror romp, Saya is a secret slayer of demons who’s sent undercover to a military base in Tokyo just before Halloween. Posing as a student, she discovers that her classmates are slowly being turned into shape-shifting vampires. As the gruesome bloodsucking threat grows, Saya finds that she and her special sword are Tokyo’s only hope in its battle to remain human. The question now is, can she win?
*This is a short film, relatively violent. They don’t give a lot of back ground and its a shame that it was never made into a movie. If you like vampires as the bad guys this ones for you. I would rate this one for 14 and up.
- Genre:Anime Horror, Anime Action, Anime Feature Films
2- ClaymoreKureimoa(2007) TV-MA- Clare is a young member of the Claymores, a class of creature who is half human and half Yoma monster, and whose quest in life is to fight against the full-breed Yomas — hideous fiends who feed ruthlessly on humanity. Fueled by an upbringing filled with violence and abandonment, Clare sets out to obtain justice against the evil Yomas, risking her life to hold the monsters responsible for her painful and plentiful woes. Genre:Anime Fantasy, Anime Horror
- *I have to admit that I didn’t watch the whole series on this one. I got about half way through. There are interesting moments when they tell you about each of the claymores and how they joined the organization but other than that there is a lot of cutting off arms and legs. I would definitely say 14 and up.
3- Descendants of Darkness(2001) NR
Despite the fact that he’s no longer alive, supernatural detective Asato Tsuzuki has an important job to do: making sure that the rest of the dead stay that way. In this collection of episodes from the popular animated series based on the manga by Yoko Matsushita, Tsuzuki goes up against the toughest case of his career armed only with his own set of skills and the help of his inexperienced new partner, Hisoka Kurosaki.
- Genre:Anime Horror, Anime Action
- *I really enjoyed this series. They are an after life crime solving group. I did not know at the time that this anime is considered yaoi (gay anime) because it never comes into the story line. They use magic to summon really cool mythical beast to help them fight demons and villains. This one is not particularly violent but the content can be distressing, so I would go with 16 and up.
4-Elfen Lied(2004) TV-MAA destructive human mutant with telekinetic powers is befriended by two trusting teens in this anime. Lucy, a form of mutant that scientists believe will eventually destroy mankind, kills the laboratory guards and escapes, but is shot in the head. With no memories of her past, she encounters two teens who take her in. The teens and their families have no idea what they’re in for when Lucy’s destructive powers return. Genre:Anime Action, Anime Sci-Fi- *This series is crazy! Let me begin by saying that it is very, very violent and there is a lot of nudity in the beginning, though it is not of a sexual nature. I would not let anyone who is not old enough to watch a R rated movie see this and if they are sensitive maybe never. That said…that is a very original story line to this anime and I found that I was really interested in where they were going with the story. So if you can take your share of blood this one’s for you. 18 and up.
5-Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo(2004) NR
Alexandre Dumas’s classic novel has been retold many times, but in this case, it gets the anime treatment. After meeting the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo during an adventure abroad, Albert de Morcerf, the son of a famous French war general, brings the aristocrat home to meet his parents. But there’s one problem: Albert’s new friend is the man his father betrayed years earlier … and the nobleman is back to exact revenge.
Genre:Anime Drama
*This is the interesting side of anime that few Americans know about. There is a long tradition of taking bits of stories or even whole stories from literature and holy texts and making them into new stories. For the most part this follows the plot line of the Count of Monte Cristo but set in the future and parts of it in space. It is scary at moments but I think that it is fine for 14 and up especially if you are looking at it from the literature side.
The world has come to an end, of sorts, in this thrilling anime adventure. The skies roil with strange visions, killers take wing (literally) to find their prey and humans are cowering in fear. Amid all this chaos, a brother and sister arise from the shadows gifted with supernatural powers. The overlords know what they’re capable of, a knowledge that’s driven them to hunt the pair down. Can the siblings get away before they’re found?
Genre:Anime Fantasy
*I liked this anime but I’m not sure I understood it. It involves scientists who go too far and end up messing everything up. In the middle are a brother and sister tracking their father’s research. It is mildly violent and sexual in places. There are some really interesting creatures in this anime. I would say 16 and up because of the sexual content.
7-Haibane-Renmei(2003) NR
In this wistful anime series, the angel-like haibane fly into the walled town of Guri in seedpods that grow into cocoons. Their names are derived from the dreams they’ve had while “growing” inside the cocoon, and they have no memory of their previous life. New arrival Rakka — full of questions about her purpose and surroundings — joins Nemu and Reki, oldest of all the haibane.
- Genre:Anime Fantasy
- *This is the first anime that I watched in its entirety. It is not as hard-hitting as the others but I fell in love with the characters and there dilemmas. They do not explain everything which i found refreshing. It is a drama and may move to slow for action people, on the other hand if you are not a big blood and fight scene person this just might be the one for you. There are some darker elements in it toward the end so I would not recommend this for under 14.
In this cautionary anime tale, reality and the dream world are on a collision course after a DC-Mini — an experimental device that can record dreams — is stolen from a psychiatric research facility. When the thief begins intertwining the patients’ nightmares with the staff’s dreams, it’s clear that the DC-Mini has fallen into dangerous hands. Can Dr. Atsuko Chiba and her alter ego, a sprightly avatar named Paprika, stop the madness? Genre:Anime Fantasy, Anime Feature Films
*This is a great film. It is rated R for some sexual content and disturbing images. There is not a lot of violence in this anime. I really loved the blending of the real world with the world of fantasies and dreams. This is a great movie just don’t try to figure it all out at once, you’ll hurt our head. 18 and up.
9-Scrapped Princess(2003) NR
When prophets predict that princess Pacifica Cassul’s destiny is to bring destruction to the world, authorities immediately sentence the infant to death, but her would-be executioner secretly saves her in this swords-and-sorcery anime tale. Fifteen years later, she’s under the protective care of her adoptive brother and sister, and as Pacifica’s 16th birthday approaches, so does her doomsday date with fate. Genre:Anime Fantasy
*I must admit that I didn’t watch all of this one but I did enjoy what I saw. It is a typical quest to figure things out and save the world. There are some humorous characters and a princess. I don’t remember this one being really violent or sexual. So I’m going to say 14 and up.
10-Wolf’s Rain(2003) PG-13
The apocalypse has come and gone, and the Earth is a bleak and isolated place with a landscape dotted by domed communities and ravaged ecosystems. The biggest survivor? Wolves. But not just any wolves. These creatures can control human thought so that people perceive the animals to be humans and allow them into society. But Kiba, Hige, Tsume and Toboe long for nothing else than to be separate and proud. Will that day ever come?
- Genre:Anime Fantasy
- *This is my all time favorite anime series. If you are not accustomed to anime you might have trouble identifying with the plot line. The wolves are the last keepers of the way to paradise and they are on a journey to get there but most of the time they look like people. It is a complex and interesting story line. There are moments of moderate violence but no sexual content. I wold say this is good for anyone 14 and up.
As you can see I watch some pretty unusual shows. I like shows that say something about people and their nature not, just things we can laugh at. This is why I love about Netflix. I have the one disk unlimited, which means that I can watch as many shows as I want one disk at a time. But the bonus is I get unlimited streaming as well. Why does this matter? And why does my blog suddenly sound like an ad? Don’t worry I’m getting to that.
I’m not your average TV watcher. In fact, I can’t stand most of the “popular” shows because their just too dumb for me. I really tried in college to grasp what was so great about friends but never got it. I didn’t really like renting videos (back in the day) because you had to turn them back in and that could be such a hassle and the selection was very main stream.
Along came Netflix. What I like best is the wide variety of things that are there. I don’t have to have cable to check out an interesting mini-series or an episode of something that sounds promising. I can watch only what I want, when I want.
This freedom of content has led me to the very fun and interesting shows above. I love shows that make me think and fortunately there are lots to be found. So if your frustrated with “thoughtless” shows and entertainment. I suggest you take control of your content and find a bigger pasture. Did I mention that it is cheaper too? That’s all I’m saying.
Hoarders: Season 1
The first season of this hit A&E reality series takes viewers inside the homes of hoarders: compulsive collectors who see treasure where others find trash, but whose habits have become crippling and unmanageable. With the help of therapists and professional organizers, various hoarders try to clean up their lives. But some are unwilling — or unable — to complete the process and get rid of their clutter.
Cake Boss: Season 1
Cake artist Buddy Valastro — the master baker of Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop in Hoboken, N.J. — strives to make good on his late father’s hopes for the business while presiding over an unruly staff of family members. Food, fights and lots of love are the main ingredients in this delectable series. With his mother, sisters and brothers-in-law by his side, Buddy churns out a fire-breathing tiki cake, an edible Leaning Tower of Pisa and more.
Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew: Season 1
To conquer their crippling addictions, celebrities such as Brigitte Nielsen, Chyna, Daniel Baldwin and Jeff Conaway enter rehab with Dr. Drew Pinsky, who leads them through intense therapy sessions that bring up painful issues and test their will. As Jeff complains and constantly causes chaos in the group, Daniel flirts with adult film star Mary Carey, and former UFC champ Ricco Rodriguez makes plenty of enemies.
30 Days: Season 1 & 2
What better way to give people a crash course in empathy than to have them inhabit somebody else’s life for 30 days? That’s exactly what Super Size Me director and star Morgan Spurlock does on this popular FX Network show. Season 2 opens with “a border-patrolling minuteman” moving in with an undocumented Mexican family and continues with episodes on abortion, New Age healing, prisons (with Spurlock himself spending time behind bars) and more.
Eco Trip: Season 1
“Eco-adventurer,” environmentalist and extreme-sports enthusiast David de Rothschild hosts this globetrotting Sundance Channel series that investigates the effects that everyday commodities have on our planet’s health. The first season finds de Rothschild examining the life cycle of a T-shirt; the manufacture of cell phones and chocolate; the real cost of turning on a light bulb; and the business of bottling water for human consumption.
Airline: Season 1
This hit reality-TV series takes viewers behind the ticket counter, into the cockpit and beyond the airport tarmac. “Airline” chronicles the ups and downs of passengers who board Southwest flights at Los Angeles International and Chicago’s Midway Airport. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Southwest’s controlled chaos — from the pilots to the check-in staff and supervisors who are often on the receiving end of irate customers’ wrath.
Drangonaut: The Resonance part 1-2
Twenty years prior to the story’s beginning, an asteroid headed for Earth destroys Pluto. Due to Pluto’s destruction, the asteroid, which is dubbed Thanatos, becomes temporarily stagnant in Pluto’s orbit. Now, in order to avoid Earth’s impending destruction, the International Solarsystem Development Agency (ISDA) works on the “D-Project”, and secretly creates weapons called “Dragons” after finding a dragon egg under the ocean. However, they soon find out that the asteroid is not their only threat, as powerful, destructive dragons from Thanatos appear on Earth.
After witnessing what looks like a murder by a strange creature, Jin Kamishina, a lonely 18-year-old boy who lost his family in a shuttle accident two years ago, gets involved with the ISDA and their efforts to battle the dragons from Thanatos. Helping him is Toa, a mysterious girl who saves him from falling to his death after the creature attacks him. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the dragons, they encounter new friends and enemies, and also develop a closer relationship.
PG 16
I really enjoyed this series. It falls into the sci-if/ fantasy genera. The “dragons” are a really interesting take on aliens. The characters develop nicely though out. There is a bit of boobs in this, which is why I would not recommend it for the under 16 group. Its not very violent.
Kaze no Stigma season 1
Kazuma Kannagi was considered useless within his family because he could not use “Enjutsu” (炎術?, Blaze Technique), the power to control flames. When he was defeated by Ayano Kannagi, one of his very distant relatives, in a bout to decide who would wield “Enraiha” (炎雷覇?, Blaze Lightning Supremacy), a sword that was wielded by the family heir, he was banished from the family. Four years later, he returns as a master of “Fūjutsu” (風術?, Wind Technique), the power to control wind, and with a new name: Kazuma Yagami. Soon after his return, he is reunited with Ayano and his younger brother, Ren, who is also gifted in Enjutsu. Soon, however, Kannagi family members are killed and the murder weapon is revealed to be Fūjutsu. Now Kazuma has to fight his family to prove that he is not the murderer.
PG 16
This one falls into the fantasy/ horror genre. There are a few graphic moments that I think are too disturbing for young viewers. That aside this was a really involved story line, with likeable characters and a long story arch. I appreciated the quality of the plot.
Gun slinger girl season 1-2
Set in Italy, Gunslinger Girl follows the exploits of the Social Welfare Agency (often referred to as simply “the Agency”), ostensibly a charitable institution sponsored by the Italian government. While the Agency professes to aid the rehabilitation of the physically injured, it is actually a military organization specializing in counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism. It is composed of two independent branches: Public Safety, its surveillance and intelligence-gathering division, and Special Ops, the anti-terrorist division. Special Ops is itself divided into Sections 1 and 2, the latter of which employs young girls fitted with cybernetic implants as agents. The implants, which consist of synthesized muscles and carbon fiber frames, result in heightened strength and reflexes as well as high resilience to damage and pain. Each girl is paired with a male trainer, or “handler”, and together they are referred to as a fratello — Italian for “brother”. The handler is responsible for the training, welfare and field performance of his charge, and is free to use whatever methods he considers suitable. While these methods vary according to the handler, a common part of each girl’s regimen is brainwashing called “conditioning”, which produces a deadly assassin with unquestioning loyalty to her handler but also limits her life span.
R
This one is based in reality/ spy genera with a touch of sci-if. I really enjoyed the first season of this show, the second seems to have cheaper animation and a less complex story line. It is a “R” for the violence, people die a lot and in a variety of ways. If you can’t handle blood this is not for you. If you can there is a very interesting back story on each one of the girls and their handlers.
The place promised in our early days (movie)
The anime follows the story of three friends living in Aomori on the northern end of southern Japan: two boys, Hiroki Fujisawa and Takuya Shirakawa, both child prodigies; and one girl, Sayuri Sawatari. In 1996, the three are in ninth grade, their last year of middle school, and they are fascinated by the Hokkaido Tower visible across the Tsugaru Strait to the north.
On the last day before spring break, one of Sayuri’s friends, Kana Matsuura, confesses to Takuya that she has romantic feelings for him, but he does not return her feelings. Takuya tells Hiroki that he should date Kana instead, but Hiroki declines, as he is actually romantically interested in Sayuri. Hiroki stays after school for archery practice while Sayuri stays after school for violin practice; they ride the train home together and get to know each other, and Sayuri becomes close friends with the two boys.
The two boys have found a crashed Maritime Self-Defense Force drone plane. Naming it the Velaciela, they work on rebuilding the plane, scrounging parts from their workplace, the Emishi Manufacturing factory, with the help of their boss, Mr. Okabe. The three teenagers promise to one day fly to Hokkaido to visit the Tower. However, before they can do this, Sayuri mysteriously disappears during the summer.
PG 13
It is over all set in the future but doesn’t feel sci-fi. My impression of this is sweet over all. But I gave it he higher rating because there are a few people who get shot. Other than that it is a wonderful story about two boys with a dream and a childhood friend they cannot give up on.
Origin: spirits of the past (movie)
Origin: Spirits of the Past is the story of Agito, a young boy living in a dystopian Japan set 300 years in the future. This apocalypse was brought about by extensive genetic engineering on trees, conducted at a research facility on Earth’s moon, in order to produce trees capable of growing in harsh, arid conditions. The trees became conscious and spread to Earth in a fiery holocaust, wiping out most of modern civilization and fragmenting the moon. Agito’s world is covered mostly by the Forest, a huge expanse of living trees, ruled by the tree-like Zruids, which now inhabit the earth and control the water supply of both trees and humans. Agito and his father Agashi, as well as his friends Cain and Minka, live in Neutral City, a city carved out of the ruined skyscrapersen buenaventura acts as both a buffer and a bridge between the Forest and the militaristic nation of Ragna. While the people of Neutral City co-exist peacefully with the trees of the forest, the nation of Ragna aims to destroy the Forest in order to return the world to the way it was before the mutant trees invaded.
PG 13
This is fantasy with a touch of sci-fi. Over all this is a fallen society story of discovering the past and deciding what yo do with that information (think planet of the apes). I gave it the higher rating because there are some scary elements and a few deaths. But the dream like quality of the forest and the connection to the trees was very interesting.
Ouran high school season 1
Haruhi Fujioka is a scholar student at the prestigious Ouran Academy, a fictional high school located in Bunkyō, Tokyo. Looking for a quiet place to study, Haruhi stumbles upon the Third Music Room, a place where the Ouran Academy Host Club, a group of six male students, gathers to entertain female “clients”. During their first meeting, Haruhi accidentally knocks over and breaks an antique vase valued at ¥8,000,000 (US$80,000 in English manga)[1] and is told to repay the cost in service to the club. Haruhi’s short hair, slouching attire and gender-ambiguous look cause her to be mistaken by the hosts for a male student. The hosts all agree that Haruhi would be a good host, thus making her join the host club. Ultimately she agrees to join the Club as a host herself (dressed as a male) in order to pay off her debt.[2] She agrees to join since she does not mind hosting as long as she can pay the debt off faster. The hosts do later find out that she is, in fact, a girl. They keep this a secret, so no one will be able to tell.
PG 16
Set in the “real” world. It has very strong sexual/ homosexual over tones. There is nothing on-screen except kissing but part of the boys appeal to some of the girls is that they are more into each other than them. That said this is a funny anime. The girl who finds her way into their mist undoubtedly becomes the little sister/ love interest to all of them, she brings a reality to their world that was not there before.
Spice and Wolf season 1
Spice and Wolf’s story revolves around Kraft Lawrence, a 25-year-old traveling merchant who peddles various goods from town to town to make a living in a stylized historical setting with European influences.[6] His main goal in life is to gather enough money to start his own shop, and he already has been traveling for seven years while gaining experience in the trade. One night when stopped at the town of Pasloe, he finds in his wagon a pagan wolf-deity girl named Holo who is over 600 years old. She appears to be a 15-year-old girl, except for a wolf’s tail and ears. She introduces herself as the town’s goddess of harvest, who has kept it blessed with good harvests of wheat for many years. Despite her responsibility to watch over the town, she wants to go back to her homeland in the north called Yoitsu; she believes the people have already forsaken her and that she has kept her promise to maintain the good harvests. Holo wants also to travel to see how the world has changed while she has remained in one place for years. She manages to bargain her way out of the village by making a deal with Lawrence to take her with him. As they travel, her wisdom helps increase his profits, but at the same time, her true nature draws unwanted attention from the church.
PG 16
This is a fun, light-hearted fantasy. I gave it the higher rating because Holo is naked in her natural form, it is a soft silhouette and not anything graphic. Other than that it is a sweet, funny story of a board Goddess and the trader she takes up with.
Black Butler season 1
In a manor house on the outskirts of Victorian era London, butler Sebastian Michaelis serves Lord Earl Ciel Phantomhive, the orphaned twelve-year-old head of an English noble family and a toy and candy empire, who serves directly under the Queen as her “guard dog”. Sebastian carries out any task required by his master while solving the problems plaguing England with ease and perfection, because of his demonic lineage and Faustian contract with his master. The parents of Master Phantomhive estate were murdered when Ciel was younger. As a result, he made a deal with a demon asking for vengeance upon those who had disgraced him, and the Phantomhive name, in exchange for his soul.
R
This is horror/fantasy/ historical. I gave it the “R” do to lots of death, but that is not the over-riding feel. There is a lot of suspense balanced with the ridiculous. Ciel spends his time hunting down the criminal and demonic issues the Queen cannot deal with and conversely the butler with not killing for his master is busy backing and running a perfect house hold. It may be too much of a contrast for some.
Darker than Black vol 1-6
Ten years ago, an inscrutable and abnormal territory known as Hell’s Gate appeared in Tokyo, altering the sky and wreaking havoc on the landscape. The real stars disappeared, replaced by false stars. During this time, people possessing various special abilities emerged, each capable of different supernatural feats – these are known as Contractors. Each fake star has a corresponding Contractor, which reacts to their activities. As such, Contractors are usually identified by their star’s Messier catalogue number. Kept secret from the masses, these individuals are known to murder in cold blood, smothering unnecessary emotions with logic and rationale. Their incredible abilities, however, are gained at the cost of their humanity – Contractors are thus named because of an involuntary compulsion to “pay the price” each time their power is used, which can range from eating particular foods and completing meaningless tasks, to self-harm and having their bodies change in peculiar ways. Various nations and organizations around the world train and utilize Contractors as spies and assassins, resulting in violent battles for valuable objects and information. Following the disastrous Heaven’s War, the United States lost its dominant position as a superpower to a mysterious organization named the Syndicate. The story revolves around a Chinese contractor codenamed Hei as he undertakes various espionage and assassination missions in Tokyo under the direction of the aforementioned Syndicate
R
This is a sci-if/ fantasy genera. There is a good bit of death due to the fact that they are assassins. That said figuring out how the contractors work is very interesting. I really liked the longevity this series had to be able to really devote time to the story arch.
Mushi-shi
The story features ubiquitous creatures called Mushi that often display supernatural powers. Mushi are described as beings in touch with the essence of life, far more basic and pure than normal living things. Due to their ethereal nature most humans are incapable of perceiving Mushi and are oblivious to their existence, but there are a few who possess the ability to see and interact with Mushi.
One such person is Ginko (ギンコ?), the main character of the series. He employs himself as a Mushi master (蟲師 mushi-shi?), traveling from place to place to research Mushi and aid people suffering from problems caused by them. The series is an episodic anthology in which the only common elements among episodes are Ginko and the various types of Mushi. There is no over-arching plotline.
PG
This is fantasy. Though there are scary moments they are not due to killings. The series follows a Mushi master as he attempts to put things back in balance and help people live with the Mushi. It is very zen/existentialist series. If you are looking for action this is not for you. If you like and intriguing story it is .
Sacred Blacksmith
44 years ago, a great war known as the Valbanill War ravaged the land. One of the war’s most dangerous weapons was the Demon Contract, where humans sacrifice their bodies to become powerful demons. Realizing the damage the contracts have caused the land, the surviving nations made peace and banned the use of the Demon contracts.
Cecily Cambell is a 3rd generation Knight from Housman, one of the cities of the Independent Trade Cities, a democratic federation of cities. As her grandfather was one of the founders of the Independent Trade Cities, she is proud of her heritage and wishes to protect her city as a knight, like her father and grandfather before her. One day, she fights a mad veteran of the war causing trouble in the market, and, inexperienced and overmatched, faces defeat. But she is saved by a mysterious blacksmith named Luke Ainsworth. Cecily is impressed by Luke’s katana, a weapon she has never seen before, and asks him to make one for her. Her involvement with Luke will bring her to an adventure she never expected.
PG 16
This is a fantasy. There is typical battle action but this got the higher rating because there are a lot of references to boobs especially in the beginning of the series. That said the premise is nice. I like that the main characters life stays a mystery for a long time and the he is a curmudgeon. Though the girls is a bit annoying, she get better.
le Portriat de petite Cosette
The series focuses on Eiri Kurahashi, a college art student who works in an antique shop. One day, he sees the image of a girl in an antique glass. To his shock, she appears to be moving and living out her life before his eyes. He becomes infatuated with the girl, and one night at midnight, he somehow makes contact with her. He learns that her name is Cossette, and that she was an aristocrat’s daughter during the 18th century. She reveals to him that her spirit has been entrapped within the glass because the artist Marcello Orlando murdered her. She tells Eiri that, in order to set her free, a man must be willing to take upon himself punishment for the sins Marcello committed.
R
This is horror/ historical. This is a very disturbing anime. If you have issues with graphic images this is not the one for you. I was interested in this due to the title and the reference to Les Miserables. However, that is where the reference ends. This is an interesting horror story in the twists and turns that it takes. It keeps you wondering.
Moribito vol 1-8
The series primarily features Balsa, a wandering spear-wielder from the kingdom of Kanbal. Despite claiming to be a simple bodyguard-for-hire, in reality she wields her spear in order to save lives in atonement for the eight lives that were taken to protect her when she was a child. Subsequent novels also focus on Chagum, a young prince of the Yogo Empire, as he struggles to protect his empire from ruin.
In the first novel, Balsa agrees to become the bodyguard of Prince Chagum as her eighth and final job after she happens to save his life. Chagum, the second prince of the Imperial family of Yogo, carries a powerful spirit within him and has become the target of assassination by his father, the Emperor. Balsa must protect Chagum from relentless assassins as well as the spirit within her young charge as he attempts to master and understand his own powers.
PG 13/16
This is a fantasy. I gave the ambiguous rating because there is death but over all it is a very sweet anime. It is slow-paced, though there are actions scenes though out. I like this but at times found my attention wandering. If you are looking for something relaxed this is for you.
Phantom of Inferno part 1, 2
The series is about a Japanese national who gets kidnapped by an assassin syndicate called Inferno after he had personally witnessed an assassination while visiting the United States. Inferno is a criminal organization attempting to unite all known underworld mob gangs into one conglomerate. In order to achieve their goal, Inferno deploys its assassin operatives codenamed Phantom. Among them is an amnesiac girl named Ein and the Japanese national, who was given the name Zwei as his codename after being brainwashed of his previous memory.
R
This is set in reality. This is a pretty bloodie one but they are assassins. That said there is a lot of character development in this first series. The second takes a little while to find its way and the ending seemed abrupt but appropriate at the same time. I liked the struggle between not having a choice and choosing to be a killer. There is a bit of sexyness in this one as well.
I don’t really know when I started watching BBC and Master Piece Theater, we watched a lot of public television growing up. Some where along the way I started watching epic mini-series and fell in love as so many young girls are prone to do, when they first encounter a story about a Victorian man.
As I got older I can to appreciate the complexity of story line and character development. Now I watch then or read them because I am interested in how the author made them different from the other novels being written at the same time. So here is a huge list of ones that I love the book, love the movie or have issues with interpretation. If you new to the whole genera, don’t worry I know the way.
Mini- Series
I just recently watched this mini-series, haven’ tread the book yet. At first I was a little confused; it had the typical ensemble cast and multiple plot lines going on but the way the author has used her archetypes there cannot e the typical ending and all the characters seemed equally important.
I came to find out that the book was written by George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Anne Evans and that she used this fake name to avoid having to write your typical type of novel. She was very interested in politics and the plight of the everyday man. Once i knew this the story made perfect sense. I would not recommend this for a newbie to the genera, for seasoned lovers of it though this is a pleasant change from typical plots and set ups.
I just recently watched this series not realizing that it is a novel also written by George Eliot. I have not read the novel on this one but I am going to have to after watching this. The story revolves around a compassionate young man who saves a woman from drowning. He later comes to find out that she is a Jewess and is looking for her mother.
The acting is very good and the story takes on dimensions about race and class that are usually stripped from stories like this one. The ending was a bit unusual to my 20th century thinking but then a lot has happened since it was written. This is one for every body, easy to follow but interesting.
Another that I recently watched, haven’t read the book. This is a more traditional type of story line: woman moves to new place saying she’s a widow. Everyone is so bored that no one will leave her alone, which seems to be what she desperately wants because she has a secret.
I especially liked Toby Stevens as the guy who falls for the snarky widow. This is good middle ground, I found myself hoping that it would all work out and that is a good thing.
Loved this one, haven’t read the book. This mini-series centers around four friends who are about to get married off and start their lives. There are love affairs, betrayals and true love. It is nice to see a story totally devoted to the women and not how a man saves them. If you up for a girl centered story, this one is for you.
Our Mutual Friend
This is not the version that I watched but the story is what matters. This is what I love about Dickinson, his stories are complex, you think you know and then you don’t. This is the story of a young man learning to find his voice in a society of lies and power games. I really felt compassion for the main character and his struggles. It was interesting to see a piece with so much character development.This is a good one, that if I remember correctly is not so mushy and all about the love story.
Great expectations
Love, love , love this story! Bitterness, forbidden love, secrets galore. If you have never read or watched this story you should. It follow a young man with and unknown benefactor along his journey to the truth. There are many twists and turns and you will be lead astray a time or two but the ending is worth it. This is not a light film and I would not watch it if that is what you are after, but if you like mystery and fate than this is for you.
Movies:
Bright Star
Technically this is a bio-pic about John Keats the famous poet and the love of his life. I added it because it is so outstanding and moving that if you like these types of movies you will love this one. But it comes with a big “bring the tissues warning.” This is a wonderful love story, great for those curl up, drink coco and sigh kind of night.
The Duchess
This one comes with a warning. I liked this movie it is unflinching in its depiction of marriage and the duties of a woman. That said it is brutal at times, I would not let anyone young watch this and if you are not prepared for that kind of depiction you might want to skip this one. That said I was pleased that in all the opulence of costumes and balls the tragedy of how limited and controlled women were at this time is being looked at. This is defiantly for those who would like to see something different and can take violent content.
Age of Innocence
This is an interesting movie. I thought I knew what it was about – forbidden love- and then it went and surprised me. It is a little slow and Winona Rider is almost ghostly as “the little wife.” This is a mediocre piece, not my favorite but not bad either. If you are looking to expand your index this one good one.
Onegin
This is the story of an implosive girl who falls in love with a visitor to her home. Being a gentleman he is affronted by her forwardness and later comes to regret his decision. I like this movie, it is understated in many ways and Liv Tyler uses her huge eyes well. This movie may be a little slow for some of you but if you like Ralph Finnes you’ll like it.
Les Miserables
Part of me loves this movie because I love the musical by Webber but the story has wonderful merit on its own. Ultimately it is a story of unrequited love and redemption. A man imprisoned for stealing bread has his soul bought back for a candle stick and goes on to become the major of a small town, but you can’t escape your past so easily. This is a beautiful story about compassion and choosing to be the best people we can be regardless of the costs. There are aspects of this story that are not appropriate for children- one of the characters becomes a prostitute and there is some nudity and violence. But if you are old enough to see an “R” this is one I would not miss.
Miss Potter
Technically this is a bio-pic about Beatrix Potter. I watched it because it seemed to have a whimsical nature about it and it did, but what I did not expect was the wonderful performances by the two main characters. Beatrix wants to do something that women don’t do -write- and the only person who believes in her is her publisher. This is a wonderful, heartfelt story about being true to your dreams. I would recommend it for any of you, p.s bring tissues.
Becoming Jane
This is another bio-pic but if you love period pieces knowing more about Jane Austin is right up your ally. Anne Hathaway does a wonderful job of portraying Jane’s life and one great love. If you love sentimental and a good sigh this one is for you, but bring the tissues.
The Painted Vale
This is the movie that made me fall for Edward Norton. A social light and a reserved doctor get married, it is disaster in the making. But somewhere between the fights, cholera epidemic and a small nunnery, they find there is more to their spouses than they realized. This is a wonderful story about miss-matched people, the acting is really good from both of the leads. It is not appropriate for young people as there are several sex scenes and adult content. If you like flapper era culture this one is for you.
Jane Eyre
This is the classic story of the scrappy girl who makes her own way in the world and finds love in unexpected places. Only this time it comes with a lot of baggage. Jane falls for her dark and grumpy employer, but his secrets stand to tear them apart.
This is a wonderful story with twist and turns. I personally love the scrappy type, so if you like your female leads with a brain Jane is for you.
Mansfield Park
Let me just say that I am an Austin person, lover her writing but the 1999 version of her story is such a distortion of the that I feel I cannot represent it well without saying this first.
To begin with Fanny is unwanted and living with distant relatives, she is quiet and afraid. Edmond is a proper gentleman and thinks nothing about her except as a pet. The older brother is a useless fop and burden to the family. the director of this film takes a totally feminist/ anti slave trade tack with this file. The families involvement in the slave trade is cursory in the book and has been blown way out of proportion here. Read the book don’t watch this movie it has nothing to do with the book.
Persuasion
This is the movie that I watch when I want to believe in true love and the power of love. I must admit that I have a sentimental attachment as this is one of the first period pieces that I ever watched. They fall in love when they are very young and she is persuaded not to marry him because he has no name for himself. Some thing like ten years later they meet again…If you want to become a big puddle of sigh watch this one.
Sense and Sensibility
This movie has had such an effect on so many people who I know. My “girls” have an inside phrase based on one of the characters in this movie “Colonel Brandon,” this is a code word for the perfect guy and if you watch this I dare you not to fall in love with Allen Rickman- love him any way, but in this he is wonderful. So you have to sisters polar opposites: one is responsible and sensible and the other is a dreamer and throws her heart into everything. Of course it becomes the story of balance, how does the quiet learn to speak up and find love and how do the passionate find temperance with out loosing themselves. Along the way there are many a scandalous side story and the beautiful relationship between these two sisters. Absolute MUST see.
Pride and Predigest
Ah Darcy, just so you know the whole movie is about him not Elizabeth Bennit. Well in my mind it is any way. I don’t usually like Kira Knightly but she does okay in this. If Sense and Sensibility is about opposites this one is about presumptions. Elizabeth thinks that she knows Darcy and Darcy thinks that he know who she is and they are both very wrong. Elizabeth is poor and Darcy is rich both have secrets. This is a classic kind of odd couple and so worth watching then fight it out. If you like spunky girls and tragically sweet guys this one is for you.
Far from the Madding Crowd
I have to admit that it has been quite a while since I have seen this one and I have foggy recollections. I do remember that I dearly loved Shepard Oak and kept wondering what the heck was wrong with that girl. But you don’t have a story if you don’t have an issue. I think this one can be a bit slow a in places and there is a love triangle thing going on. But really I can’t give you a solid review on this on, I’ll have to re-watch it soon.
Anna and the King
Can I just say that I love Chow Yun-Fat when people let him act! Jody Foster plays a wonderful, smart and brittle Anna. Together with the beautiful scenery this movie is lush and understated. They manage to create a believable bond and attraction to one another with out all the easy ways most films use. There is no kiss, sex or heated moments there is only a dance. This is a wonderful story about a single mother doing what she can to provide for her son ins a far away country. This movie should not be missed.
Vanity Fair
I really thought I wasn’t going to like this movie. Reese Witherspoon plays a self-serving social climber with an uncanny skill for getting what she wants. But like people whose eyes are bigger than their stomachs she doesn’t know what to do with it once she gets it. I was surprised the range she was able to portray and found myself liking her character in-spite of her baseness. This story has a good but unusual ending. It is a nice change from the “happy, happy happy” ones. So if you are in need of a slightly different flavor this one is for you.
So once again here I am talking about British stuff…this time its comedies. Growing up on PBS in America there were lots to choose from; everything from real life settings to ribald humor. Here are a few of my favorites:
IT crowd: I have watched seasons 1 and 2 and I think there are four so far available on Nexflix. This show revolves around the unloved IT department that is literally in the basement of a major corporation. There is Jenn ( new manager with no clue), Moss (the brains and terrible nerdy) and Roy (don’t really know what Roy does). The show gets its charm from the mundane of office life and the quirkiness of the characters. This is a good show for people not accustomed to ribald humor and interested in a more realistic comedy.
Chef!: I have watched all three seasons of this funny show. Unlike “reality” based shows this series is about the head chef of a restaurant in trouble. Gareth Blackstock and his wife Janis try their best to make things work with slacker staff and various parishioners and managers. The rub happens when Gareth’s high standards clash with lack of skill on the part of his staff and a tight budget; the war of words and standards is a hilarious ride.
Fawlty Towers: Okay this one ranks pretty high on the “I could watch it again and again” list. My favorite episode is “Basil the rat.” John Cleese plays Basil the woebegone hotel owner, struggling to manage his staff and wife. Calamity ensues on a regular basis, leaving the staff scamming to keep the guests happy and safe. This is a wonderful series, funny and simple. As a side note: if you have never watched any of the Monty Python films you should.
Are you being served? This series centers around a group of people who work in a department store in ladies and men’s wear. From the young and innocent, to the curmudgeon there is a place for all the shades in between. I loved this show when I was younger, Mr. Humphries was my favorite, I loved his crazy personality and innuendo’s. This is not a show for the sensitive, it could be considered a little off-color but only to young viewers.
Mr. Bean: Rowan Atkinson brings is outstanding as the practically mute Mr Bean. There is a soft place in my heart for characters like Charlie brown and Mr Bean, they try hard but always seem to get the short end of the stick. Yet they pick them selves up, smile and go on. If you like physical/ slap stick comedy this is definitely for you. Family friendly, Mr bean has an innocence to it that most humor leaves behind.
Red Dwarf: This is my all time favorite. I have watched the entire series and am quite certain that I will do so again. This series takes place on a deserted mining ship called the Red Dwarf. Everyone has died except Lister (was in stasis) a hologram Arnold Rimmer and a creature that evolved from the ships cat. The outlandish crew of this ship travel haphazardly though space taunting one another and having a great time. If you like to laugh this is the show for you.
The Black Adder: If Mr Bean is Rowan Atkinson being good, Edmond is him being bad. Through out the series we see Edmond trying to get a head by deceiving, black mailing and taking advantage. Of course it never works out but he tries any way. There is a LOT of innuendo and out right ribald humor. It is not appropriate for young or sensitive audiences but if you can take a little “potty” humor this show is quiet funny.
Keeping up appearances: This series centers around a married couple and their extended family. Hyacinth Bucket tries to make her life bigger and better than it is in every way mean while her husband and sisters try to bring her back to reality. I really felt for her husband Richard, constantly being hounded by his wife, dispensing useless advice. I live this show, it is funny because we all know a busy body who has to tell everyone in their life how to do everything. Much to her dismay Hyacinth’s family continue to be the colorful people that they are.
Waiting for God: This is a very funny show about a pair of friends who live in the same nursing home. They hate it and spend their time mischief to keep from being bored to death. Underneath their curmudgeon exteriors there is a deep commitment to each other while on end of their journey in life. The staff at the nursing home provides lots of ripe moments to play off of. Tom and Diana shine a light into the latter years that is funny and poignant.
Alan Sidney Patrick Rickman (born 21 February 1946) is an English actor and theatre director. He is a renowned stage actor in modern and classical productions and a former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Rickman is known for his film performances as Hans Gruber in Die Hard, Severus Snape in the Harry Potter film series, Eamon de Valera in Michael Collins, and Metatron in Dogma.
He is also known for his prominent roles as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1991 film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and as Colonel Brandon in Ang Lee‘s 1995 film Sense and Sensibility. More recently he played Judge Turpin in Tim Burton‘s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and voiced the Caterpillar in Tim Burton‘s Alice in Wonderland. The Guardian named Rickman as one of the best actors never to have received an Academy Award nomination.[1]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Rickman
So why do I HEART Alan Rickman? Two words Colonial Brandon from Sense and Sensibility. I found him funny in Robin-hood Prince of thieves and later vastly interesting as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. But is was his role as the quiet unrequited colonial that got me. There is something about his voice that is just wonderful to listen to, which is why I am always pleasantly surprised to find in him in unusual places like Marvin the depressed robot in The hitch hikers guide to the galaxy and the caterpillar in Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.
His ability to play such a wide range of roles and encompass so many different genera is impressive. Most actors cannot translate from the stage to the screen or vice verse but Alan Rickman is one of those rare finds. From comedy to drama, villain to hero I will bet on him any day of the week to steal a small roll and make himself the most memorable part.
So here’s to Alan, an under appreciated gem.
Movies He’s been in: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000614/
2010 The Wildest Dream
Noel Odell (voice)
Noel Odell (voice)
2006 Snow Cake
Alex
Alex
2001 The Search for John Gissing
John Gissing
John Gissing
2001 Play (short)
Man
Man
1997 The Winter Guest
Man in street (uncredited)
Man in street (uncredited)
Ponderings 