Anime is simply awesome! Despite its recent popularity and influence in western culture, there remains a stigma surrounding Japanese animation that keeps many potential fans away. Many think anime is all violent and bloody, while some people just think it promotes perversion. Saddest part of all is that my friends think its no better than an everyday cartoon like Ben 10 an SpongeBob SquarePants. However, those who are fans of this genre would completely agree that it really deserves more respect than it has earned over the years.
In my opinion, anime is for all, and everyone should at least give it a try, be it anime series or movie. Here are my top 5 reasons you should be watching.
1. Vibrant Animation and Catchy Music
Anime are visually stunning. Such anime as Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle are superb examples with quality animation on colourful settings. Along with great music and soundtrack that capture the mood and essence of the story, they create an altogether entertaining experience.
2. There's something for everyone.
From action packed scenes, to rib-cracking comedy, to cliche love stories (if you are into that kind of thing). Elements of comedy, drama, adventure, action, tragedy, can be found within any anime show or movie.
3. Its Realistic: Characters Die
Unlike everyday cartoons where only the antagonist in the story dies, in anime death holds no respect for characters. NO character is too important to not die, which you realize after a long time emotional investment in a particular character. That feeling of disbelief could bring you to genuine tears (yes, I should know), is all part of what makes an anime worthwhile.
4. Its Relate-able
Just because it’s animated doesn’t mean that it can’t be realistic. Anyone watching a story of love and heartbreak, of determination, courage and strength under tribulations, can relate to it. Portrayed in tall tales with magical element and superhuman abilities, anime touch on different aspect of our modern day individual lives.
5. It is packed with deep-rooted and mature messages
While it is erroneously assumed that anime are cartoons meant for kids, this is wrong on so many count as content. Yes, there are anime for all age and gender, but many are not meant for kids. Topics such as war, racism, sex, death are adult focused with an actual theme that could leave the viewer in a pensive state. Occasionally, you get to see rich philosophical quotes.
*Image credit: Pinterest