Hi everyone. This is something that I have wanted to do for a while now. I would also like to share my reasons as to why these movies are my favourites because I think it may offer a unique perspective. This list is not necessarily based on commercial or critical success of the films but rather, they are just purely subjective opinions of myself as an illustrator. Warning! There may be some spoilers in these reviews. Hope you enjoy reading this… drum roll….
No. 5 - Wall-E
First movie in the list is Disney’s Wall-E. Other than the very cute and lovable characters, this film consists of great animatic visual. I find it awe inspiring how the film can convey human emotions through robotic figures. It is suitable for kids but also touch on the social issues of human beings today.
The scene above depicts how humans are basically under the mind control of machines and they exist primarily to just aid the machines’ existence. I love how the film actually reference the rise in technology affecting today’s society by presenting a blissful/ mindless state that the humans are in. The whole storyline was well thought out. This movie is suitable for everyone and definitely worth watching.
No. 4 - Howl’s Moving Castle
A film by the great Hayao Miyazaki is sure to take a place in my list. Howl’s Moving Castle is a movie that is sure to transform the way you think. The first time I watched this film I thought to myself; “I probably can’t even imagine the things in this movie let alone draw it”. This film had me engaged the entire time. The unusual style of the movie kept me guessing and wondering.
The movie doesn’t outright explain the situations but allow the viewer to slowly figure it out for themselves. I can’t actually describe the awesomeness of this movie in words but I would recommend everyone to watch it. Not only is it original, you are watching artwork being displayed.
No. 3 - Tangled
Disney’s version of the Brother’s Grimm’s Rapunzel. This movie has a special place in my heart. The first thing that I liked about this version of the story is how it ties up all the loose end of the original… can loose ends be a pun for hair? I don’t know, anyway… The stepmother had a perfectly good reason to keep Rapunzel locked up in the tower. In this story, Rapunzel’s hair has magical powers which allows rejuvenation (keep people young) to anyone who uses it but the hair’s magical ability disappears when it is cut. This backstory explains; a) the length of Rapunzel’s hair as well as b) the stepmother’s motive to keep her locked up.
The other great thing about this movie is the collection of charming characters. Rapunzel is not the meek little princess from the original but daring and adventurous in this one. This charming cast also includes the male protagonist, the pet gecko, the horse who thinks he’s a dog (and knows how to swordfight) and many more. The music is in my opinion, the best collection of all the Disney movies (except for Frozen). The storyline is well put together and the animation is superb. Definitely worth being in my top three.
No. 2 - Final Fantasy Advent Children
Based on the best selling Japanese RPG on Playstation. As someone who played the game when I was younger, I realise that the nostalgic feeling and fanboyism may not translate to people who didn't play it. Having said that, there's no denying the quality of animation and fight scenes that this movie has to offer. As usual, Square Enix spent hundreds if not thousands of hours on the animation, resulting in the most detailed and amazing 3d animation you have ever seen. The renderings of the cityscape are highly detailed and the character movements are as smooth as you can possibly get.
The characters are introduced one by one and each of them had a purpose. Somehow they managed to fit in a lot of things in a limited amount of time without sacrificing the content.
The best thing about this movie, I have to say, is the build-up. The movie takes it's time telling the stories of each character as well as weaving them together. From the resurrection of Sephiroth to Cloud overcoming his sickness and regaining his strength back, everything leads to the ultimate showdown between Cloud and Sephiroth. This one definitely lived up to my expectations and then some.
No. 1 - 5 cm Per Second
Also jokingly known as "5 Anime Wallpaper Per Second". This movie is definitely a must watch, especially if you are a fan of film in general. This is the best collection of visuals I have seen in an animated movie.
The movie tells a lot of the story with little to no dialogue by providing the right mood. It's the whole "feel" of the movie( people who have seen this will know exactly what I'm talking about). You feel like you have transported to another world for an hour plus. The subtlety and the seemingly mundane everyday tasks gives you certain feelings when you're watching.
Coming from an architecture background and having worked as a BG (background) artist, I have so much appreciation for this film. I recommend everyone to watch this movie on the highest resolution you can get and see it for yourself.
