10) Ruben Brandt, Collector
The most obvious thing to note about this movie would be naturally, it’s challenging art style. Most movies, as many know, often opt to have their animated characters be cool, cute, or beautiful, but that is definitely not the time this way around. All the characters are very much inspired by Picasso, especially his surrealist cubism, as nobody looks like a traditional human. People will have exaggerated shapes, sport multiple body parts, and all seem to be visual representations of their inner selves. It’s both metaphorical and realistic to the world that they’re in- after all, a 2-D man is able to use that fact to his advantage. It makes for a very interesting visual experience- one that takes some getting used to, but is overall enjoyable.
9) Lupin the Third: Fujiko’s Life (English Dub)
The final chapter in director Takeshi Koike’s My Name is Fujiko Mine spinoff trilogy, Fujiko’s Lie returns back to where it all began and instead of finishing off this saga with a Zenigata detour, it gives another concentrated look at the majesty that is Fujiko Mine.
8) L upin the Third: Goemon’s Blood Spray (English Dub)
Lupin the Third: Goemon’s Bloodspray is a satisfying addition to the Lupin canon that not only tells an exceptional Goemon story, but it takes some ambitious risks with the genre. In Goemon’s Bloodspray, all of the characters’ beats ring true, the action sequences are exciting, and the animation is attractive. Even though this is an action-heavy outing, fans that are hungry for some sweet, vintage heist action still get a little of that with Lupin and Fujiko’s material. Goemon’s Bloodspray is a film that’s enjoyable for people who just appreciate a good action or samurai story and have no prior Lupin experience. Even if the character never gets to rise to such heights within the Lupin series, this movie acts as a perfect distillation of his character.
7) Batman: Hush
Batman: Hush is considered one of the greatest storylines featuring the character to be made in the modern era. Written by Jeph Loeb and penciled by the legendary Jim Lee, Hush showcased unforgettable moments and a twist that shook the fandom. That twist, while impactful, has been debated for its relevance as it showcased an unseen character shoehorned in to become the dangerous villain. Many fans had a distaste for the addition and believed many other characters could have fit into that role. Well, the Batman: Hush animated film makes creative changes to address those concerns. This is not the Hush storyline that we have come to know.
6) Batman vs the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
In getting prepared to watch this, and even starting this review, I have often mentioned that a younger version of me would be crying at the glory of this team-up on television. And, boy, did it deliver. Everything about this movie brought me right back to the childish nerd that I am, and it was all that I could have hoped it would be. Kyle Mooney’s rendition of Michelangelo was one of the best ever delivered, and Troy Baker kills it playing both Batman and The Joker. It is hard to find anything to complain about other than wanting more. More characters, more action, and more pizza. Let’s hope this great movie spawns another line of comic books and a sequel in the near future.
5) I Want To Eat Your Pancreas (English Dub)
It’s a lovely movie. It’s not something to watch if you want your heart to start racing, but it is something to watch on a quiet, melancholy day when you need to feel better. It’s nothing special, but that’s a highlight of it. It’s peaceful, and sometimes that’s all you need.
4) Funan(English Dub)
Similar to In This Corner of the World or Titanic, viewers will find themselves less concerned with the actual plot given that it doesn’t stray all too far from the tried-and-true Spielberg format of families separating only to be reunited, but the manner of whence we get there is the soul of Do’s cautionary tale for those that wish for nationalism to be the norm in it’s most extreme form is extraordinary and is one of those films that are so important for viewing that there should be classes in elementary schools where this movie is on the itinerary.
3) Princess Mononoke(English Dub Re-Release)
There are plenty of animated features that make a strong impact upon their initial release, only to the fade into obscurity over the years. It’s a real testament to a film’s staying power if it can still be relevant decades later. The recent Studio Ghibli Fest has largely stood as a celebration of Hayao Miyazaki, but they also allow films like Princess Mononoke to play within a new context to fresh eyes. It’s been about two decades since I’ve revisited Princess Mononoke, but it’s thankfully still an awe-inspiring experience that’s arguably even more effective now.
2) I Lost My Body (English Dub)
The premise involving the hand is clearly the work of a director in love with horror films, but you can’t make a whole hour about JUST the hand, right? So, you gotta have both plots to feed each intended audience and really the balance is rather flawless and really both halves of the film are written rather beautifully. Patel and Shawkat are knockouts in their respective performances and they really beg the question as to why we don’t have “Best VA” categories for the Academy Awards. In any event, Clapin and Xilam Animation collectively put together their finest performances to date with outstanding choreography, gorgeous visuals, and multiple endings that you wish would happen, but don’t, therefore you’ll find yourself begging for a second installment.
1) Another Day of Life
“Another Day of Life” is nothing short of a crucial piece of media, both for its blending of live-action and animation as well as its coverage of a criminally unknown piece of human history. It is a tale of how life can persist after death through memory, meaning that those who have died may also continue life now that their stories are told in this more accessible way. The constants of war still dominate our culture in the current century, making this a reminder of how the worst of it can be so easily forgotten but never should be.