Postby ClosetOtaku » Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:58 am
I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to seriously think and reply. A special thanks to Kokoro Daisuke and termyt (among others) for some very insightful comments that made me think twice (or thrice or.... what comes next?) about what titles might be saved for posterity. And, in the voting, some patterns clearly emerged.
One thing I realized shortly after the responses started coming in was that there was a significant difference between what you would put in a time capsule and what you might recommend to your friends who had not seen anime. I guess I should have noted that before, and maybe that's a good topic for another discussion sometime.
However, based on your suggestions, if I were placed in charge of deciding which five (it's gotta be five now) movies or series "made the cut", here's what they would be:
1. A Tezuka Osamu series.
Since it's history we're dealing with, we need to start at the beginning, and Mighty Atom / Astro Boy is the origin of the anime species. While not as captivating as later anime, and certainly not as refined in the artistic style, Tezuka Osamu laid the groundwork for all anime to follow. Influenced by Dinsey and other Western cartoon artists, he deliberately departed from the concept of the "short" based on American Vaudeville, and instead incorporated the epic narrative into his manga and animation. This is what makes anime unique among art forms. If there ever was "essential" anime, this is one of them. Answer: Astro Boy.
2. A Hayao Miyazaki film.
Just as we can't discuss Japanese film without mentioning the likes of Kurosawa or Ozu, it is impossible to discuss anime without considering Miyazaki (although he himself might be insulted that his works would be classified differently from those of other 'live action' directors). But which film? Spirited Away was by far the most frequently mentioned title in this survey, and given its Oscar-winning performance is certainly high on the list. Nevertheless, we should not set aside Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, or even My Neighbor Totoro lightly. Admittedly somewhat derivative - all are tales of a young girl thrust into difficult circumstances who must overcome her ordeals through courageous action - Miyazaki's success in Japanese cinema (both financial and critical) means he resonates well with his audience, and the popularity of his films outside Japan suggests he has transcended the cultural barriers as well. Answer: Spirited Away.
3. A Mecha series.
There is something about giant robots that seems to inhabit the sub-conscious of the Japanese culture. Even outside of traditional anime, series like Ultra Man and Power Rangers (and by corollary the entire Godzilla story arc) maintain their fascination, so there's more than meets the eye here. Again we're faced with the question: which one? Tetsujin-28 and Mazinger Z are historically important, but having already made our homage to history with Astro Boy, we would probably set them aside. More modern titles might include Vision of Escaflowne for romance or Mobile Suit Gundam for drama. We might instead go with RahXephon, but the character and timeline guide we'd have to include for our future friends to be able to follow that convoluted plot would exceed weight limitations in the capsule (sorry, just had to throw that in). However, given the history of fan reaction to anime, and amount of interest paid to any given particular series, there is one that is very well-inclusive of the angst, violence, and just plain weirdness of many of these offerings, and that is the one that will go into the box. Answer: Neon Genesis Evangelion. (Any further discussion of this choice should probably be conducted via PM...)
4. A Shoujo series.
Time and space do not permit discussing all the permutations of big eyes and technicolor hair that inabit the universe of shoujo. But we can't understate the importance of shoujo to the culture of anime as a whole. Not surprisingly, this also makes it the toughest category to choose in. One immediate (almost knee-jerk) response is Sailor Moon. Again, this is another epic narrative that includes history, drama, and some really drawn-out transforming sequences. Shorter, and perhaps more satisfying for a future viewer might be Angelic Layer. For slice-of-life teenagers in Japan angst, any one of Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou, Boys over Flowers or Marmalade Boy would fit the bill. If it is the mystical side of anime we like, Fushigi Yugi is one of many - but I would not subject our poor friends in the future to the likes of Revolutionary Girl Utena. Princess Nine is a very inspired suggestion, and I'd almost be ready to bury it in the capsule, but I need to finish watching it first. So, in the interest of time, one title that does manage to capture slice-of-life, traditional Asian mystical elements, comedy, and drama -- despite its weaknesses and conclusion prior to the end of the related manga series -- will go instead. Answer: Fruits Basket.
5. Cowboy Bebop.
First, because it was the most frequently voted for title. Second, because it encapsulates almost all aspects of many other series (drama, comedy, action, martial arts, science fiction, mystery, the epic narrative, and just plain old commentary on human nature). Third, because it has really great music. And, finally, because it is one of those series I'd share with friends without hesitation -- friends now, or friends in the future. I'll make sure the first disc is already in the DVD player when the lid of the box is closed (I wonder if they'll have 110V outlets in 2306 A.D.).
Interestingly, many other titles I would have liked to have gone in the box didn't make it. My personal favorite, Haibane Renmei, is just too much of an acquired taste; Ruroni Kenshin, which was another popular choice (but not my favorite by far, except for the Samurai X series) was a little too repetitive; and Fullmetal Alchemist isn't done in its Region 1 release (and might not stand the test of time from what I've seen so far). You, of course, are welcome to assemble your own boxes...
And, for what it is worth, my 300th post. Thanks again for a terrific discussion.
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." -- C.S. Lewis