Anime (pronounced "annie
may," "ah-nee may") is a loanword taken from English that is
used to describe the medium known to the world as Japanese animation or
Japanimation. This art form is very distinctive and quite different from other
animation forms. It is also superior in a few respects.
Drawn from a uniquely Japanese
perspective, anime reflects the style and attitude of its homeland. Just as
there are differences between computer animation and claymation, so are there
differences between anime and other animation forms. The Japanese tend to be
meticulous animators, and like a lot of stuff made in Japan, their animation
is top of the line.
Obviously one of anime's most
distinguishing features is its artwork. Very lose attention is paid to detail.
Facial features are sharply drawn and clear cut, and there's also that light
reflecting characteristic of eyes that is very unique to anime. Nor is detail
ignored in other aspects. Bodies, backgrounds, mecha (aircraft, transforming
robots, really any kind of machinery) and other interesting objects are drawn
with a high degree of detail that is visually imaginative and stimulating.
Anime also deals with subjects
seldom seen in Western animation on a regular basis and in such a way that
nothing else comes close. The Japanese view certain things in a different
light, and as a result, anime reflects cultural attitudes. Material that
Western animators would think more twice about touching is present in anime
(e.g. graphic violence, profanity, sex), but within a reasonable context,
depending on what kind of anime it is.
Then there's also the fact that
anime is exotic. It's an overseas import that speaks a different language,
displays a different perspective, and is drawn in a different style. Nothing
else animated comes close to being what it is, nor can duplicate it. Anime has
yet to emerge into the mainstream of mass public consciousness, but it is out
there, and inroads are being made. As more people become aware of and get into
anime, the number of fans continues to increase.
Anime isn't "Japanese
cartoons," which implies something immature and not to be taken
seriously. Anime can be comical, but there is nothing cartoonish about it.
Anime exists on such a higher level that it is only fitting and proper that it
is referred to as animation. To be able to see anime for what it really is,
one needs to ascend to a higher plane of thought and perception, and to
recognize that anime is in a league all its own. Then can the term
"Japanese animation" be fully realized.
This article is granted
permission by the author Nestor I. Nunez himself to put it on my
site. You can visit his cool sites with the links below :
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Nth Level
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Shrine of Sohryu Asuka Langley
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Evangelion Domain