THE ANIME OVERVIEW RATING SYSTEM:
"The Anime Overview" is a rating system based upon a series of 14-key-elements which I feel make up anime.
Each one is based upon a numeric rating scale of (1-10), ten being the highest and one being
the lowest. A score of "zero" means the categorie does not pertain to that particullar anime. A high score is determined by the highest quality or extreme amount of, while a low score describes the lowest quality or amount of. All scores on the overview pertaining to the anime are rated according to how each element has affected
me personally. Other factors are also heavily considered such as the anime's affect on the masses, it's historical or technological production standpoint upon release, or other inherant factors. Each categorie consists of a score which I feel is most correct for
that particular title, and no statistics, scores or opinions recieved from any outside party or persons will be
displayed on The Anime Overview. I will try my best to evaluate each and every element according
to how I see fit, with the highest amount of fairness possible. The Scores are an evaluation of both the Dubbed and Subtitles versions of the anime, and the format does not affect the overall rating. Below is a full description of each
element and an explanation of how each one is scored.
-Below is an example of an overview for the anime: Akira .
ACTION:
10
VIOLENCE:
 9
SEX/NUDITY:
2
PLOT:
9
ANIME STYLE:
9 |
SPECIAL EFFECTS:
10
ROMANCE:
2
HUMOR:
4
ARTWORK:
10
CHEESE:
5 |
DRAMA:
7
ANIMATON:
10
CHARACTERS:
6
SOUNDTRACK:
10 |
|
Characters:
The "Characters" element is based upon the overall quality and appeal of the
anime characters in a series, oav, or movie. How much character development was there? Were
the characters convincing, or did you really not care what happened to them? How memorable
were the characters? These are just some of the important concepts and questions one ask's before considering
this categorie. Often times in anime the viewers are left with such highly
originally and appealing characters, one's which set the standards for much of the modern anime
we see today. Character interaction plays a huge and important role in a well-crafted storyline, an aspect that no anime should be left without.
These are just some of the many things to consider when scoring the "characters" element.
Plot:
Awe!, yes; what would good anime be without proper scenes and carefully thought out
storyline. Probably just a bunch of moving pictures running across the screen, serving
apsolutley no perpose in entertaining the viewer. This is why the "Plot" rating is one of
the most important elements in The Anime Overview system. There are several things to look
for, especially the sheer brilliance or originality of the storyline. Was the storyline
compelling, or just plain cliche? How well were the various scenes connected? Did the story
contain a good climax? Was the direction good, or bad? These are things to consider when scoring
the "Plot" categorie.
Humor:
What would anime be without a good laugh once and a while. Then again, what would
any film be without it. In all it's many forms anime has a considerable amount of comedy and hilarious
moments, some of which has distinquished it from other forms of animation. How funny was it?
Did the anime make me giggle, or was I hurling and gasping for breath because I couldn't stop
laughing? Was the humor smart and cunning, or just plain out of place and annoying? These are the many
factors to consider when judging this categorie.
Drama:
As many of you already know, anime is much well known for the amount and quality of
it's dialouge. Some of which distinguished it from your typical "Saturday-Morning-Cartoon". The many memorable pieces of
dialouge and dramatic story-telling which have shown anime to be superior to it's predecessors. How moving
or emotional was the dialouge in the storyline? Was the dialouge believable or was it just plain flat? What
was the overall quality of the voice acting? Was the script good, or could my six-year old nephew
do a better job? These are some things to consider when rating this element. Also, artistic expression and merit are all key factors.
Action:
If there is one thing in anime which other forms of animation don't have, it
is definitely the quality and amount of it's action. We have all seen so many times in
anime, the quality of it's various action sequences. Some scenes which were of equal or even greater quality than anything we saw in
Hollywood films. Compelling and often remarkable, action in anime films is what separates the genre from anything we saw in other forms of animation. The "action" element is based upon the overall quality and amount of action
seen in the anime. We have all seen action in movies before, but have we ever considered what
makes a good action sequence? How well concieved was the action? Was the action in the movie
suspenseful and thrilling, or did it just seem random and out of place? One way to know whether
a movie has good action, is to know whether you remembered the action after the
movie was over. Some anime titles contain very popular and memorable action sequences. One example
is the classic motorcycle chase sequence in the breakthrough film "Akira".
Violence:
Bang!, bang!, shoot!!; kill, KILL!!, AHHHH!!.... We have all scene violence in it's many
forms, especially in all different kinds of anime. This has probably been the most recognizable
characteristic which has caused so many people to label a steriotype on Japanese animation. To
be thought of as a film genre containing only violent, adult oriented entertainment. I do admit, to some
extent that's very true. But anime is so much more than just a bunch of cartoons containing violence
and adult themes. It is a largely celebrated and remarkable film medium all it's own, with some the most
utterly profound and moving stories I've ever seen in any film or television show. This is what
actually draws me to anime, and I feel the ones who watch it only for it's extreme violence are
missing the point. Although not all anime contains violence, parents must exercise caution. There are a
considerable number of anime films and shows out there which contain enough violence to rule out
any viewing of anime by children. The "violence" element is judged by the overall extreme amount
or degree of violence. 10 is considered extreme violence, while 5 and under are considered
relatively mild.
Cheese:
There is one simple rule to consider when knowing how to rate the "Cheese" element.
Anything closest to real-life is considered "0" on the rating scale, and "10" is considered
non-real. In other words when an anime character shoots another and they get hurt, this is
considered a non-cheese factor. However, if a character shoots another, but that other character
catches the bullet in his hand, jumps about 30 feet into the air and lands on the ground killing
the other person; this would definatly be considered "cheese". However this all depends upon the
intent of the storyline, and entire premise of the anime. For example, there are many little cultural
factors within anime t.v. shows and movies which pertain only to the anime medium. Some of which
are presented as small, rather side-tracked ridiculous sub-plots. They often portray the characters
becoming small (and rather funny-looking) in size on screen, and hitting another character. This
follows by a bunch of Japanese symbols and writing appearing on-screen. Resulting in a small portion
of the show which reflects the moments of storyline; whether intended to be a joke, or portion
of a symbolic nature (Those who have watched anime like Ranma 1/2, Tenchi Muyo and Fushigi Yugi know
what I'm talking about). This is part of the animation and the Japanese culture, and I do not
consider it a factor on this element. Anything of a corny, fake, far-fetched or ridiculous nature
done by a character is considered in the "Cheese" element.
Anime Style:
What makes anime unique from any other forms of animation? When you see a cartoon,
how do you know it's anime? Are there some cultural aspects involved? Some trademarks or signs which
you know distinguish anime from anything else? These are all factors to consider when rating this
element. There are certain cultural aspects which pertain to anime, which I'm sure all fans are familiar
which. Some of these are the use of: large eyes, gigantic sweat glands appearing on the back of heads,
character designs and personalities, being able to defy the laws of physics. Those who watch anime know
what I'm talking about. These things are necessary for anime's unique quality and style; and it is what
makes it stand alone in the world of animation.
Romance:
In many different titles, we have seen so many romantic stories; and much of anime revolves
around this large factor of popular characters, and their romantic relations with other characters.
Many anime's have a romantic, almost soap-opera like feel to them. Some of these series are what make
anime so popular, and have set many standards for romance in anime series and movies. "Kimagure Orange Road",
"Maison Ikkoku", "Tenchi Muyo and "Fushigi Yugi" are just to name a few.
Sex/Nudity:
In Japan, displaying nudity on television is considered to have a very different
cultural significance than it does in America. On televison in Japan, especially in anime
the viewer will discover that a large portion of anime shows occasionally display nudity scenes
which involves anime characters. However, one must also realize that the Japanese do not often consider nudity to be offensive to younger viewers in their culture. But does nudity in Japanese cartoons make anime innapropriate
for children? In This case, I think not. But one must realize that nudity in Japanese animation is
often portrayed rather mildly, often following some mild humor or joke of some sort. Often nudity in
anime is shown in an extremely casual manor; and is never posed in a sexual context. Although there
are some titles which contain elements of extreme sexual content and nudity. These kind of animes
are intended strictly for adults, and should never be shown to children. The "Sex/Nudiy' element is
rated due to all these factors.
Animation:
Something which truly distinguishes anime is the technical quality of it's animation. Anime contains extremely high frame rates, realistic production values
and are of a technical quality unique from anything else seen in other films. Often we compare the quality of animation
from one anime to another. How smooth were the frame rates? Was the animation realistic? How detailed was
the animation? Were any little details left out? These are all factors to consider.
Artwork:
Technical and artistic originality, character designs, architechture, and visual style are all factors
I consider with the "Artwork" Categorie. Often in Japanese animation the viewer is left with profoundly
gorgeous scenery which stands out amoung other titles; perhaps some of the most brilliant works of
animation containing such great works of scenery was done by legendary animator Miyazaki. In so many
other titles we often witness sheer technical brilliance. Many famous moments and scenes in Japanese animation distinquish the genre from anything else, the many profound and spellbinding moments in anime separates the genre from other forms of animation. The true artistic rendering of anime "Artwork". Camera angles, imagery and distinct variations of cinematography in animation are all factors considered in this categorie.
Special Effects:
The Special Effects categorie is rated upon how eye-poping the effects appeared
on-screen. Whether it be an explosion, a laser blast, or some other form of effect; this all adds to
anime's extreme unique attention to the expansion of technical breakthroughs in animation. Special
Effects add a special sense of depth and entertainment in animation. They are done in animation using either the pure animation cel effect, or require other use of effect such as computer or other forms of techniques to enhance the cel animation. Some of the more incredible effects
we've seen in anime came from the legendary anime films "Akira" and "Ghost In The Shell". Not only is
the factor of computer animation in anime considered a factor in special effects; but if, say an explosion
occurs in an anime movie. This is considered a special effect in animation. This is also judged by how realistic they appear
on screen. A good example is the breathtaking explosion sequences in the anime film "The Wings Of Honneamise". The score of course also applys to the originality, technical quality or year of the title. For example, in classic films like 'akira' breakthrough effects were utilized in order to achieve the desired result on-screen, it's too often at times we see effects which are worn and have been used before.
Soundtrack:
What would the world of anime films, shows and oav's be without the ever present; and
often brilliantly composed/sung music. What music that you heard in anime first drew you to it?
Was it the haunting and evocative score you heard in films like "Ghost In The Shell", the rousing
and masterful symphonies you heard in animes like "Neon Genisis Evangelion"? Or the wonderfully sung
lyrics, and JPOP in titles like "Record Of Lodoss War", and "Macross Plus"? Music is one of the many
great qualities which distinguish anime from stuff you saw on "saturday morning cartoons".
How good did the music match for the flick? Was It original? Was the music enjoyable to listen to? Did the score enhance
every mood of the storyline, or was it uninspired and mismatched? Did the tune stick in your head
after the show was over? These are many factors to consider when scoring the element of "Soundtrack".
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