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-EXACTLY what defines a good action movie or series? Is it the high level of adrenaline as well as artistic energy, the abundant shells n' explosions; even plentiful melees or torrents of testosterone-laden smacks SLAMS! n' Bams!!.... How about standards? Convention-shifting styles or redundant surprizes, intensity, and suspense. More precisely put, action is all about energy; and we always like it on full-throttle. Nonetheless, it always helps to obtain a little grace and style here or there; in order to make action sequences and/or aspects memorable. Simply put, it's what separates the classics from the brusque losers. "The Anime Overview" is here to give you them all, the best of the best; bluntly, what we feel to be the greatest action animes of all time. #1:(Shinseiki Evangelion) Neon Genisis Evangelion (T.V.)
-Anno's illustrious and elusively-shocking sci-fi epic is a controversial roller-coaster full of thrills, chills n' spills (Literally); the difference is they'll all pushed to sixth gear on steroids. This relentless, brawling and foremost spellbinding action frenzy is a cornerstone of animation suspense; hard-hitting drama and absorbing, unforgettable sequences of animation that'll leave you chained to your seat. An anime series proves once and for all that action at it's hindmost lies not only in the eyes and ears; it hits hardest in the mind. And we like it that way. #2:Macross Plus
-It would be unforgivable to rule out MP's breathtaking action sequences next to it's "second-to-none" thriller storyline; which is a cross between a huge soap opera and a masterful sci-fi epic. 'Slam-bam' rudimentary action scenes accompany a plethora of haunting music tracks as the OAV approaches it's presage; anime's best thus far. Not to mention one of the greatest mech battles ever filmed. #3:(Rupan Sansai Terebi To Kariosutoro No Shiro) The Castle Of Cagliostro
-This sweeping romantic-caper is a film which legendary film maker "Steven Spielberg" once called: "One of the greatest adventure movies of all time". If that quote alone isn't reason enough to see this breathtaking extravaganza, try: Miyazaki's first and quite possibly best, excellent characterizations, not to mention #4 on the "TAO" greatest list. It's a classic which has become a standard for action/adventure anime, with a cunning and wholeheartedly exciting narrative to back it up. Cagliostro is a masterpiece of animation, and a masterpiece of anime action. #4:(Jubei Ninpuuchou) Ninja Scroll
-Killer-designs, ultra-slick characters and grossly-enjoyable action; nuff said.... "Ninja Scroll" is the epitome of cool weapons, choleric broils and an engaging storyline which is the greatest in the breezy, conventional ninja/action realm. One of the few mindless action films which actually succeeds in making us think. Ninja Scroll rocks. Plain and simple. Don't believe me?, just watch the bamboo-fight w/Jubei and the blind guy. #5:Dragonball Z
-There's no escaping it, "DBZ" is one of the classic action series of our time. Chalk-full of non-stop, effects-laden fight sequences (Some or all of which have remained a standard to this day) and groundbreaking set-ups; complete with kick-butt characters that would make all action cartoons before it squeamish. Not to mention a little bit dizzy. If there's one thing that DBZ does prove, it's that animes are no "cartoons". Rather stunning, vibrant and exciting thrill-rides. One's that keep us in excitement and "AWE"!! Just remember to excuse the sheer length. #6:Rurouni Kenshin
-This clashing epic chronicles the opposing struggles of warfare amid the "Shogunate" era of Japan. At the hands of one skillful warrior, our story erupts into one of relentless set-ups and fights; courtesy of some nifty animation sequences and one cool hero (O.k., so there's a couple of heroines too....). But hey, Kenshin kicks; frankly everyone's -- Well, ya know what I mean. See it, watch it, love it; just hurry up already! #7:Mobile Suit Gundam
-Groundbreaking science fiction story is set amidst interstellar war. A pioneer in both anime style, action/animation techniques and character storytelling; this spectacular epic is truly what sci-fi action is all about. #8:Patlabor: The Mobile Police
-A hard-hitting crime drama which is a must see for it's compelling story/character-development and ground-breaking drama; foremost are the action sequences which must be seen to be believed. Remember to stop laughing before you look, this is one of the more prominent anime spoofs of the decade. Despite all this, "Patlabor" is best known for it's melee of mechs n' second-to-none contravention suspense. And boy are those guns huge! #9:Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie
-Bromide plot and characters aside, this adrenaline-pounding actioneer places us right in the middle of some of the most furious, fast-paced and realistic martial arts sequences ever animated. Wonderfully over-the-top in both exposition and visual style, "Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie" is a film which should leave even non-fans of the fighting genre thirsting for more. "SHOU-RU-KEN"!!!! #10:(Lodoss To Senki) Record Of Lodoss War
-This breathtaking fantasy epic is "Kurosawa" meets "Excaliber"; with a sweeping RPG-esque storyline w/ characters to support. Moreover, no one can argue that the most important aspect of good action sequences are first and foremost great characters. If there is one series which is proof of this, it's ROLW. And Hey, "Ashram" is the coolest villian around. A masterpiece, a real treat, and the best user of animation 'stock-footage' ever. Hot Turkeys (Tied For # 11): Otomo's "Akira", The "Mobile Suit Gundam" sagas, "Cowboy Bebop", "Outlaw Star", the original "Dirty Pair" films, "Yu Yu Hakusho", "Macross" & "Spriggan". |
