Ten “2D” Animated Features I Would Like to See (2014)

To further elaborate, this is a list of 10 “2D” hand-drawn animated features, either recently released on Blu-ray, or about to be released in theaters somewhere in the world, that I feel are worth watching for both me and you, in the near future.

All of these films are from the 2000s, so they can be from any year in between, making all of these rather recent productions. I wanted to do this because there are quite a few, generally obscure, “older” animated films like Watership Down, or Allegro Non Troppo and Fantastic Planet that are known by select groups of people already, and you can find them in lists of so-called “obscure or rare animated features” all over the internet. But when it comes to films made in the new millenium, there are far fewer people that seem to be taking notice of them.

So that’s why I’d like to highlight 10 2D films for you here that I am very interested in, some of which I even own, but have yet to watch in their entirety.

Number 10: The Congress

A very bizarre concept and a very unknown film by the looks of it, The Congress is potentially the new millenium’s answer to the 1990’s film, Being John Malkovich. It’s a hybrid film, mixing different forms of animation, green screen sequences in black and white, references to other films, and a plot that I can’t quite explain, nor do I wish to read about until after I have seen it. I don’t want to ruin any of the surprises that are still left to be found.

UPDATE: 5/10. Very weird. Very strange. Very psychological. And comments on women, aging, and the Hollywood and commercial industries. I would only suggest this strange film to those of you who want something intellectually stimulating and has a deeper meaning to its bizarre imagery. But it is not for everybody.

Number 9: Persepolis

One of the few non-Japanese films to be based on a Graphic Novel, Persepolis intrigues me most because of its story and its mature tone. Most of the films on this list are not intended for children, or at least young children, and this is one of them. Its is a rather loose and rough animation style, but hopefully the story will bowl me over despite the lack of captivating visuals.

Number 8: Children Who Chase Lost Voices (from Deep Below)

I have been going through the films of Makoto Shinkai for a little while now. This is his 3rd feature length production, and techincally his 4th film. There is definitely a Miyazaki-like artistic style and vibe going on here. And unlike Makoto’s previous works, this one seems to be more based in Fantasy and magic than it is sci-fi and romance. The visual design and depth of color, especially when it comes to shading and highlights is stunning, and another step up from even 5 Centimeters Per Second. Makoto’s work has always been heart-wrenching, and very very emotionally satisfying, so I’m really hoping this film can deliver that same effect.

UPDATE: 9/10 Very powerful film. Intentionally designed to mimic a Studio Ghibli film, and a Studio Ghibli-styled story. But I think it goes even beyond that to create a film that is very heavy on the darker side of death and loss, while still presenting it in a fantastical fashion. One way or another, you will leave this film changed and perhaps deeply affected. So I would highly recommend this to just about anyone who is reading through this list.

Number 7: A Letter To Momo >>>

It’s a little hard to judge this film on what it will end up being. The characters seem a bit over-done, especially in the English dub, and yet enough people seem to find it an enjoyable film. So I can’t be sure if it’s going to annoy me, or if its going to enchant me. And the visuals give no definitive clue to this either. The art style and animation are quite nice, and the color pallette is soft and muted, which is actually quite comforting to me in this case. I’m hoping that it will not disappoint.

UPDATE: 7/10 Providing a very Pom Poko meets Totoro type of story, it proves to not quite be as whimsical or enchanting as those other films, but it does prove to have a meaningful impact by film’s end. The character of Momo does believably mature and change based on her strange encounter with these spiritual creatures. And I think as long as you’re willing to accept the unexpected bouts of modernistic humor, this can be a welcomed alternative take on a story of this type.

Number 6: Mia and the Migoo

One of the only three children-friendly films here, Mia and the Migoo seems a bit like its own My Neighbor Totoro, but for Brazil. The art style is all done in graphite stroke, or possible charcole, and the color pallette emphasizes bright reds and oranges more than anything else. I can’t quite tell what the tone or pacing will be like, but the potential for this story is very good in my opinion, from what little I’ve seen thus far.

Number 5: The Tale of Princess Kaguya

Perhaps even more mature and somber a picture than Persepolis is likely to be, Princess Kaguya is sure to impress the more seasoned film goers out there, but may alienate your typical fans of animation, especially fans of Disney. Its an unorthodox production, utilizing a similar style to Mia and the Migoo, but with a wash of water colors. It clearly intends to present the film as if it were a living drawing, which is something that I think has been visually lost in 2D animation. It certainly isn’t a bad thing that that feeling is gone, but I think sometimes its important to remind people just what a marvel 2D animation actually is, and what make it such a fascinating art form. I already have this film on pre-order, as I’m sure there won’t be any other easy way to see it in the near future, but hopefully I will be emotionally prepared for what is to come. Though if its anything like Memoirs of a Geisha, the I think I’ll be fine.

UPDATE: 8/10 Beautifully fresh, impeccably crafted, and masterfully orchestrated, this film meets every expectation that I and many others had of it. For perhaps the final film of a 77 year old anime director, this is a stunning piece to go out on. It shows the wisdom of a man of Isao Takahata’s years, and yet it shows that he has a great understanding of characters of all ages, not just his own. This film is more raw and down to earth with certain moments and scenes, which I found a welcomed aspect that not enough animated films tackle. And I think it even surpassed my interest towards Miyazaki’s final film, The Wind Rises.

Number 4: Nocturna

I remember seeing this very trailer way back in 2006 when this film was first released. This was likely a trailer for its UK theatrical release, and I was disappointed to see no sign of it being brought over to America. Thankfully the great people over a GKids have graciously chosen to promote and release this film, along with most of the titles on this list, as a matter of fact.

Nocturna impressed me most with its highly fluent animation and shot design. Its a stringy/squishy art style that manages to give the characters an extra sense of volume and weight. And the animators are well equipped with the skills to bring this oddly designed characters to life. The color scheme is also very bizarre, emphasizing turquoise blues and mustard yellows for what appears to be most of the film. I’ll be interested to see if the story actually progresses into daytime, or if the entire story just takes place at night.

Number 3: The Rabbi’s Cat

Wow, just look at how crisp this looks. The line work and the colors and the fluidity of the animation all make this film look good enough to eat. It makes me think of it like a very fresh tomato and basil cracker. I dunno what I’m saying now, but I think I’m sort of making sense. I don’t often like to watch foreign films in their native language, especially when its something like French or German where the dialogue can get a bit jarring to the uninitiated. I mean no disrespect to the language, but its not something I typically am used to. However, in this case, I am more than fine with watching this in French with subtitles, because this looks too good to miss.

Number 2: Song of the Sea

A follow-up to 2007’s Secret of Kells, the animation style and design seems to have improved in terms of their shot design and integration with computer imagery. I don’t really have a problem with computer integration. In fact I wouldn’t mind if something like this were done entirely in Flash or Toon Boom. But its nice to see even the Irish making films on paper. The movie looks twice as charming and enjoyable as Kells was. So I am no less excited for its Blu-ray release, likely in early 2015.

Number 1: The Wind Rises

Now for the big one. Of course this had to be at number 1. Just got this film in the mail a little while ago, and have been waiting for the best moment to sit down and watch it. From the looks of it, it definitely feels very fancy and sharp, especially when it comes to the color choices and the level of detail that you see in everything, especially metalic objects and water. It definitely looks very similar to Makoto Shinkai’s approach to Children Who Chase Lost Voices. And it is nice to see that even though Miyazaki is in his mid-70s, this film does not look like it was made by a stuffy 75-year-old. It looks like a modern movie epic. Will this film stand the test of time and become a classic like many of Miyazaki’s other works, I can’t really say just yet. But I will let you all know very soon.

UPDATE: 6/10 To be perfectly honest, while I feel like Ponyo at least retained Miyazaki’s colorful magic and whimsical storytelling elements, The Wind Rises failed to meet my expectations only because I wish it could have been something a little more fantastical than I knew it was going to be. I knew it was going to be a historical drama based in certain facts rather than a completely fictional tale. But I didn’t fully realize just how realistic and live-action in its approach it was going to be. And while I understand and respect that it was perhaps the best film for Miyazaki to personally fullfill his interests and feelings before he retired, I feel somewhat unfullfilled as it didn’t feel to me like a proper send-off for a man who had created such amazing images and worlds as he had done in the past. But I suppose it does speak to his inner self, and the approach to life he has taken in recent years. So again, it is not beyond my capacity to understand why he decided to make it as his last feature film.

It is just as beautifully animated as all of his others. The bits of whimsy and fantasy that in imparts onto his historical and biographical story is fitting and helps to add to the hero’s character. And I think both myself and all (now adult) Miyazaki fans can appreciate the film for what it is and what it stands for to the master himself, especially after a second and third viewing: which I will be sure to do sometime in the future. My opinions often change with a second viewing.

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