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An Introduction to Anime

An Introduction to Anime . Presented by Karen Stapleton English Consultant, AISNSW kstapleton@aisnsw.edu.au. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW. What is anime?. Anime : (pronounced ah-nee-may)

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An Introduction to Anime

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  1. An Introduction to Anime Presented by Karen Stapleton English Consultant, AISNSW kstapleton@aisnsw.edu.au

  2. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW What is anime? • Anime: (pronounced ah-nee-may) The term broadly refers to the shortened Japanese interpretation of the word Animation referring to animated moving-image films. More specifically Anime (which itself draws heavily on the Japanese printed comic tradition known as Manga) refers to a very specific style of Japanese cartoon-like animation. Anime emphasizes particular stylistic accents predominantly in relation to the depiction of human characters.

  3. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW Anime • Has become THE major way in which non-Japanese are exposed to Japanese culture • “Otaku” = fan  anime films are NOT cartoons. • Appeal to a broad audience now – note range of anime film classifications: PG  R • Sophisticated and complex films

  4. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW What’s great about anime • Intricate plots and storylines • Wide variety of topics, genres and styles • strong emotive appeal – meant to ‘fire up’ emotions, responses • importance of values in anime films eg sincerity, courage and perseverance. • Quality of Artwork – concentrate on detail (rather than fluidity of motion); cinematic effects in artwork. • Combines artistic expression and powerful entertainment

  5. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW Formats of anime • TV episodes/ series • OAV or OVA  Original Animation Video: released as direct videos/DVDs for home rentals • Full length feature films  for cinema/theatre release

  6. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW How Anime evolved: The early, pre-TV era: 1917- 62 • Originally based on fairy tales (Japanese + Western) • Used same animation techniques as elsewhere in the world • 1930s and during WW2  studios controlled and censored  only able to produce propaganda or militaristic pieces • Post war decade: industry in decline; lack of infrastructure/buildings etc  growth of manga industry (cheaper) • 1950s – revival of Japanese movie industry; “studio system”

  7. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW How Anime evolved - 1960s, a landmark decade for anime! • Alakazam the Great (1960) - based on Osamu Tezuki’s comic book adaptation of ancient Monkey King legend; movie used his plot and visual style. • Tezuki – most popular comic book artist (egAstro Boy); regarded as having invented Japan’s modern ‘manga’ industry; pioneered many innovations in style and form and genre;incorporated many of the stylistic forms of film into his work • TV animation studio, Mushi Productions founded by Osamu Tezuki in 1962. First TV anime, Astro Boy, released (preceded by a live-action show in 1959)

  8. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW How Anime evolved Tezuka’s influence: • Popularity of TV animation • Established the attitude that ‘cartooning’ was an acceptable form of storytelling for any age group • Created sophisticated adult animation in a range of genres • Pioneered artwork styles and techniques • Productions represented the links: Manga  live-action  TV  feature films

  9. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW How anime evolved – 1970s • Flood of giant robot stories and toy-promotional features eg Tetsujin 28-GO TV series (in US “Gigantor”) – machine transformations; sci-fi genre • Appearance, costumes etc influenced by samurai and Japanese martial arts traditions and hand-to-hand combat • Great heroes and epic stories became prominent; more ‘theatrical releases’ based on Leiji Matsumoto’s manga tales of heroism, courage, humanity set against vast panorama of space and strange worlds  Space operas!

  10. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW How anime evolved – 1980s • Cinema/theatre anime challenges dominance of TV anime • Development of anime storylines as well as expansion in genre and new ‘talents’ • 1983 – release of the first OVA , Dallos, directed by Mamoru Oshii – his rise to fame! • OVAs – led to new development in anime – the sexually explicit, erotic story (had long existed in manga). • Popularity of films by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata: success of anime film, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) led to their establishment of Studio Ghibli • Akira – 1988; set in dystopian Tokyo in 2019; huge impact on American audiences

  11. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW How anime evolved – 1990s • Rise in anime production companies & greater global distribution • As original viewers matured demanded more complex narratives and higher quality product • Development of OVA/TV/movie crossover series • Increased popularity of shojo anime (many based on CLAMP’s manga) • Greater use of computers in animation

  12. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW TraditionalTop5 Anime Studios & creators • Studio Ghibli - Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke) • Production IG – Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (Ghost in the Shell, Kill Bill anime sequence) • Gonzo - (Chrono Crusade, Last Exile, Hellsin, Final Fantasy) • Gainax – Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion) • Sunrise (Cowboy Bebop, Mobile Suit Gundam) - giant robots!

  13. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW Key elements in anime • Manga is a major source for anime stories • Distinctive character and background aesthetics that visually set it apart from other forms of animation • Pacing and rhythm of the action; timing and editing • Framing; camera & other cinematic effects used in the animation • Visual structuring of the action/ detailed backgrounds • Use of music; music can play a major role in the plot

  14. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW Key elements in anime • Anime filmed and then voices are added • Long narrative structures + twists and unpredictability of plot / endings / fate of characters etc. • Characters (chara) are complex and multidimensional; their feelings are important in anime and shape their actions • Inclusion of Japanese cultural details • Use of comedy

  15. Presented by Karen Stapleton, AISNSW Main “chara” traits & visual conventions • Chara are usually of mixed ancestry/race – don’t look Japanese even if action is set in Japan • Hair – colour, shades, styles and movement. • Waists – often slim, small, tiny for females and males, although some variation for men. • Eyes – big, large, giant, non-Asian eyes are common • Female breasts = often large, pert, bouncy - “defy gravity” • Key thematic motifs = doll with a soul and/or cybernetic humans; giant robots

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