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The Question with Many Answers |
| This is
the question often asked by people who are unfamiliar with the genre. There
have been several homepages and replies by fans to answer what appears
to be a simple question. Since this is an introductory issue, it would
only be natural that we would try to answer the questioned posed by many.
Anime is the shorter version of the word Animation by the Japanese. Beyond that, what it is all about is relative to whom you ask. After all, every person is unique and why they love (or hate) Anime depends on the person. They all have their personal reasons and attitudes towards it. Some have coined Anime as Japanese animation only. This is right but not totally true. While most of what people appreciate from Anime comes from Japan, the Japanese also use the term to classify Disney animation. In retrospect, instead of calling an animation a cartoon as most people would, they call it Anime. Also, there have been American “cartoons” that have been animated in Japan or were animated by Japanese animators but were exclusively released in the U.S. and never saw the light of day in Japan. Examples of these are Thundercats and G.I.Joe. Japanese would classify this into the Anime category but some “Anime fans” would beg to differ. Instead, these fans would center on the animation shows broadcast in Japan. To a fan who is an artist or appreciates art, they would say that what makes Anime special is its artistic appeal and animation. In a way, they have a right claim to this. Japanese art is very different from their western counterparts, giving them their own unique picture and feel. Most Anime characters have big eyes, usually bigger than their noses and mouths combined. It is, however, not limited to that. Moreover, there is more focus in animating the characters when it comes to animation in Japan whereas the U.S. focuses more on the lip synchronization of their characters thus causing less focus on animating the characters themselves. That is not to say that Japanese animation is better than the animation of other cultures. Instead, the fans prefer that kind of style which characterizes Anime shows. Musically inclined fans would say that what makes Anime fantastic is the musical scores and soundtracks. They too have a right claim to this since most are done with great talent. A standard in Anime is its opening and ending theme, which usually feature a catchy or melodramatic vocal. Currently, companies even hire bands and music artists to do soundtracks or songs for the show. This kind of phenomenon is not uncommon to the minds of Filipinos as can be seen with the success of Voltes V and its theme song. Also, Anime background music (BGM) is excellently done. They can be symphonic or orchestrated if the show has an epic feel to it or it can be light hearted and relaxing if the show is not too tense. Another fan who enjoys a good story would say that what makes Anime interesting is its plot. Again, they have a right claim to this. Japan has a different censorship to America, where majority of the Animation we get comes from (although that is changing now). What that translates into is that what is restricted in American animation is available in its Japanese counterparts. Examples are vices (drinking, smoking, etc…), some extent of nudity and lastly, death. There are some Anime shows that end with their main character dying. The horrors of reality are very present that failure seems possible. Even if good eventually triumphs over evil, the hero usually goes through a lot of agony and suffering, much like a tragic character from Greek plays. Also, heroes are not limited to cheerful, optimistic characters but can range from angst-full, cynical figures to self-seeking yet brave champions. You can often feel that heroes and villains are not two-dimensional characters but instead people who have flaws and strengths, not totally good or evil but somewhere in between. However, that is not to say that always happens as we go through the next reason. Whoever you may be, you may find something interesting in Anime because of its diversity. There are several hundred Anime shows out there ever since its existence for more than four decades. Because it has less restriction, it is able to cover a lot of genres. It is not limited to action shows of good clashing between evil but also has others like sit-coms, romance, robots, science fiction, fantasy, or somewhere in between. Fans may not like the same shows but they do like Anime. Variety is the spice of life and that’s what Anime gives them. Chances are, no matter who you may be, you’ll find a particular show which you’ll come to know and love. Shows may come and go but the genre Anime presents itself is not a mere fad and will continue to thrive. |
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