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Solemnmind's Profile

If you like talking about anime or anything in general or just want to say hi; don't be shy!^^

As my anime experience grows, this introduction thingy changes. Like so many others I grew up with the medium and was exposed to a healthy dose of it in my youth with Pokémon and Digimon on the Shounen side and Sailor Moon on the shoujo side. My interest eventually faded but was resurrected at the age of 15 where I discovered my love for Spirited Away. After discovering some aspects in anime that I absolutely adore such as random humor, a tendency to acknowledge certain questions that would never be bothered with in the western world and a few absolutely fantastic gems, I'm hooked!

I've now reached the point where I'm familiar with everything I perceive as negative and positive in the medium of anime. My focus has thus changed to some older titles that I explore in hopes of gaining a better understanding for the development and origin of the medium I love . This has allowed me to discover some good titles like Rose of Versailles, Captain Harlock and Galaxy Express 999.

What I really love about anime though is the way it transcends the general preconceptions of animation a lot of people have in Europe and America that basically condemns the medium to the realms of "children's stuff". What began as a simple exploration of something new eventually became an interest of huge proportions and I'm now intent on learning more about the medium and watch all the titles that "should have been watched".

Other than anime I enjoy reading (Stephen King mainly), videogames, swimming and various activities with friends. I'm friendly, liberal to the bone and Swedish. If you want to talk about something anime-related then by all means, go ahead! Or something not related to anime...Discussion is always nice! ^_^

I'll end this bio by listing my top 5 anime:

5. Mononoke

If there's anything that catches my interest easily it's unusual and beautiful animation which Mononoke has lots of. It also features terrific storytelling inspired by monsters from Japanese folklore and an awesome, if slightly vague, protagonist!

4. Haibane Renmei

Reminds me of Kino's Journey both in pace and visuals. Slow, beautiful and
haunting. Some of the things I absolutely love when I'm in the right mood!

3. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin

I love Madhouse not only because they offer excellent animation but also because they have an impressive history of lending their creativity to awesome projects. For me, Rainbow represents everything the studio stands for; terrific characterization, visual splendor and a good story with proper pace and development.

2. Revolutionary Girl Utena

Symbolic but not pretentious, excellent in terms of characterization and depth but above all else the most unique and surreal experience anime has to offer. Everything from the animation and music to the actual story carries an eccentric taint which I appreciate immensely. I love this series too much for my own good.

1. Princess Mononoke / Spirited Away

I can never decide which one of these I love the most. Princess Mononoke is an achievement not only because it tackles an environmental question neutrally without preaching but also because of its amazing... everything!

Spirited Away on the other hand is the one anime I have the fondest memories of and who never ceases to amaze me. Other than its central theme of personal discovery it has little to no thought-provoking material to offer and relies on its flawless depiction of the typical "Alice in Wonderland" theme and sheer creativity. These movies are both perfect as far as I'm concerned.