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May 23, 2015 11:08 PM
#1

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Mar 2015
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ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]Movie Time!!!!![/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ

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Hey all and welcome to my movie recommendations! Each week I'll watch an anime movie that most members don't have on their MAL's and give everyone my review. Feel free to recommend your own and post any and all comments!
Happy watching ( ゚Д゚)b




ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]~~5/21/15~~[/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ




The Garden of Words (2001)
Directed by: Makoto Shinkai
Runtime: 46 Minutes
Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, Psychological


Synopsis: We have met, for each of us to walk forward.

Takao, who is training to become a shoemaker, skipped school and is sketching shoes in a Japanese-style garden. He meets a mysterious woman, Yukino, who is older than him. Then, without arranging the times, the two start to see each other again and again, but only on rainy days. They deepen their relationship and open up to each other. But the end of the rainy season soon approaches...






The first thing that stands out about this movie is how beautiful it is. Not only in the stunning animation, but also in it's cinematic framing. Director Makoto Shinkai (5 Centimeters Per Second, Children Who Chase Lost Voices) always puts great importance on creating atmosphere. Combined with a very nice soundtrack and amazing sound design, you really lose yourself while watching.

To me, this is a story about two people who find each other at a time when both are at a crossroads. They need each other in order to move on in their lives, but while their meeting is that of happenstance, unforeseen circumstances make their relationship complicated to say the least. I'll be the first to admit that I tend to watch more adventure/horror anime and might not give a movie like this a chance, but I was really impressed by how charmed I was while watching. Also the psychological genre plays a major part in defining these characters and their actions, which is a great catalyst for the mature subject.







[i]"We're human, after all. We've all got our little quirks."
- Yukari Yukino
[/i]






Overall: 8/10





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ScantmanSpecialMay 23, 2015 11:23 PM
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May 23, 2015 11:10 PM
#2

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Mar 2015
605
ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]Movie Time!!!!![/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ

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Well... the baseball game I was watching is in rain delay :'( but that means I had time to work on another movie recommendation! I watched this one a few weeks back but thought it was worth mentioning.
Happy watching ( ゚Д゚)b




ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]~~5/23/15~~[/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ




Millennium Actress (2001)
Directed by: Satoshi Kon
Runtime: 1 Hour 27 Minutes
Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, History, Romance


Synopsis: When Studio Gin'ei commissions filmmaker Gen'ya Tachibana to make a documentary in commemoration of its 70th anniversary, he travels to a secluded mountain lodge to interview the idol of his youth, the enigmatic Chiyoko Fujiwara, who was the studio's leading lady from the 1930s until the 1960s. As Chiyoko reminisces about her life, Tachibana and his cameraman suddenly find themselves on a rich and dazzling journey through time. Chiyoko's films and personal memories intertwine with present events and stretch the boundaries of reality.






This movie tells the story of a retired Japanese actresses life and her journey to find someone from her past. It begins in present time with a documentary filmmaker who tracks her down for a rare interview, but also returns to her something very deer to her… an item that's the link to unlocking the true motivations behind her need to leave town in search of stardom.

As she begins to unravel her life's tale to the filmmakers, the filmmakers become so engulfed by her storytelling that they are transported to the world of her timeline and relive each moment as if they were experiencing them for themselves. It's an incredibly interesting concept and unique way to tell this story from a fly-on-the-wall perspective. Inserting these clumsy, over-emotional filmmakers leads to many humorous scenes of them, often getting caught up in the moment and chasing after the main character in order to document her. At it's core, it's a very touching and inspiring story that shows how far one will go and how much one will endure for just the chance to find what (and who) they're looking for.

The animation looks great and has a classic feel to it, which is complemented by a muted color pallet. Director Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Paprika) has a knack for movies featuring complex lead women characters, and Chiyoko Fujiwara doesn't fall short of his standards. Soundtrack and sound design are OK, but really the story and style are just so well done and more than enough to keep you engaged throughout.







[i]"Perhaps I won't (find him). Maybe it doesn't matter anyway. Because after all it's the chase that I really love."
- Chiyoko Fujiwara
[/i]






Overall: 7/10





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May 28, 2015 2:44 AM
#3

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Mar 2015
605
ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]Movie Time!!!!![/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ

__

\( ´∇` )/ _____ \( ´∇` )/_____ \( ´∇` )/[/size]



While I wait out my insomnium... if that's even possible, I think i'll post a new movie recommendation!
Happy watching ( ゚Д゚)b




ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]~~5/28/15~~[/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ




Mardock Scramble: The First Compression (2010)
Directed by: Susumu Kudou
Runtime: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi


Synopsis: Due to the high crime rate in Mardock, a new law called "Scramble 09" has given police carte blanche to take extreme and otherwise illegal measures to revive crime witnesses.






This is the first of a three part series of movies that tells the story of a woman with a troubled past who falls victim to a serial killer, but through technology is brought back to life to not only serve as a witness to the crime, but to bring sweet cyborg justice to her murderer.

While characters often question morality and whether or not the lives they lead are truly worth living, reincarnation is a major component in the story that puts life, particularly for the protagonist, in a new light that creates purpose. These and many other themes have parallels with humanity's desire to find meaning in their existence. I was not expecting and pleasantly surprised by the fact this movie dove into such heavy subject matters while delivering great action (quality over quantity) and stunning animation. I left this one immediately wanting to finish the series!







[i]"A vessel meant to be filled with glory, that's me."
- Shell
[/i]






Overall: 8/10





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Jun 13, 2015 1:12 PM
#4

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Mar 2015
605
ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]Movie Time!!!!![/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ

__

\( ´∇` )/ _____ \( ´∇` )/_____ \( ´∇` )/[/size]



Hey all! It seems like forever ago that I posted last, but I finally have a new recommendation for you guys!!!
Happy watching ( ゚Д゚)b




ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]~~6/13/15~~[/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ




Tekkon Kinkreet (2006)
Directed by: Michael Arias
Runtime: 1 Hour 51 Minutes
Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Psychological


Synopsis: Black and White are two orphans who roam the streets of Treasure Town, beating down any thug or yakuza who gets in their way. When mysterious foreign entrepreneurs appear with the intention of tearing down Treasure Town and replacing it with an amusement park, Black and White face their greatest adversaries yet.






This film features rich animation that is very different from the majority of animes I've watched, and it immediately brings character and heart to the movie without knowing any other details. It's unique and personal art style is showcased when the brothers slip away from reality and the audience is brought into their world… whether it stems from happiness (White) or violence (Black).

What I loved about this movie was how it perfectly encapsulates the perspective of childhood innocence while maintaining the mature world that Black and White live in. This aspect is what truly makes this story so impacting because it presents such a truthful relationship between these two brothers while being immersed in a world of corruption and tragedy. As much of a downer as this sounds, the fun-factor is turned up to 10 throughout with great fight scenes and comedic moments… so don't go in thinking it's all serious business. When everything is brought together, you have one incredible watch.







[i]"No time for tears, no time for regrets. Think like that and the city will kill you."
- Jiccha
[/i]






Overall: 9/10





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Jun 22, 2015 12:09 AM
#5

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Mar 2015
605
ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]Movie Time!!!!![/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ

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Hey all! It's that time again. Grab some popcorn and buckle up for this adrenaline-fueled flick!
Happy watching ( ゚Д゚)b




ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]~~6/21/15~~[/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ




Redline (2009)
Directed by: Takeshi Koike
Runtime: 1 Hour 42 Minutes
Action, Cars, Sci-Fi, Sports


Synopsis: Redline is about the biggest and most deadly racing tournament in the universe. Only held once every five years, everyone wants to stake their claim to fame, including JP, a reckless dare-devil driver oblivious to speed limits with his ultra-customized car.






Some might question whether a movie with genres like Cars and Sports can offer them anything, but they are merely the vehicle (pun completely intended) to achieve a heartfelt stylistic masterpiece. Redline has plenty of attitude to go around, whether it's the bold animation style, it's techno-centric soundtrack, or it's unabashed characterization that is pure entertainment.

While lacking in any development of the movie's supporting cast, they go through the most character change. There is a charming relationship that blooms and a friend who struggles with the choice of betrayal. Opposing forces attempt to change the course of events to suit their agendas, but our main character JP's motivation boils doing to one of purity… he wants to win.







[i]"Someone's having doubts, huh? Hell, I was just trying to keep this thing interesting. You're just a voice, pal! You don't know a damn thing about racing!"
- JP
[/i]






Overall: 8/10





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ScantmanSpecialJun 23, 2015 5:43 PM
Jun 28, 2015 11:25 PM
#6

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Mar 2015
605
ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]Movie Time!!!!![/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ

__

\( ´∇` )/ _____ \( ´∇` )/_____ \( ´∇` )/[/size]



Hey all! Looking to break to routine and watching something a little different? Then you'll want to check out this week's movie recommendation!
Happy watching ( ゚Д゚)b




ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]~~6/28/15~~[/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ




Mind Game (2004)
Directed by: Masaaki Yuasa
Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes
Adventure, Comedy, Dementia, Romance, Psychological


Synopsis: Nishi has always loved Myon since they were little. And now as adults, he wants to pursue his dream of becoming a manga artist and marrying his childhood sweetheart.






This was truly one of the most unique viewing experiences I've had, anime or not. Director Masaaki Yuasa utilizes the experimental filmmaking style to uniquely showcase the many aspects of humanity, particularly young love and death. Often juxtaposing various imagery and mixing animation with live action, this movie experience is nothing short of incredibly thought-provoking, and really quite fun throughout even with the long runtime at just under 2 hours. This one is definitely worth checking out.







[i]"Fear takes the shape we're willing to give it."
- Nishi
[/i]






Overall: 8/10





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Jul 15, 2015 1:43 AM
#7

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Mar 2015
605
ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]Movie Time!!!!![/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ

__

\( ´∇` )/ _____ \( ´∇` )/_____ \( ´∇` )/[/size]



Hey all! Need a little more nature vs. nurture in your life? Then look no further than this weeks recommendation!
Happy watching ( ゚Д゚)b




ヽ( ´∇`)ノ[color=gold]✇[/color][size=260]✇[/size]~~7/15/15~~[/size][color=gold]✇[/color][size=200]✇[/size]ヽ(´∇` )ノ




Asura (2012)
Directed by: Keiichi Satou
Runtime: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Drama, Historical


Synopsis: Asura is an unrelentingly dark drama that follows the struggles of a young boy who did whatever it took to survive during a time of war and famine in medieval Japan.






This is a movie that features the Nature Versus Nurture debate. Are some people born as beasts or are they simply the product of their environment? This film channels this theme beautifully through our main character's journey from being on his own in the depths of humanity filled with war, famine and brutality to being taken in by a young woman and given a chance at some kind of life. Asura often struggles to discover what kind of person he is, if even one at all. He is often confronted with situations that test him, which result in very heartfelt moments and are where this movie truly shines.

Some people might be turned off by the 3D animation style, but it really services the gritty, famined look that people often have and elevates its realism. That combined with stunning 2D landscapes, a rich color palette and an an amazing attention to detail, this is one of the few animes that's overall look left me in awe.







[i]"Taking away life that was born and taking away life after life. People still keep on living. Burdened with crime. Even so, trying to live as much as there is life. That is why this world is so beautiful."
- Houshi
[/i]






Overall: 8/10





Happy Watching! ( ゚Д゚)b
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