Mononoke, Ping Pong the Animation Recommendations
I'm surprised no one has made this recommendation yet.
The animes are kindred in that both use the medium first and foremost as artistic, exploratory tools. Thus, both Mononoke and Ping Pong the Animation are characterized by singular, readily identifiable animation styles: for Mononoke, each animation cell is treated as its own painting: the color palettes, the composition, etc, suggest meticulous attention to detail—not to mention the clear allusions to actual plastic arts—the Ukiyo-print references in both composition and backgrounds, the kimono references in the layering of patterns, and the Gustav Klimt, the kiss, reference in the second series.
Additionally, sound is also uniquely utilized:
there's a blend of Japanese sound effects integral to the animation itself, as well as the morphing compositions, which range from classical to pop to traditional Japanese.
Ping Pong the Animation is, as I stated in the opening, similar in spirit of artistic exploration. The big difference is that while Mononoke is attempting a synthesization of Ukiyo and all of modern art—there's an active dialogue there—Ping Pong the Animation is trying to capture the feeling of a real life moving comic. Thus, dynamic, fast shifting angles are emphasized, more buoyant soundtracks, etc—everything is geared to creating a sense of dynamism. Additionally, Ping Pong the Animation is more coherent in regards to its narrative; it explores story-telling, as opposed to Mononoke, which likewise seems to embrace the traditional Japanese tradition of a collection of short stories.
Nevertheless, Ping Pong the Animation and Mononoke should be grouped together under the category of animes who view themselves as art rather than entertainment. I'll include a few additional recommendations here which aren't at the top of the list in case anyone makes it to this recommendation:
1001 nights
Ginga Tetsudou no Yoru
Kurenai no Buta
Tenshi no Tamago
Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei
All these in my opinion fall into the category of viewing style as a ends in an of itself. Style here being an all-encompassing concept which embraces not only actual animation style, but the treatment of symbols, the structuring of narrative, etc.
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