Some of my favorite anime are included here, along with a short description and links to sites with further information. If you're interested in buying them, go find out how yourself. I'm tired of anime sites making every link go to Amazon or some other online shopping site. :P
Angel Sanctuary is an intriguing story about a young man called Setsuna Mudo (who is really the reincarnate of the Organic Angel Alexiel). He tries to find acceptance in a world that shuns his incestuous relationship with his sister Sara, while at the same time battling his twin the Inorganic Angel Rosiel. A fast plot and slick animation make up for holes in plot and character only fillable through the manga. The original story and characters being created by manga master Kaori Yuki, this three-part OVA is a must-watch (unless incest makes you queasy).
Links:
Official Site
Angel Sanctuary (Manga)
Cowboy Bebop is a funny, hip (and fairly new) show about futuristic bounty hunters. The cast includes the calm, cool Spike Spiegel, a lanky guy in his late twenties and his crew of fellow bounty hunters. His fellow hunters include the levelheaded Jet Black, and the ever-sexy Faye Valentine. Edward (Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky the 4th), a teenage hacker and her friend/pet dog Ein are also there to help. If you like gun-toting action, kung-fu style moves and good jazzy music to go along with it, you'll love this!
Links:
Official Site (Japanese)
Asteroid Blues
3-2-1..Let's Jam!
Neon Genesis Evangelion starts in 2015, 15 years after the 'Second Impact'. Following the lives of the 'Children', 14-year-olds must pilot 'Evas' (mechas) to combat the Angels. NGE, however, is much more than your average mecha. As the series unfolds, the psyche of Shinji, the Third Child, is explored, along with his interactions with others, as he learns of the plans of his agency and the secrets of those around him. If you are offended by Judeo-Christian themes, then steer clear. Otherwise, this will be an experience you won't regret.
Links:
Official Site
Australian Neon Genesis Evangelion
Guide to...Neon Genesis Evangelion
My Neighbor Totoro is a great family film, and a real nice way to get acquainted with anime. It was made in 1988 by now infamous Studio Ghibli. This is a story of two girls (Satsuki and Mei), who, after moving into a new house, discover a tree that leads them to the Totoro (catlike creatures in all shapes and sizes, protectors of the forest). Other creatures include little dustball ghosts, and a catbus. Lots of adventure, wonder and hilarity ensue. For a simple and fun time, this is a great choice.
Links:
Studio Ghibli (Japanese)
Totoro.Org
Tonari no Totoro
Perfect Blue is (quote) an adult psycho-thriller following the life of Mima Kirigoe, a japanese pop idol who leaves her group to become an actress . She gets a role in a TV murder-mystery, and between rape scenes and nude photoshoots, completely destroys her old 'bubblegum' image. Angering some ex-fans, murders are committed on the set. Mima herself is haunted by the ghost of her past. We follow Mima's journey as Mima goes in and out of her delusions, as reality and dreams become one. A mature film, but highly recommended.
Links:
Official Site
Akadot Review: Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue [Live Action] (Japanese)
Princess Mononoke, another Studio Ghibli film, is one of the greatest animes of recent years. Ashitika, a young prince, is attacked by a demon pig, and a scar threatens to consume his life. Determined to find out why and to see if there is a cure, Ashitika sets out in search of answers. He comes upon 'Iron Town', whose people cut down forests to make the iron melting fires. San (Princess Mononoke), raised by wolves, repeatedly attacks the town to protest the destruction of the animals' homes. A powerful film exploring the constant battle between man and nature.
Links:
Official Site
Princesse Mononoké (French)
Anime Critic - Princess Mononoke Review
Serial Experiments Lain is about Lain, a 13 year-old girl, who has always been introverted. The suicide of a classmate, and an eerie email from her (from beyond the grave) makes Lain decide to connect to the wired. As the series progress, more is revealed about the true nature of the 'net, and the true nature of Lain herself. Beautiful animation and CG, and a compelling plot.
'Has the line between the real world and the wired world begun to blur?'
