Anime
Anime is the Japanese word for Animation. In Japan, the animation industry is more in the forefront than in the US, and animated shows covering virtually every genre can be found in the form of television shows, Original Animation Videos and feature films.
Much like any other entertainment medium, anime can range from the very silly to the very serious, and is not necessarily intended for children or any specific age group. Below is a hand-picked selection of titles that Alice's mavens consider the best of the genre on offer.
Right: 'Ghost In The Shell'
The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
7.8/10
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
A.K.A. "Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro". From the creators of the enormously successful 'Princess Mononoke' comes this exciting, and fast-p... Read more
When Marnie Was There (2014)
7.7/10
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Twelve-year-old Anna believes she sits outside the invisible magic circle to which most people belong, and shuts herself off from everyone around her.... Read more
Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
7.2/10
Director: Makoto Shinkai
A.k.a. "Journey to Agartha". A coming-of-age anime from director Makoto Shinkai ("5 Centimetres Per Second") following the adventures of a young girl... Read more
Twilight of the Dark Master (1997)
5.6/10
Director: Akiyuki Shinbo
From the beginning of time, powerful, grotesque Demons and beautiful, noble Guardians have battled for Earth. A deep hatred eternally burns between De... Read more
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Volume 3 (2002)
6.4/10
Director: Kenji Kamiyama
Volume 3 of 7. Convinced that the cyber terrorist known only as the Laughing Man has resurfaced, Section 9 accelerates their investigations. Major Kus... Read more
Vampire Hunter D (1985)
7.2/10
Director: Toyoo Ashida
Eerie, exotic animation for adults, set in the year 12,090, when the Earth is ruled by vampires. A beautiful woman fancied by the chief bloodsucker of... Read more
Ocean Waves (1993)
6.9/10
Director: Tomomi Mochizuki
Based upon author, essayist and playwright Saeko Himuro's most popular, best-selling novel, this is one of Studio Ghibli's most poignant and unsung ma... Read more
Kite (1998)
6.7/10
Director: Yasuomi Umetsu
Starring: Animation
An acclaimed Japanamie adventure with a familiar (but no-less successful) set-up: a young girl, raised by a detective after her parents are murdered,... Read more
Arrietty ( Blu-ray ) (2010)
7.6/10
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Aka "The Secret World of Arrietty". Mary Norton's novel "The Borrowers" gets an anime updating in this fun family tale co-written by Hayao Miyazaki. A... Read more
Shadow Skill (1997)
5.5/10
Director: Gisaburo Sugii, Hiroshi Hegishi
Starring: Animation
In a war torn world of deadly conflict, one small group of heroes stands against the forces of darkness, armed only with two weapons - their unswervin... Read more