Animated Movies, Part 4: Foreign Language

  

Welcome to the fourth and final part: foreign-language animation!  FLA is not limited to Japanese Anime, and neither am I, although I admit that most of the ones listed here are.  Also, even though most of these movies have been dubbed over by English voice performers, my preferred way of viewing is original language with subtitles.

 

(Japanese)  

This movie is fascinating.  It's extremely original, about a girl who gets involved in a social computer game and her avatar becomes a famous singer; but a part of the movie is strongly (and obviously) inspired by Disney's "Beauty and the Beast".  Also, the animation styles between the game and "real life" are different, but seamless.  Oh, and the music is beautiful.

 

(French) 

Part story of friendship, part courtroom drama, all heart.  Ernest the Bear and Celestine the mouse aren't supposed to be friends; Celestine learns as a child to beware of bears.  And the friendship doesn't happen right away...it develops over a bit of time and shared experiences.  This movie is so sweet; I smile just writing about it. 

 

(French) 

Although it originated in 1973, I didn't discover it until I caught it on The Movie Channel in the early '80s, but caught it I did, and it caught me!  It's wild, trippy, a bit violent and sexy, and definitely for adults only.  The animation is both rough and visually stunning.  There are interludes with unusual creatures that don't seem like just time-fillers but help flesh out the world-building. 

 

(Animals?) 

I wasn't sure if I should put this here with "Foreign Language", when there is literally no dialog: just the vocalizations of the animals (all recorded from actual animals, except for the capybara, where they used a baby camel).  However, it was made in Latvia, winning the country its first ever Academy Award.  It was also created using Blender, which is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software suite.  All that said, it's a beautiful story of a group of animals (all acting more or less like regular animals) trying to survive a flood.  I love it so much.

 

(Japanese) 

Don't be fooled by the wonky title.  First, the title is explained in the movie.  Second, this is a beautiful story about a girl with a bucket list who asks a quiet boy to help her.  Almost anything else I say about this movie could be a spoiler.  I will say that it's very sad but has uplifting parts as well.  I will say that I cried so hard watching this.

 

(Japanese)

 College student Tsuneo is hired to take care of Josee, a headstrong, stubborn, somewhat bratty young woman who is in a wheelchair.  The movie shows the progression of their relationship from barely civil to grudging admiration, and on.  The originality of the story struck me, as well as the respectful representation of a disabled person.  There are also some definite twists and turns in the story.

 

(West-German/Italian) 

In 1973, when I was 8, three of my closest friends and I got to go to the movies, just us!  Parents dropped us off & picked us up.  It was so exciting.  This was the movie we chose to see, and I loved it.  Unfortunately, I didn't see it again for years and years.  It never showed up on TV, and we couldn't find it on home video.  Finally, we found it on DVD, and I decided to share this piece of my childhood with my daughters, one of them being almost the exact same age I was when I saw it.  I paused for a moment: what if what I felt about it was more about nostalgia and the milestone, and it was actually terrible?  Thankfully, it was actually BETTER than I remembered it, and the girls enjoyed it, too.  A bit of Cinderella, a touch of Alice in Wonderland, a pinch of the Wizard of Oz...and the cutest little blue puppy you can imagine. 

 

(Japanese) 

This movie, dealing with bullying, childhood trauma, and mental health, is not an easy watch.  However, it's sensitively written and voice-acted. It's also visually beautiful.  You come away from this one feeling more reflective than happy.  Tears will be shed.

 

(Japanese)

One of the most critically acclaimed animated movies of all time: the first anime to win an Oscar.  Listed as #1 on most "Best of..." animation lists, anime or overall.  None of that is hyperbole.  It's easily the most visual, the most original, the most interesting animated movie, with a lesson on not forgetting who you are...and about taking what's not yours!

 

(Japanese) 

If the TV show "Quantum Leap" ever became an anime, they couldn't do better than this movie.  Part sci-fi, part fantasy, part love story.  Taki and Mitsuha are teenagers: a boy and girl, respectively, who share an interesting connection.  This is another movie that needs to go into knowing as little as possible.  It is one of the most successful Japanese anime of all time...and well worth it.

Honorable Mentions:  Grave of the Fireflies, Persepolis, and My Neighbor Totoro.

Animated Movies, Part 3: English Language Non-Disney/Pixar

 

Welcome to Part 3:  Now I'm getting out of the Disney/Pixar camp and heading out towards all of the other wonderful bits of animation.  Back in the day Walt might have been "it", but more and more studios are showing what they've got! 

 

Dark, dystopian, quiet and tense. Definitely not for small children.  The lessons about identity, freedom, and family are on display.  There are some sweet parts, a little bit of humor, a bit of violence, and a stacked voice cast including Elijah Wood, Christopher Plummer, Jennifer Connolly, and John C. Reilly, and that's just for starters. 

 

And now for something a LOT lighter!  This movie is so well done, so hilarious, and so very British.  We laugh just as hard watching it as we did the first time...and the second time...etc.  You will believe a chicken can fly...and has teeth. 

 

It seemed like every year the church from my childhood played this for a family fun night, and I went every single time.  It's a full-length Yogi Bear cartoon, with everything that implies.  It has some fun music; the song "St. Louis" rarely leaves my head, even after 50+ years. Every time I watch it, I'm a child again, drinking delicious orange drink.

 

While I will admit that the second one is probably the better movie, my heart belongs to the original meeting of Hiccup and Toothless.  The flying scenes are gorgeous and almost make you feel like you're flying with them.  The characters are well introduced quickly; not a lot of needless exposition.  Toothless reminds me of a cat I used to have...and, yes, I have a stuffed Toothless. 

 

This movie means the world to me.  I've collected unicorns for years - still do - and this is easily the best unicorn movie ever made, live action or animated.  The incredible voice cast all take their jobs seriously; you can feel all of the emotions the characters are supposed to feel just from their voices.  It also stays pretty close to the source material, using actual dialog from the book, almost word for word.  I also took half of my pen name (for when I write poetry) from this.  

 

I don't know about everything, but this movie certainly is awesome!  What could have come across as a crass commercialization of a popular toy instead has humor, heart, action, and an important lesson about "being special".  I'm not even bothered that one of my least favorite actors is in it. 

 

Who knew that one of the best portrayals of Jesus would be from a claymation, stop-motion character?  Yes, a liberty or two is taken to flesh out the story, but it's pretty scripturally sound.  The attention to detail is amazing; crowd shots are done character by character.  They also mix in a bit of hand-drawn animation for things like memories and dream sequences; I don't think that the healing of Mary Magdalene would have been as powerful with the stop-motion.  A strong recommendation for Easter viewing for the whole family.

 

This movie takes a few more liberties with the Biblical story of Moses; however, the filmmakers consulted 300-600 religious scholars (Jewish, Christian, and Islamic), Egyptologists, and historians for historical and theological accuracy.  The animation is gorgeous; the crossing of the Red Sea is something you'll never forget.  The music - including the Academy Award-winning "When You Believe" - is practically Broadway worthy, and you won't get sick of hearing them.

 

I'm not a movie snob: I like what I like.  I just happened to notice that this movie is the only one in this section that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Picture...and it deserved it.  When they say that this is like a moving comic book, they're not kidding.  There is also a number of different animation styles, usually within the same scenes!  And the scene that the poster shows is probably one of my favorite animated sequences of all time. 

 

As a child, I watched this almost every time it came on TV.  Unfortunately, since I was usually the only one who wanted to, I'd have to watch it on my parents' bedroom black-and-white TV.  I loved the story, the music, and the wacky characters from Glove to Jeremy Hillary Boob, PhD. When I finally got to see it in color, I was blown away!  It's still fresh every time I watch it.

Honorable Mentions:  Coraline, Heavy Metal, The Iron Giant.

Animated Movies, Part 2: Pixar

 

 

 

 Welcome to Part 2: Pixar!

Pixar's first Princess, Merida lives up to the title of the movie.  She's a girl who knows her mind, knows what she wants, and is unfortunately tied to tradition.  Her solo adventure, riding her (gorgeously rendered) horse while shooting arrows, is the stuff of legend.  I also hold dear movies about mothers and daughters (having daughters and, well, being a daughter).  Here, we have a mother and daughter duo who are so busy disagreeing that it takes a catastrophe for them to realize how much they actually not only love each other, but LIKE each other.

 

This family loves NASCAR.  Our older daughter has loved it practically since birth.  This is why we knew that this would be the perfect First Theatre movie for her.  There are some great lessons about true teamwork, selflessness, and keeping one's word.  The attention to detail (the "marbles"!) is wonderful.  You get to really know and love the residents of Radiator Springs, and there are also some fun voice cameos.

 

THIS is the sequel that Cars fans needed and wanted!  It carried on the heart of the first one, only now with the former cocky rookie becoming the wise mentor, but not without some serious speed bumps.  This one gives something to long-time NASCAR fans, touching upon the history of the sport, with voice cameos both from the storied past and the current field. 

 

Mental health is a big, important topic these days.  This movie covers the topic with sensitivity, authenticity, warmth and humor.  The personifications of the emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear fit perfectly, and the clever ways they come up with certain mental issues - the confusion between facts and opinions, dreams, "earworms", etc. - are nothing short of brilliant.

 

Little Riley is growing up, hitting puberty, and her emotions are growing with her; however, it is not smooth sailing!  Joining the original 5 are Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment (and, to a lesser, hilarious extent, Nostalgia).  Once again, the topic of mental health is handled delicately, but realistically.

 

This one covers a number of pretty heavy subjects: death, coma, lost dreams, ambition, finding your place in the world, to name a few.  Some of the humor was lost on me, but the music more than made up for it.  I love jazz, and the soundtrack is phenomenal.

 

Toy Story 3 is my favorite of the Toy Story franchise (although as of this writing I have not yet seen 5).  Part of the reason is that I first saw it the day my husband came home from the hospital after almost dying.  The movie is very emotional to begin with!  However, those emotions are earned.  If you were a child when the first one came out, then it'll hit you where you live; if you were an adult, it'll fill you with nostalgia (and possibly make you look at your own children differently).

 

This one ranks among the very top of my favorites.  This is another complicated mother/daughter relationship movie, but this one hits deeper and harder for me.  All I'll say about that is...I wish I could have watched it with my mother back in the day.  The fun anime-reminiscent stylings, the infectious joy of the girls' friendships, an unforgettable boy band, all join together for a fun-filled, girl-power (but boys should see it too) movie.

 

This one is also among my very top.  The opening alone makes a great, emotional movie with only the strains of the score "Married Life" playing.  The rest of the movie is a fun and exciting adventure.  Dreams fulfilled and dreams deferred, what makes a family, and dangerous obsession are some of the themes, all accompanied by an old man, a young boy, a colorful bird, and a "talking" dog. 

 

...and speaking of minimal dialog, this movie conveys thoughts, feelings, emotions, and ideas with as little dialog as possible.  However, among the sci-fi, the space travel, the robots, and the futuristic dystopia is nestled a sweet love story between two beings who have little in common but learn to see beyond those, and learn to work together for the common good.  This one also has my all-time favorite line from any Pixar movie: "I don't want to survive!  I want to live!"  (It's also funny that the last 3 listed here all rank within my top 3.)

Honorable mentions:   Good Dinosaur, Onward, Toy Story. 

Animated Movies, Part 1: Disney

  

 

I love animated movies.  While I love movies in general, animated ones hold a special place in my heart.  Everything from ones made for children to the likes of "Fritz the Cat" (look it up) and everything in between.  Some I watch for entertainment, some for nostalgia, some for comfort.  I will NEVER outgrow them!

 I decided to come up with a 4-part series of my personal favorites, dividing animated movies into 4 categories.  I could narrow it down even more, but decided to keep it simple.  I'm also listing each in alphabetical order

 I'll start here with Part 1: Disney

 

From early childhood and for years following, this was one of my Top 3; it remains in my Top 10.  I've always loved cats - my childhood nickname is Kitty - so this was right up my alley.  The animation is stunning.  Dutchess is so beautiful and refined, but done with warmth.  The kittens are truly siblings, alternately fighting and having each other's backs.  O'Malley had incredible character growth throughout the film.  And the music is swinging! 

 

Bambi was one of the first Disney VHS tapes I got; it was a gift from my father-in-law.  The backgrounds and the scenery are so gorgeous that my daughters were surprised that they weren't done by computer.  While some of the thematic devices are pretty intense (never mind Bambi's mother...let's discuss those birds in the grass!) but there are enough scenes of tenderness, warmth and humor to balance it all out.  Everyone needs a friend like Thumper.

This has got to be one of the funniest, craziest, silliest movies ever made, and it's all the better for it.  While the entire cast is top-notch, Eartha Kitt shines as Yzma. There aren't a lot of dark parts in this, but there are a few scenes of sweetness and heart...but it's mostly non-stop laughs.  Just don't pull the wrong lever!

 

Like with the previous movie, Hercules has tons of humor, with James Woods being a particular stand-out as the fast-talking Hades.  However, the soundtrack does a lot of the heavy lifting here: from gospel to doo-wop, every song is a banger.

 

And now for something completely different.  Dark, haunting, intense...it's pretty wild even with the traditional Disney softening of the origin story.  Thankfully, the gargoyles help to add humor and light. It's easy to love the underdog Quasimodo, and just as easy to fear and despise Judge Claude Frollo.  This one holds a special place in my heart, not the least reason being the song "God Help the Outcasts".

 

I openly admit that this is, was, and quite possibly always will be, my favorite.  So many iconic scenes.  So many lovable characters.  A delightful mix of light and dark, sometimes simultaneously (like the pound scene).  I also confess that Lady is one of the reasons I have long hair.

 

The third of my childhood Top 3.  I still remember going to see this in the theatre.  I had a Dalmatian coat that I wore, and I had my little stuffed Dalmatian puppy sitting by the door, waiting for me to come home and tell him all about it.  Not a slow moment, with a real sense of peril.  There is a reason Cruella DeVil is considered one of the most evil Disney villains of all time.

 

This one will always hold a special place in my heart; it was the first movie where I got to "take" my little brother, just the two of us.  Shy, slightly nerdy Bernard and brave, sophisticated, glamorous Miss Bianca make you wish that there was a REAL Rescue Aid Society.  Madame Medusa (a "distant cousin" of Cruella's?) is as cold and cruel as they come, and little Penny isn't afraid to do her share & not sit idly by.

 

I don't mean to leave off the more contemporary stuff!  This coming-of-age movie is a blast right from the beginning.  Modern sensibilities with an old-fashioned aesthetic, great music, fun sidekicks, a not-so-charming not-so-prince, and a vain and evil villain who defines the word "gaslighting".

 

For the 100th anniversary of Disney Animation, they went all out on this one.  I don't understand why a lot of people didn't care for it; I LOVE it!  Tons of Easter Eggs that take more than one viewing to catch all of them.  An extremely diverse cast (my daughter loves that one of Asha's best friends needs a crutch).  The best music to come out in a while. You don't want to know how many times I've already watched it, and it hasn't even been out for 3 years as of this writing.

 Honorable Mentions:  Big Hero 6, Raya & the Last Dragon, Zootopia.

Off the Beaten Path - New Music

Music has always been important to me, and I like most styles of music.  While I'm not exactly afraid of discovering a new band or listening to recommendations, I do tend to play it safe.

It's no secret that I am not anyone important in the music industry.  I'm just a person who likes music.

So...why have I become a new music magnet?

I also enjoy social media.  Cat videos, the latest on the current Olympics, keeping in touch with friends and family, memes, jokes, prayers...I like these.  Sure, there is a lot that I don't enjoy - I despise political posts on EITHER side - but for the most part I'm in.  I don't post a lot, but I'm there.

However, lately I've been discovering new music in an interesting way: these low-key artists have been seeking me out!  I'm touched and honored to follow these artists, as each of them has caught my ear with their innovation, originality, and style.  So, since there is not a lot I CAN do for them, I CAN spread the word.  Here are a few of my favorites, in no particular order.

 

Matt Jaffe

Matt has actually been around for a while, having been discovered by Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads while in his teens.  His voice has a high and ethereal sound, while his guitar playing can also seem not of this world, although you can hear some of his influences (one song has a slight Beatles-esque feel).  His lyrics are fun and catchy, sometimes being influenced by some of his favorite books, like John Irving.

Favorite track so far – Voodoo Doll

 

Matt Steady

Another Matt.  While they may have the same first name, Mr. Steady's music is completely different.  His influences run more towards prog rock and celtic.  His voice is rough (in the best way possible), suitable to his fantasy and sea shanty turns...but his instrumentals are not to be sold short!  His guitar playing is soulful and strong; you can lose yourself in their power.  However, he's harder to find...but so worth the search. 

Favorite track so far – Here Be Dragons

Fuzzwahh 

This band is the newest one I've been introduced to...literally just the other day!  Their music is the unbelievable combination of psychedelic, blues, rock, a touch of jazz...all blending together to what can best be described as an experience.  Their first full-length album isn't out just yet, but I've already got it reserved on Spotify.

Favorite track so far – Fuzzwahh 

Tigirlily Gold 

Here is another fairly new one, just discovered by me last week.  These sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh have a sweet modern country style that's not too twangy and not too pop-y.  These are also girls who know how to have fun: the title song of their first album is pretty much an ode to hair coloring!  (Well, a bit more than that, but...)

Favorite track so far – Hometown Song

Thomas Kavanagh 

Thomas is a UK country/pop artist.  He is a songwriter with vocals that are strong with a romantic tone.  He's been around since 2016 and has had some successful EPs released.  A couple of his songs have also been played in the UK TV series, "All About Casey".

Favorite track so far – All For Nothing

Alexis Taylor 

Alexis is originally from Canada, and her style varies around soft rock, pop, and country.  Her voice is strong and sweet.  She released a version of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" that I truly enjoy...and y'all know what a huge Mac & Stevie Nicks fan I am!

Favorite track so far – Room Service

Teea Goans

I know, I know...Anyone who knows me knows that I have been following Teea for years, and I found her the old-fashioned way: I caught her music video for "Letter From God".  However, she has recently added a new dimension to her talents and has become an incredible songwriter!  Her 5th album, "All Over the Map" is her songwriting debut...and her writing is beautiful.  She still has her Traditional Country sound - don't mess with a good thing - but these songs, co-written by Jim "Moose" Brown, are fresh, lyrically sound, and her voice is still as gorgeous as ever.

Favorite tracks so far – Letter From God & Untangled

I strongly recommend giving these artists a listen.  Most of them are available on Spotify, except for Matt Steady, who is on Bandcamp.  (Also, if you contact him, he'll send you a free CD!)