Comments on: The String Cuts Deeper than the Blade http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58 New Words, New Worlds Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:24:25 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: L http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-11445 L Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:13:06 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-11445 You make me long for an intelligent conversation, though I believe I'm a few years beyond the point of return in regards to cranial activity. Blame what you will for it: the pressure of society, the stripping of freedom and youth, stereotyping and segregation...forced conformity that rapes your imagination and leaves your beloved muse lying dead and broken upon the floor. I'm happy to know there are people like you still out there, letting it all sink in, seeing with eyes unclouded. It reminds me of what Einstein said, that energy exists forever, perhaps changing shape and context, but something infinite and never-ending. I like to think the passions and dreams I once held are much the same, that--even though they are no longer within me -- they have moved on and found better, more worthy outlets. I found this blog because I was just picking up where I left off in Samurai Champloo. I was researching Ainu and Okuru's instrument which you have a picture of at the beginning of this entry. I enjoyed this entry greatly, and I will no doubt read more when the mood strikes. Thanks for making me pause. You make me long for an intelligent conversation, though I believe I’m a few years beyond the point of return in regards to cranial activity. Blame what you will for it: the pressure of society, the stripping of freedom and youth, stereotyping and segregation…forced conformity that rapes your imagination and leaves your beloved muse lying dead and broken upon the floor.

I’m happy to know there are people like you still out there, letting it all sink in, seeing with eyes unclouded. It reminds me of what Einstein said, that energy exists forever, perhaps changing shape and context, but something infinite and never-ending. I like to think the passions and dreams I once held are much the same, that–even though they are no longer within me — they have moved on and found better, more worthy outlets.

I found this blog because I was just picking up where I left off in Samurai Champloo. I was researching Ainu and Okuru’s instrument which you have a picture of at the beginning of this entry. I enjoyed this entry greatly, and I will no doubt read more when the mood strikes.

Thanks for making me pause.

]]> By: Marie http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-1481 Marie Fri, 21 Sep 2007 02:04:45 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-1481 I am not a great aficionado of nor an expert in Japanese anime but like this genre of films. Most of the comments already posted on this blog indicate that the majority of you have seen and critiqued a fair number very knowledgeably so I will only express a simple view of those I have enjoyed. Of course, as usual, I will be showing my age and this is becoming depressingly evident. I saw my first animated series in the mid 60s when a close friend in our Railroad Society (a great collector of Japanese animation and film) presented me with the first 30 of the 52 episodes of Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) created by Osamu Tezuka. They were generally grainy Beta tape reproductions in Japanese with English sub-titles. I was immediately captivated by this little robot boy created by an anguished father hoping to replace his lost son. It was not to be because human children grow and appreciate the natural world whereas an artificially built imitation proved unresponsive. Astro Boy's trials and triumphs were well displayed from his stint in the circus where he was sold to being the nation's defender against evil. The series explored issues of morality, responsibility, racism, prejudice, true heroism, and loss. These issues were a trademark of Osamu Tezuka because much of his stories had messages about equality and peace as well. Incidentally, Astro Boy is in production for release in 2009 with director Colin Brady of Lemony Snicket and Toy Story fame. Although Tezuka the creator is one of the writers of the animated film, I cannot tell how well it will be reproduced for American consumption. Another example of his anime came out in the early 80s but only in the Wilmington/Philadelphia area and titled Kimba the White Lion. If you have seen Disney's "The Lion King" you will witness Kimba's tale on the Big Screen. A question of identity theft on the part of the Disney studios has been a source of controversy over the years. I drifted away from the anime scene until my friend introduced me to the adult venue of the "dark future science fiction romance". It led me to the Vampire Hunter D series created by Hideyuki Kikuchi. This is a very sophisticated horror film filled with bizarre imagery and exotic characters. The mood is so fully realized that it is easy to forget it is only a cartoon. Oh, yes there is definitely a shadowy side to this old bird. I have the English version but have seen the Japanese and completely concur that it is better to watch in the vernacular and read sub-titles. Finally, during a visit to Athena's home, I became ill with an intestinal disorder and while in the recovery stage, she suggested I watch one of her favorite anime movies. I was completely entranced by the wonderful "Howl's Moving Castle". I admired the stalwart courage and determination of Sophie, puzzled over the complex character of Howl from his cowardice in facing realities, his vanity and yet he still maintained a soft heart to those for whom he cared. How I laughed over the wise cracks spouted by Calcifer and cringed over the pomposity of the Witch of the Waste. I would have to see it a few more times to understand the complexities of the war and its ramifications to the story but still, after the last credits were scrolled through I sat back and sighed with a feeling of satisfaction. I can truly say that after watching, I not only felt better physically but also emotionally. This is about the extent of my journey into the world of anime. Although, the trip was brief and limited, I can now view the above mentioned titles and get a more in depth idea of the different ideals put forth by their creators. Thanks to you all for posting some great points and suggestions. Marie I am not a great aficionado of nor an expert in Japanese anime but like this genre of films. Most of the comments already posted on this blog indicate that the majority of you have seen and critiqued a fair number very knowledgeably so I will only express a simple view of those I have enjoyed.
Of course, as usual, I will be showing my age and this is becoming depressingly evident. I saw my first animated series in the mid 60s when a close friend in our Railroad Society (a great collector of Japanese animation and film) presented me with the first 30 of the 52 episodes of Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) created by Osamu Tezuka. They were generally grainy Beta tape reproductions in Japanese with English sub-titles. I was immediately captivated by this little robot boy created by an anguished father hoping to replace his lost son. It was not to be because human children grow and appreciate the natural world whereas an artificially built imitation proved unresponsive. Astro Boy’s trials and triumphs were well displayed from his stint in the circus where he was sold to being the nation’s defender against evil. The series explored issues of morality, responsibility, racism, prejudice, true heroism, and loss. These issues were a trademark of Osamu Tezuka because much of his stories had messages about equality and peace as well.
Incidentally, Astro Boy is in production for release in 2009 with director Colin Brady of Lemony Snicket and Toy Story fame. Although Tezuka the creator is one of the writers of the animated film, I cannot tell how well it will be reproduced for American consumption.
Another example of his anime came out in the early 80s but only in the Wilmington/Philadelphia area and titled Kimba the White Lion. If you have seen Disney’s “The Lion King” you will witness Kimba’s tale on the Big Screen. A question of identity theft on the part of the Disney studios has been a source of controversy over the years.
I drifted away from the anime scene until my friend introduced me to the adult venue of the “dark future science fiction romance”. It led me to the Vampire Hunter D series created by Hideyuki Kikuchi. This is a very sophisticated horror film filled with bizarre imagery and exotic characters. The mood is so fully realized that it is easy to forget it is only a cartoon. Oh, yes there is definitely a shadowy side to this old bird. I have the English version but have seen the Japanese and completely concur that it is better to watch in the vernacular and read sub-titles.
Finally, during a visit to Athena’s home, I became ill with an intestinal disorder and while in the recovery stage, she suggested I watch one of her favorite anime movies. I was completely entranced by the wonderful “Howl’s Moving Castle”. I admired the stalwart courage and determination of Sophie, puzzled over the complex character of Howl from his cowardice in facing realities, his vanity and yet he still maintained a soft heart to those for whom he cared. How I laughed over the wise cracks spouted by Calcifer and cringed over the pomposity of the Witch of the Waste. I would have to see it a few more times to understand the complexities of the war and its ramifications to the story but still, after the last credits were scrolled through I sat back and sighed with a feeling of satisfaction. I can truly say that after watching, I not only felt better physically but also emotionally.
This is about the extent of my journey into the world of anime. Although, the trip was brief and limited, I can now view the above mentioned titles and get a more in depth idea of the different ideals put forth by their creators.
Thanks to you all for posting some great points and suggestions.
Marie

]]> By: Athena http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-1391 Athena Sun, 16 Sep 2007 01:32:33 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-1391 I've noticed (and, needless to say, liked) your feisty heroines! (*smiles*) To some extent, Miyazaki's attitudes and obsessions are distilled in Princess Mononoke -- and within that, in the Forest Spirit/NIghtwalker. You are right, his range of vision (both technically and emotionally) is astounding.  A great pity he didn't get to do the Earthsea project. If he had, it would have been a triumph, like Jackson's LOTR. I’ve noticed (and, needless to say, liked) your feisty heroines! (*smiles*)

To some extent, Miyazaki’s attitudes and obsessions are distilled in Princess Mononoke — and within that, in the Forest Spirit/NIghtwalker. You are right, his range of vision (both technically and emotionally) is astounding.  A great pity he didn’t get to do the Earthsea project. If he had, it would have been a triumph, like Jackson’s LOTR.

]]> By: intrigued_scribe http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-1394 intrigued_scribe Sun, 16 Sep 2007 01:30:11 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-1394 I agree; that is an excellent observation! I never thought of the similarities between Star Wars and Princess Mononoke either, but the comparisons are highly fitting and wonderfully pointed out. Also, that makes three of us with like views concerning the Jedi... I agree; that is an excellent observation! I never thought of the similarities between Star Wars and Princess Mononoke either, but the comparisons are highly fitting and wonderfully pointed out. Also, that makes three of us with like views concerning the Jedi…

]]> By: Athena http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-1393 Athena Sun, 16 Sep 2007 01:17:45 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-1393 Calvin, that's an absolutely brilliant observation! I hadn't thought of it, but it makes perfect sense. In addition to the strong women, Princess Mononoke has something else that Star Wars preaches but conspicuously doesn't practise: the desire for fusion, lack of artificial boundaries, both within one's self and in the world. And, of course, from my Strange Horizons article you know how much I agree with you regarding Star Wars in general and the Jedi in particular... Calvin, that’s an absolutely brilliant observation! I hadn’t thought of it, but it makes perfect sense. In addition to the strong women, Princess Mononoke has something else that Star Wars preaches but conspicuously doesn’t practise: the desire for fusion, lack of artificial boundaries, both within one’s self and in the world.

And, of course, from my Strange Horizons article you know how much I agree with you regarding Star Wars in general and the Jedi in particular…

]]> By: Caliban http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-1392 Caliban Sun, 16 Sep 2007 01:01:52 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-1392 I've often thought, and said, that Princess Mononoke is the film that George Lucas was trying, and failing, to make. It has many of the elements of [i]Star Wars[/i] only much better done: the tension between spirit and technology; the young man as warrior forced on a journey of discovery, battling the darkness within himself; a mad emperor's quest for power and immortality. It goes beyond Lucas in that it has three strong yet ambiguous female characters; although it has much violence in it, it does not revel in violence but reacts against it. Miyazake is clear that violence is a poison that blackens everything; Lucas' Jedi may preach against violence, but they seem to take a great deal of pleasure in whacking off limbs and whatnot. I’ve often thought, and said, that Princess Mononoke is the film that George Lucas was trying, and failing, to make. It has many of the elements of [i]Star Wars[/i] only much better done: the tension between spirit and technology; the young man as warrior forced on a journey of discovery, battling the darkness within himself; a mad emperor’s quest for power and immortality. It goes beyond Lucas in that it has three strong yet ambiguous female characters; although it has much violence in it, it does not revel in violence but reacts against it. Miyazake is clear that violence is a poison that blackens everything; Lucas’ Jedi may preach against violence, but they seem to take a great deal of pleasure in whacking off limbs and whatnot.

]]> By: Caliban http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-1390 Caliban Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:06:55 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-1390 Although I've watched even less anime than Athena, I too am very fond of Miyazake's films such as Mononoke, Howl's Castle, and Spirited Away. Even his lesser anime sport many of the same themes that Athena touched upon. Particularly interesting, as she noted, is the lack of absolute good and evil. For example, the mistress of Irontown in Mononoke has a loyal cadre of lepers and former prostitutes who rightly feel rescued from terrible lives; on the other hand, Irontown has desolated the forest and all but declared war upon the animals and spirits that dwell within. I've realized I've writing a lot of spirited female characters, and in part I think I am channeling Miyazake's heroines. The sheer visual inventiveness of Miyazake--who is obsessed with flying machines, pigs, old women and young girls--is also just astounding, as is the emotional range, particularly in his later films (Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl's castle). Even his early films, such as the charming My Neighbor Totoro and the slightly wacky Porco Rosso (wherein a pig flies, and fights seaplane pirates and an obnoxious American) are far more satisfactory entertainment than most of the drivel in mainstream media. Although I’ve watched even less anime than Athena, I too am very fond of Miyazake’s films such as Mononoke, Howl’s Castle, and Spirited Away. Even his lesser anime sport many of the same themes that Athena touched upon. Particularly interesting, as she noted, is the lack of absolute good and evil. For example, the mistress of Irontown in Mononoke has a loyal cadre of lepers and former prostitutes who rightly feel rescued from terrible lives; on the other hand, Irontown has desolated the forest and all but declared war upon the animals and spirits that dwell within.

I’ve realized I’ve writing a lot of spirited female characters, and in part I think I am channeling Miyazake’s heroines.

The sheer visual inventiveness of Miyazake–who is obsessed with flying machines, pigs, old women and young girls–is also just astounding, as is the emotional range, particularly in his later films (Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl’s castle). Even his early films, such as the charming My Neighbor Totoro and the slightly wacky Porco Rosso (wherein a pig flies, and fights seaplane pirates and an obnoxious American) are far more satisfactory entertainment than most of the drivel in mainstream media.

]]> By: rocketscientist http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-1384 rocketscientist Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:35:06 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-1384 Athena, I love offering morsels for your muse to chew because what emerges is something that always sets me back on my heels. You know how much I like that. When you told me (unsolicited) how much you enjoyed Cowboy Bebop back when we first met, I knew I'd met a kindred soul. I knew you'd understand what I saw in Champloo, a series that didn't find that much welcome in it's own culture - largely because it pushed on every bounry - and is rather obscure in this one. Pretty much only the anime connoisseurs have even heard of it. Art is always like that though, isn't it? I was quite moved by how daring the creator, Watanabe Shinichiro, was with this - even the most episodic pieces were inspired imo. Anime is in a unique position in our culture today - at it's best it's the underground movement that inspires a generation. I hope it never becomes mainstream. (but that's me for ya) Your thoughts on how anime (the best - and there are more titles out there then the ones you mention - but those are without a doubt some of the very best) in general continues the mythic human arc are quite eloquent and I love hearing how your Aegean sensibilities evaluate things that brain simply says "Dude, it rocks!" LOL!!!!!! Athena, I love offering morsels for your muse to chew because what emerges is something that always sets me back on my heels.

You know how much I like that.

When you told me (unsolicited) how much you enjoyed Cowboy Bebop back when we first met, I knew I’d met a kindred soul. I knew you’d understand what I saw in Champloo, a series that didn’t find that much welcome in it’s own culture – largely because it pushed on every bounry – and is rather obscure in this one. Pretty much only the anime connoisseurs have even heard of it. Art is always like that though, isn’t it? I was quite moved by how daring the creator, Watanabe Shinichiro, was with this – even the most episodic pieces were inspired imo.

Anime is in a unique position in our culture today – at it’s best it’s the underground movement that inspires a generation. I hope it never becomes mainstream. (but that’s me for ya)

Your thoughts on how anime (the best – and there are more titles out there then the ones you mention – but those are without a doubt some of the very best) in general continues the mythic human arc are quite eloquent and I love hearing how your Aegean sensibilities evaluate things that brain simply says “Dude, it rocks!” LOL!!!!!!

]]> By: Athena http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-1386 Athena Sat, 15 Sep 2007 20:54:19 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-1386 I'm with you, Kathryn, I hope anime never becomes mainstream. It would be like an outlaw becoming a provincial governor (*shudders*). It does its best work hovering at the edges, attracting (and absorbing) the storms and winds of change. And one of its most vital tasks is the one you mentioned: to keep us connected with that Dark River of myth that runs beneath our lives, and nourishes us whether we're consciously aware of it or not. I’m with you, Kathryn, I hope anime never becomes mainstream. It would be like an outlaw becoming a provincial governor (*shudders*). It does its best work hovering at the edges, attracting (and absorbing) the storms and winds of change. And one of its most vital tasks is the one you mentioned: to keep us connected with that Dark River of myth that runs beneath our lives, and nourishes us whether we’re consciously aware of it or not.

]]> By: rocketscientist http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58&cpage=1#comment-1385 rocketscientist Sat, 15 Sep 2007 20:39:29 +0000 http://www.starshipnivan.com/blog/?p=58#comment-1385 'Scuse me: MY brain. :P (once and future typo queen) ‘Scuse me: MY brain. :P (once and future typo queen)

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