Anime is not a genre, but a name given to a wide breadth of animation made in Japan. Many people are die-hard fans, whilst others have preconceptions that it ‘isn’t for them’, despite their open mindedness to other types of film. With our Ani-May Marathon on Saturday 23 May, we’ve curated 5 unmissable anime films from across the medium’s modern era. From bonafide cult classics to hidden gems, these films represent a small part of the spectrum of what you can expect to find under the banner of “anime”, outside of the most obvious titles. Tickets are available as individuals to pick-and-mix as well as a day pass, for whatever combination suits you. So – let me tell you more about the programme we have in store:
The day kicks off with the 10-year anniversary of Naoko Yamada’s A Silent Voice. Despite what many think, anime isn’t all about sci-fi and fantasy. A heart wrenching coming-of-age story, Yamada’s film has the emotional depth of any live action film. The film follows Shōko Nishimiya – a deaf teenager - through her high school years as she endures bullying by rowdy teen boy Shōya Ishida. The film explores the emotional damage of the bullying and discrimination, as well as our human ability to grow, change, and forgive. Naoko Yamada is one of the anime industries few high-profile women directors, and this film shows her work at the height of her craft; perfect for the anime sceptic who enjoys dramas like Sound of Metal or Kore-eda's Monster.
Following on is another coming-of-age tale, this time from cult favourite filmmaker Shunji Iwai (All About Lily Chou-Chou – which screened at Showroom last year to an enraptured crowd). Much like his live-action films, the experimental, rotoscoped, Case of Hana and Alice is a film which explores the inner worlds of disillusioned teenagers – in this case, new student Alice befriends a mysterious classmate. Both of the initial titles of the day fall into the category of “slice-of-life", a particular favourite among Japanese filmmakers (animated and otherwise), which focus much more on day-to-day realities and character development than dramatic story arcs – a direct contrast to explosive images that anime brings to mind for many in the West. Think Lady Bird or Ghost World.
But these stereotypes of anime are not without truth – as the third film of the day, Paprika, demonstrates. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Paprika is the final film by the late, great Japanese animator, Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers). This wild and psychedelic film is said to be an inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s Inception, sending the audience spiralling through multiple dream worlds in a colourful explosion of action – a perfect entry point for brand new anime fans who want to see one of the best of all time on the big screen.
Finally, the day is rounded off by two television adaptations – a common origin story for anime films, particularly in the past 30 years. Firstly, the 25th anniversary of ”space Western” Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, takes us on a genre-bending journey to mars, also blending musical genres in its now iconic Jazz-fusion soundtrack by Yoko Kanna and her band, Seatbelts.
We conclude the day with the ultimate classic – regarded as one of the best animated films of all time – Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion. Evangelion is often considered the starting point of the modern era of anime – bringing us full circle to the start of our journey. Whilst you may benefit from doing your TV homework in advance, each of the final films is still a sci-fi masterpiece regardless of your familiarity with the source material.
Whilst there’s so much more to explore (don’t worry, more Ghibli will be on screen soon!) this Ani-May Day Marathon is designed to give you a big screen anime starter pack to remember on this Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Think anime isn’t for you? Think again!
Paternoster Row, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2BX
Bike racks, nearby tram parking, tram and bus access
