Postby Jeikobu » Thu Aug 25, 2005 1:25 pm
My top 10:
1. Pocket Monsters: Mewtwo Strikes Back (if you've seen it dubbed, then you haven't gotten the full experience. If possible, see it in Japanese, evened raw is better than dub. This movie is very incredible. It's a great story of one (Mewtwo) who was brought into the world not knowing why he was made and desiring to know his true purpose in life. When he is treated as a simple experiment, he destroys his makers and seeks to find his purpose in life. In the dub, Mewtwo is made out to be more of a villainous monster seeking world domination. In the Japanese version, however, you can sympathize with him, and he is much more understandable. Also, there are very strong themes of love and the horrible results of war and mindless fighting. It really cut me at the heart, and the finale scene [SPOILER]where Satoshi dies to stop the fighting[/SPOILER] is my favorite scene of any movie, and is just so incredible, and I also found it quite symbolic of Christ, whether it was intended or not. [SPOILER]I always found it strange to think that it was simply the Pokemon's tears that brought Satoshi back to life. Notice when Satoshi is being revived, there is a great, bright light from the sky surrounding the entire area? That seemed more than coincidence to me.[/SPOILER] I highly recommend this film to anyone and everyone)
2. The Lion King (A childhood film and Disney's greatest masterpiece, IMO. One of the most touching and moving films I've ever seen. The animation, the characters, the story, the music, everything is incredible. Another movie I highly recommend to everyone. Also another one that I saw alot of Christian symbolism in)
3. The Last Samurai (a very close 3rd, possible my 2nd favorite film ever, but competition is ever so fierce. ^^; It's amazing, an American film is actually portraying the beauty of the Japanese people and culture, rather than making them the heartless villains for the millionth time. But more than that, this movie is just an instant masterpiece in itself. If it weren't for LOTR: ROTK, this should've won the Best Picture Oscar hands down. It is a very beautiful, exciting, moving, and sad movie. It can't be described, you have to see it yourself. Watanabe Ken, my favorite actor, gives a performance worthy of the Best Actor Oscar. This is also the one movie I've liked Tom Cruise in. This movie I suppose really grabs me because of my heart for Japan. But even if you aren't like me in that area, see this, you won't be disappointed)
4. Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies) (not a movie I'd watch often at all, as it is very depressing. It will warm your heart, then smash it. But it's one of the greatest films I've ever seen, and one of the most important as well. It clearly shows the horrible effects that war has. It's a movie everyone should see, but get a tissue box ready)
5. Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away) (a close 5th. This is an instant masterpiece, easily one of the top 5 animated films of all time. This film is a magical world, and another everyone should see. It didn't win Best Animated Picture for nothing, not to mention being the all time top grossing film in Japan. The animation is some of the best I've ever seen. There's so much detail in every frame you'll probably never notice it all no matter how many times you see it. The backgrounds look like they came out of an artist's painting. The detail and quality is remarkable. The music is also excellent, I listened to the soundtrack more than twice in a row, start to finish once and I never got sick of it. The characters are also very deep, and you really get into them. Miyazaki is a master of both animation and story-telling. It's always interesting the whole way, and teaches some very valuable lessons. A must see)
6. Kaze no Tani no Naushika (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind) (another animated masterpiece, and though it was made 21 years ago, it still looks stunning even now. An excellent epic tale, spectacular in all aspects. And though it was not intended by Miyazaki, the ending can easily be taken as a symbolism of Christ)
7. The Prince of Egypt (the best Biblical film I've ever seen. The animation is incredible, and Hans Zimmer delivers yet another breathtaking score. It's also very true in most respects to the story of Moses. And some of the scenes, particularly the burning bush and sea parting scenes, are moving, strengthening, and unforgettable)
8. Jurassic Park (a childhood film for me. This is both a milestone and a masterpiece amongst films. This gave birth to the modern day visual effects. It's still some the best CG I've ever seen, in fact the only films I might say surpass it are the LOTR films. The dinosaurs live and breath. They look as real as anything else in the movie. This movie is also filled with suspense, drama, and action, both fast and slowed paced. This one will never get old. It's simply spectacular to see probably the closest thing we'll ever have to real dinosaurs. This movie was done perfectly)
9. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (more than worthy of the many awards it received. An instant masterpiece. I cannot give this movie enough credit. The characters are spectacular, the story is one of the best ever, and the music, visual effects, and everything else are incredible. This brings one of the all time great epic tales to a close, and what a finish it is. And of course, my favorite thing about LOTR is the many intended Christian symbolisms)
10. Sennen Joyu (Millennium Actress) (I expected a great film but I got even more. This is a great tale of the emotional and moving life of a Japanese actress. The story is very deep and continues to get more and more interesting. You always wonder what will happen next. This film was done beautifully)