This year has been an amazing one for theatrical anime releases. And though it was tough, here are my choices for the top five I saw.
*Note: Entries are listed in alphabetical order.
Image source: 「フラグタイム」アニメ公式 / Fragtime Anime Official
Fragtime
Genre: Lesbian Romance, Sci-Fi
Studio: tear-studio
Non-spoiler plot summary: Misuzu is almost a non-entity as far as school goes. She sits quietly in class, reads books, and hopes not to be noticed. She also has the ability to freeze time for three minutes–a power she uses mostly to escape from awkward social situations. However, one day, when time is frozen, she decides to peek under the skirt of Haruka, the most popular girl in class–only for Haruka to become unfrozen like Misuzu herself. Now whenever Misuzu freezes time, she and Haruka are free to do as they please in the fragment of time that belongs to just the two of them.
Why you should watch it: Even though it has a sci-fi premise, Fragtime is more about dealing with social anxiety than anything else. Misuzu is so afraid that people might come to hate her that she shuns any and all social contact. But that doesn’t stop her from dreaming of a world where she could have a friendship–or even a romantic relationship.
As for Haruka, there is far more to her than meets the eye. While she appears to be a manic pixie dream girl on the surface, she is actually far more like Misuzu than anyone would suspect. And that’s what ties the two together: the fact that both want to be who they truly are on the inside without worrying about the harsh judgment of high school society–i.e., something that’s only possible in their little time-stopped world.
Watch it if you like: Bloom into You, Citrus, Sakura Trick
Where to watch: Japanese theaters. (It has been licensed for a US release by Sentai Filmworks.)
Image source: 映画『プロメア』大ヒット上映中！ on Twitter
Promare
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Fire Fighting, Sci-Fi
Studio: Trigger
Non-spoiler plot summary: The world as we know it ended on the day when people across the globe began spontaneously combusting–turning into pyrokinetic monsters known as the “Burnish.” Now, a decade later, the firefighting team Burning Rescue protects humanity’s last city from the ever-present threat of the Burnish terrorist group “Mad Burnish.”
Why you should watch it: While Promare appears to be a simple good versus evil story at the start, it’s more complex than that. It’s a story about the evils of fear, prejudice, and greed–and learning to overcome them. It’s also a story about two very attractive young men in a rivalry that dances the line between homoerotic “subtext” and simply “text”–which I’m sure some of you will be happy to hear.
At the same time, it’s one of the most visually stunning anime ever made. With a bright fluorescent color pallet, unique visual design, and great use of 3D animation, there’s nothing out there quite like it. It’s also 100% over-the-top in everything from the story to the action. But then again, what else would you expect from the creative pair behind modern anime classics Kill la Kill and Gurren Lagann.
Watch it if you like: Kill la Kill, Gurren Lagann
Where to watch: Nowhere at the moment. (It has been licensed for a US release by GKIDS.)
Image source: アニメ「青春ブタ野郎」シリーズ公式 on Twitter
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl
Genre: Romance, Time Travel
Studio: CloverWorks
Non-spoiler plot summary: Sakuta has spent the better part of a year dealing with the strange supernatural events affecting those around him. From a TV star who no one but Sakuta could see to a friend who found herself split into two different people, it’s been an adventure, to say the least. But now Sakuta must deal with one final mystery: why one middle school girl shares the name of the high school girl who saved Sakuta from his own personal despair. And little does Sakuta know that this time, no happy ending will come without great sacrifice.
Why you should watch it: If there was one weakness in the TV anime Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, it was that it ended before everything was resolved. This movie fixes that. It ties the whole story together into one emotional ride And, best of all, it doesn’t simply give our heroes a perfect happy ending. Instead, they must choose for themselves what a happy end actually is and what they are willing to give up to obtain it.
Watch it if you like: Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, The Monogatari Series
Where to watch: Nowhere at the moment. (It has been licensed for a US release by Aniplex USA and Funimation.)
Image source: 「ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン」公式 on Twitter
Violet Evergarden Side Story: Eternity and the Auto Memories Doll
Genre: Slice-of-life, Clockpunk
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Non-spoiler plot summary: Former child soldier and bilateral amputee Violet Evergarden has found a new life for herself ghostwriting letters and manuscripts for rich and poor alike. In the process, she has learned about the emotions that were locked deep inside her heart–the feelings she never knew she had until it was too late.
Emboldened by her personal growth, she now finds herself working not as a ghostwriter but a lady in waiting to Amy, a noble girl attending a finishing school for young ladies. However, Amy is rough and crude–not at all what you’d expect from a noble–and it’s Violet’s job to get her up to snuff within three months. However, to do this she must not only train Amy but work to heal the wound in her heart.
Why you should watch it: Kyoto Animation is well known for their vibrant, utterly beautiful animation and Eternity and the Auto Memories Doll is no exception. Add to this a wonderful story about love, loss, and learning to deal with the consequences of your actions, and you get a film that is well worth watching. Then there is the fact that this movie is actually two stories in one.
The film’s second half is set three years later and follows a 10-year old girl who seeks out Violet, hoping to become a postman. This puts Violet–and the rest of the post office staff–in the role of parents to this young child, caring for her physically and emotionally as she reaches for her dream. At the same time, it shows in a very real way how much of an effect their jobs have on the lives of those they meet–no matter how briefly.
Watch it if you like: Violet Evergarden, A Silent Voice
Where to watch: Nowhere at the moment. (Though as the original series was partially funded by Netflix…)
Image source: 東宝MOVIEチャンネル on YouTube
Weathering with You
Genre: Modern Fantasy, Romance
Studio: CoMix Wave Films
Non-spoiler plot summary: After running away from home, high school freshman Hodaka finds himself in Tokyo during an odd season of non-stop rain. However, he soon meets Hina, a young woman with the power to stop the rain and bring out the sun in a localized area just by praying. Soon the two start their own business, selling clear skies to the rich and poor alike. But it is then that the pair learn there is a price for every action–be that in the realm of men or the realm of the gods.
Why you should watch it: Weathering with You is a beautiful, emotional coming-of-age love story. But more than that, it’s a story about dealing with loss. All the characters in the film have lost someone dear to them–and are on the edge of losing even more. Whether they know it or not, it is this hole in their lives that draws them all together. And while they’ll never get their loved ones back, they may be able to make a new family among those who truly understand their pain.
Add to this amazing animation–complete with supernatural scenes and stunning colors–and you have a modern classic. In fact, in a world where Your Name. doesn’t exist, Weathering with You would be a game-changer for theatrical anime. Unfortunately, as it stands, it will have to settle for being the most popular film in Japan for 2019.
Watch it if you like: Your Name., Voices of a Distant Star
Where to watch: Nowhere at the moment. (It has been licensed for a US release by GKIDS.)
Top image source: 映画『プロメア』大ヒット上映中！ on Twitter
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