15. "Tales From Earthsea" directed by Goro Miyazaki (Walt Disney Pictures, 2010 in the US)

DVD (ages 12+)

Brief Description: The light is fading, balance between the world of the living and the dead has been lost, and the world is out of sync. A young prince named Arren murders his father and takes his sword, and becomes a vagabond who meets with an Archmage named Sparrowhawk. Together they travel to the city of Hortown where Lord Cob wants to challenge Sparrowhawk and prove he has achieved eternal life. They stay on the outskirts of the city with Sparrowhawk's friend Tenar who is watching over a young girl named Therru. The showdown between the two magicians doesn't occur as Sparrowhawk's powers are negated when he enters Lord Cob's castle. The ultimate battle between good and evil occurs between Lord Cob and the two kids. In a frightening and powerful climax, the viewer learns whether or not eternal life is desirable after all.

Awards: In Japan, the movie was awarded "Worst Movie" in Bunshun's Raspberry Awards; Goro Miyazaki won "worst director."

Personal Opinion: I found the film mystifying, violent, and strange. I thought the visual elements of the film were fantastic - the sweeping landscapes and detail in nature, but the story was bizarre and quite frightening in the end. I hadn't realized how poorly the Japanese movie market received the film before viewing it, or I wouldn't have selected it for my project! I liked the character of Tenar, and thought Timothy Dalton did a good voice for Sparrowhawk, but Prince Arren was too bizarre to appreciate, at least for me, in his rage moments and his kindness. I never really understood his motives for murdering his father. Too many loose ends, too much violence and frightening images made this an unpleasant movie experience. Not jumping to recommend to anyone but those who are enchanted with anime and want to compare Goyo's work to his father's. I had such high expectations after seeing all the work that Hayao Miyazaki has done...

Programming/Curriculum: I would compare the two Miyazaki styles using this film and either "Nausicca of the Valley of the Wind" or "Princess Mononoke" which both have a more violent edge - to see how the styles of the two directors differ. Also, an anime festival might include this film along with a discussion over refreshments.

8. "Flipped" directed by Rob Reiner (Warner Home Video, 2010)

DVD (ages 10-14)

Brief Description: In this 1950’s coming of age story, two neighbors, Julie and Bryce, discover one another through a series of difficult situations including misrepresentations and deceit; despite this awkward beginning, they eventually find friendship.

Awards: Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award

Personal Opinion: This film had such potential, but it fell flat for me. It was difficult to come to like Bryce as he was shallow and deceitful. Julie was described as iridescent, and she did have qualities that showed this, but her personality fell short as well. I found myself rolling my eyes as one lie after another was revealed and the roller coaster ride of their relationship found me just wanting to depart the ride all together. The strongest character was Bryce’s dad who was harsh and cruel, and it seemed we were to feel sorry for him when we discovered that his regrets formed the background for his cruelty, but this just didn’t work. Bryce’s grandfather was beautifully drawn and charismatic; he was the only character I truly came to care about.

Programming Idea: It may work to include this film in a World War II unit, although the primary focus of the movie is relationship driven, but it does provide a nice setting for the time period.

3. "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" directed by Mamoru Hosoda (Bandai Entertainment, 2008)

DVD (Ages 13+)

Brief Description: Main character and high school girl Matsuko accidentally acquires the ability to go back in time, but when she begins to change the past to her advantage, she realizes too late that others may have to suffer for her selfishness.

Awards: Gertie Award for the best animated feature film at the thirty-ninth Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia. It won the Animation Grand Award, given to the year's most entertaining animated film, at the prestigious sixty-first Annual Mainichi Film Awards. It was also awarded the first annual Animation of the Year prize at the thirtieth Japan Academy Prize. (information derived from Wikipedia)

Personal Opinon: While I enjoyed this film, I found it inferior to those of Hayao Miyazaki and his work with Studio Gibli. I'm no expert in anime, but I thought the images and movements were quite stiff. The story was interesting, and it is always enjoyable for me to see Japanese culture through these unusual and refreshing films. With that said, I found Matsuko very believable and did empathize with her plight. She learns a hard lesson about selfishness, but the film still ends on a hopeful note. I didn't see the twist coming, so was delightfully surprised to learn that Chiaki was from the future. All the pieces of the film fit together nicely.

Programming: This film could be part of an anime film festival, or might be shown before a manga drawing class. Beginning a manga film and book club would be fun as well.