You can date the international rise of anme (the Japanese style animation largely derived from 'Manga' comic books) from two 1988 films: Hayao Miyazki's MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO and Katsuhiro Ôtomo's AKIRA. Seven years on, Mamoru Oshii sealed the deal with this futuristic semi-cyborg police thriller. And while some of the technical aspects inevitably show their age, the ideas & characters certainly hold up/hold their interest. Plus, feeling the sense of discovery and out-of-the-box strides of everyone involved in making this remain potent. Heck, you can even more-or-less follow the story, no guaranteed thing in the 'Manga' world, as semi-cyborg policewoman Tanaka and her mostly still-human partner track down the mysterious 'Puppet Master' who may be hacking into everyone's operational system . . . or something like that. Most endearing touch: Tanaka asking everyone she meets what percentage of cyborg-to-human they are. (She's like a house guest rudely wanting to know what your rent is.) But of course, you're not here for plot or character, or even some pretty interesting ideas*, but for the graphic design, city-scape, street signage and computer generated action. None of which disappoint. (NOTE: Re our Family Friendly label, prudish parents should be aware there's a fair amount of female cyborg nudity. Also, with so much info on screen, dubbed rather than Japanese w/subtitles is the way to go.)
READ ALL ABOUT IT/LINK: With cool graphic trimmings, here's a nifty overview on the Rise of ANIME from a recent NYTimes article. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/09/03/magazine/anime-manga-pokemon-demon-slayer-dragon-ball-z.html
SCREWY THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Look very closely at the lower-left corner of your screen, and you just might spot the Wachowskis furiously taking notes for THE MATRIX/'99.
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