Anime Now June 20, 2008

A weekend celebrating the most accomplished anime or manga-inspired films to have emerged from Japan since our last round-up in 2006. Justin Johnson enthuses:

"While the international animation industry continues to plough untold resources into computer- generated animation, it is refreshing to see the Japanese striking an attainable balance between traditional 2D titles such as Paprika, Brave Story and 5 Centimetres per Second while still packing a punch with CG titles Vexille and Appleseed.

"Makoto Shinkai, who visited us in 2005 with Voices from a Distant Star, has more than fulfilled his early promise and proved himself a significant player in the anime world. By showing that anime can just as easily be something lyrical and poetic (and pertinent), rather than only having to touch on the fantastic and futuristic, he has brought a whole new audience to the genre. We look forward to welcoming him back to the BFI to talk about his career to date."

Films:
5 Centimetres per Second + Makoto Shinkai in Conversation
Appleseed: Ex Machina
Death Note
Preview: Death Note 2
Preview: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Paprika
The Place Promised in Our Early Days
Tekkonkinkreet
Vexille

Official Website: http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/film_programme/june_seasons/anime_now