Popular Culture, Japanese Anime

Thanks to my students, I get exposed to much more popular culture than I ever have done so on my own. My experiences at A-Kon Anime festivals has made me appreciate why so many people are devoted to Japanese animation. I am deeply fascinated by history, and devote much of my free time to learning more about it.

What really caught my interest was a preview for "Final Fantasy VII." It seems that the technology for C.G.I. (computer generated graphics) is getting closer and closer to reality every year. The level of human facial expression in this trailer astonished me.

The great ancient themes of good versus evil also strikes a chord in Anime fans and myself even to this day.

For this reason, I better understand the kinship the fans have and I share.

I enjoy a film with a great storyline. I recently got to watch "Ninja Scroll". Here is the soul of this Anime movie for me.

The heroine, Kagero, reveals that it is true that she is literally poisonous to anyone who touches her.

The hero, Jubei, responds with "Is your heart filled with poison as well?" Kagero is angered by this, as it's obvious Jubei has touched a a nerve. Jubei adds:

"I hate those who think so little of their own worth." This scene goes far beyond any "cartoon" for children. This is a very adult topic.

The warrior that takes on evil at the risk of their own life to protect peace and goodness is common to some of my favorite classics, such as "Beowulf". Finally, there is an independent film about one of my favorite Viking sagas. I also pay attention to things my students are not always aware of! My Nordic (Viking) heritage calls to me from the ancient and forgotten times. While the sensibilities of Japan hold a deep interest for me, I have never forgotten who I am and who my people and culture are all about. You may notice that there are few, if any, cinematic or literary efforts that extoll evil as the zenith of human endeavor that were "blockbusters". The true way of mankind is justice, not lust for oppression or violence. The most sincere expression of the warrior and noble humans is self-sacrifice for the common good. It is not about greed, or petty cowardice. It's also not about being deceptive to get what you want for profit. Sincerity is one of the most treasured attributes of an enlightened human being. Lord Buddha, for example, has reminded us that if you are not part of the way of saving the world, then you are part of what creates the world's problems and downfall. This concept is not for the timid, but for those of us that worship courage and bravery. I have chosen this path, as have several of my best students. It is as it shall be, and as it will be.

While this film was shown at a recent film festival here in Austin, Texas, I was surprised to discover that it was already out on DVD. I went from one store to the next looking for a copy. I found one at a local department store, but it was in "full screen" format. I much prefer the "widescreen" version. At my last stop, a really nice sales clerk named Bekka (a very nice person, BTW) found me a copy. I watched this film and highly recommend it. Far from just the ancient saga, Beowulf and Grendel is updated for modern sensibilities. It had very Shakespeare - like qualities to it.

As more of my students let me borrow their DVD of various Anime, I'm rapidly becoming a big fan. On a Sunday morning, I watched "Blood: The Last Vampire". Set in the 1960's near an American Air Force base in Japan, the detail and artwork is fantastic! This is what I'd like to see more of in "Buffy; The Vampire Slayer". Here is the heroine about to do some dirty work.

Here's what happens when you get a cheap replica of a quality katana!

Without a doubt, one of my most favorite comedies is "Windy City Heat". I was always looking for this flick in the pathetic television guide offered in our local newspaper. There are many blogs and arguments concerning whether or not this "reality" film is genuine or not. I don't care! I spent years in many theater and drama schools, and I can say this is a film that any actor should see to make them a better person. I now own a DVD of this film, and I watched it over and over again. It just keeps getting funnier.