My Top Ten by MaxJayJay: Most Favorite Hayao Miyazaki Works

Its that time of the month where I give my Top Ten on ANYTHING!





This month's theme of the month is one of the biggest highlights for Comic Con 09 is the new film by one of the greatest animators in history - Hayao Miyazaki's Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

If there is a huge inspiration for animating and storytelling, its Hayao Miyazaki. And man, I watched his films even before I learned the term "anime". The fact is that his films are not "anime", Miyazaki stated that. They are traditionally animated in the way Disney would have animated since the golden years and the fact they came from Japan. So no wonder he has been labeled as the "The Walt Disney of Japan".



With the legendary composer Joe Hisaishi at his side, Hayao Miyazaki have made some of the most beautiful and powerful animated films to ever screen in theaters. His movies are proof of the power of 2d animations, something that 3D animations could not replicate. So I present to you the Top Ten of my most favorite Hayao Miyazaki works.

Lets get on it shall we?

10.
"ON YOUR MARK" MUSIC VIDEO

Even though it is a music video, there is such a great narrative to the story. And again wonderful animation by Miyazaki.

9.
PORCO ROSSO



I don't think there is nothing else that makes the term "when pig can fly" come to reality other than this film. Its a fighter pilot that transformed into a pig man and fights sky pirates. Weird concept eh? I hope it didn't involved that swine flu...

8.
LAPUTA: CASTLE IN THE SKY

This is just a wonderful and ultimately satisfying adventure movie. Lots of interesting and lovely characters, many exciting action moments and a nice building mystery around the subject.

7.
HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE

Probably after Spirited Away, I think the pressure was on for Hayao Miyazaki to top it with this film. There are intentions that Miyazaki wanted to make a good animated film in his own way, not having the idea of surpassing Spirited Away. It is still a very charming movie with many magical moments. And hell, this Miyazaki film has f*ckin Batman in it!

6.
NAUSICAA - VALLEY OF THE WINDS

Most of Miyazaki's films have the same theme which is the protection and preservation of the environment. While it has that theme, this is probably one of his most bizarre creations he has done. Hell this could probably be a better version of "The Happening" if it was a war between the humans and the environment. The settings and the designs of the creatures are just weird and yet beautiful.

5.
PRINCESS MONONOKE

There isn't any other Miyazaki movie that the maturity level just increases than this film. Sure there are mature contents and themes in his other films, but this one takes the cake with violence, destruction, death and even sexual content. The one that may be not recommended to kids. Not only they'll get scare of it, but they won't understand it entirely. But no doubt, this is a pretty epic animated movie.

4.
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO

This is probably the CUTEST movie I have ever seen. It is such a kiddies movie, yet audiences of every age even adults like me just love this movie. I mean seriously how could you not love the giant furry forest guardian, Totoro? However underneath those cute, kiddie and heartwarming moments even without an antagonist or a physical threat, there are some heavy issues and themes placed in there with subtlety such as the theme of death and the importance of environment. I would consider this as the ULTIMATE family movie.

3.
SPIRITED AWAY

This is viewed by the majority as Hayao Miyazaki's greatest masterpiece. And I would agree to it. The animation, music and storytelling was just top notch and the film touches on nearly all of emotions out there, fear, sadness, happiness and warmth. Probably the best thing about this film is the subtlety for this is Miyazaki's greatest strength. As most animated films tend to be loud, there are moments in Miyazaki's films especially this one where it allows to explore and immerse in its world. Long and beautiful moments like the train ride scene, its just so magical.

2.
KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE

The reason why this is my most favorite than Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke because of personal reasons. I watched this while I was still in high school and what she went through is nearly the same as in what I went through. I'm a sucker for movies about growing up. There is nothing I love more to see a character going through phases in life just like me and everyone else. And you know why I love Harry Potter. The character Kiki can be seen as a mature person going out into the real world and to live on her own like adults or as a teenage who is still in training and learning about responsibility, friendship, confidence and relationships. That is practically why I loved this film so much.

1.
THE CASTLE OF CAGLIOSTRO

This is really the first Hayao Miyazaki film I have ever seen. And even when I first watched this, I didn't knew Miyazaki had any part of this film as well as not knowing anything about Lupin III. What I saw the first time was a grand marvelous adventure of a jewel thief who rescues a princess from an evil count. It was epic and awesome! And I keep this movie very close to my heart. Unlike Hayao's current films, this film isn't thoughtful and slow pacing, but a barrage of fast paced action, humor, espionage and complete fun. And unlike most of Lupin III's films where they're loaded with sexual content, this film kept its kidde-friendliness and has many endearing moments. The story is simple enough, yet there are so much into this fun animated film: well-developed characters, wonderful settings, well-done action sequences, danger, peril, etc. Everything enjoyable from the beginning to end and it hasn't aged at all. It was awesome when I watched as a kid and it is still awesome to watch as an adult.



So thats my Top 10. What's your opinion?

Mini Reviews - Crank 2: High Voltage

Crank 2: High Voltage

Chev Chelios faces a Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart and replaced it with a battery-powered ticker that requires regular jolts of electricity to keep working.

The first Crank did set up some possibilities and logic in the story while being an ultra-active and crazy film. Think of it as a beginners guide to what this series wants to be. It wants to be a film of its own and wants to create its own rules.

Crank 2: High Voltage grabs every logic and senses out the window of a 30-storey building and literally gives a f*ck you to your face.

And I LOVE IT DID THAT.

Crank has attitude. It has balls. It has a giant monster dick and does not give a f*ck of what you think. It really tells you in the beginning that its gonna give bullshit and you are going to enjoy it. Because really, if in the beginning a guy survives after a 2,000 feet fall from the sky even if he smashes onto a car, and then gets kidnapped by a Chinese triad, have his super heart taken out, replaced it with a mechanical one and in order to stay alive, he has to be electrically charged every hour.... there should NOT be any logic at all and just be f*ckin crazy. And what follows after those crazy events are EVEN MORE F*CKIN CRAZY stuffs. I won't tell you what they are because most of the fun is be taken by surprise, but I'll say it includes strippers, horses, gay bikers, a 120-year-old Chinese man, a head and even Godzilla. Use your imagination. And not only that, but the technical aspects are really good too. Cinematography is great, editing is cool, music is f*ckin awesome. All the actors were all great and looks like they are having fun with this kind of movie.

There are no points I found in this film that are examples of bad filmmaking. Everything about it is original and unique. If you come to expect a f*ckin crazy movie, then you will get a f*ckin crazy movie! And you can't find a f*ckin crazy move that keep its balance of good filmmaking and storytelling than this. It is a blast! It is awesome! This is such a man's film. And it has the giant dick to prove it. Really it does.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - Frost/Nixon

Frost/Nixon

A dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon

If there is a thing I like is a good fight. Whether it is a good fistcuffs or a good verbal battle. This is like watching a good boxing match with words and wits. Adapted originally from a play, the two main characters reprise their roles as the two famous personas, Interviewer David Frost and Infamous Politician, Richard Nixon. Both Langella and Sheen were brilliant as the two characters and the supporting actors were just as great. Highly recommended.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - The Science of Sleep

La Science des Rêves (The Science of Sleep)

Life seems to be looking up for shy and withdrawn Stephane when he is coaxed to return to his childhood home with the promise of a job in the mundane world of copy setting. Wildly creative, his fanciful and sometimes disturbing dream life constantly threatens to usurp his waking world. Stephane is quickly drawn to his neighbor, Stephanie whose imagination easily matches his own. As their relationship blossoms, the confidence Stephane exudes in his dreams begins bleeding over into his real life. Unable to bear the prospect of a waking world without Stephanie's love and with no satisfying solutions coming out of his dream world, Stephane faces a dilemma he may not be able to depend on the science of sleep to help him solve

Probably Michel Gondry's most complex and most creative among his works. Gondry never slips when it comes to creating imaginative and whimsical visuals and this shows that he is a master of surrealism. Though the story can be jumpy and doesn't flow as well, there are many cute and heart aching moments. The couple in focus can go from cute to fun to downright irritating as both of them play each other deceptively and almost cruelly. Not as masterful as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but still recommendable.

4 out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - Dragonball: Evolution

Dragonball: Evolution

"What does your scouter say about this film's SUCKAGE level?"
"ITS OVER 9000!!!!"

I'm not a big fan of the Dragonball series, but I know alot about the show and seen it from the original Dragonball, to Z, to even GT. And I recognized it as a mindless, testosterone-filled yet fun show to watch. Yet there is so much that are put into that show, it is impossible to make a decent movie out of it. Let alone an American movie.

And I was right. This film is actually more pointless and stupid than the actual show itself. It also can't be viewed as a standalone movie. The story is very lousy and very disjointed. The characters, although not very faithful to the original source, are not even interesting to look at. And it is heartbreaking to see one of my most favorite actors, Chow Yun Fat to be part of this travesty. And for a series that boast over-the-top mind-blowing bone-breaking action/fight sequences, this film can't even bring that to the table. In fact, the fight sequences are just kiddie stuff.

This is the prime example of a film that didn't need to be made. There is no point into making this and yet it is impossible to make a decent film out of it. This film should be buried six-feet-under and should be left and unforgotten.

1 out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - Bolt

Bolt

Its the Truman Show with a dog. The entire design and art direction has that Pixar-esque even though this is not Pixar. Though its no wonder since the executive producer and chief creative officer is John Lasseter, the head and creator of Pixar. The plot is pretty much basic and kinda original, but forgettable. John Travolta was just plain ok as the curious and fish-out-of-water Bolt and Miley "Hanna Montana" Cyrus always brings out that low one tone for her character. Though Walton's hamster, Rhino was completely "AWWWEEESSOMEE!!!" and Susie Essman was cool as the cat mittens. Its nice to see Disney are starting to make good animated films on their own without the help of Pixar. Oh wait, they still are getting help from them..

3 out of 5 stars

Mini Reviews - Watchmen

Watchmen

When an ex-superhero is murdered, a vigilante named Rorshach begins an investigation into the murder, which begins to lead to a much more terrifying conclusion.

Even I'm not a huge rapid fan of the graphic novel, I do recognized the importance, credibility and respect of Alan Moore's masterpiece: Watchmen. And when it comes to making a film adaptation to probably the greatest illustrated superhero novel of all time, the pressure is on for Zack Snyder, director of 300. Overall it is a pretty faithful adaptation and does not tarnish or insult its original source like most comic-book adaptations do. For those who haven't the graphic novel, the film is easy to follow while giving you a big dose of deep and philosophical backings, but hardcore fans might be upset by the lack of actual depth that the film takes from the novel. The cast performances ranged from great (like Jackie Earle Haley's Rorshach) to wasted (Akerman's Silk Specter and possibly Crudup's Dr Manhattan). Unlike Michael Bay, Snyder is not just an action gimmick and actually does give a damn in presenting art to the screen, filling it with great visuals and cinematography. The casual movie-goers will be fooled into thinking this is just another superhero movie when in fact its a drama and a study of superheroes, so be warned.

And also be warned of Manhattan's blue glowing thingy...

3 out of 5 stars

Simply Awesome or Crap: Disney Animated Films

This is a new thing for me in where I go down the list of things related to a category/theme and just simply state whether it is AWESOME or CRAP. Other labels are IS GOOD, IT'S OK... or HAVEN'T SEEN IT. I may give some little reasons why, but most is no reasons, just simply states it. And these are entirely my opinions, so they're not concrete facts. Feel free to comment on whatever statement I made, to your anger's desires!

This time, I'll be going through the list of movies that hold very dearly to my childhood: Disney Animated Movies. I'm pretty much looking forward to The Princess And The Frog as it is the return to the classic formula of Disney animated films: traditionally-animated, musical and based on fairytales. Though their animated films wanes in quality according to decades, some became instant classic and some became instant turds. To qualify to the list, the films have to be officially done by Disney meaning no Pixar movies or Disney Toons Movies. AND NO DISNEY SEQUELS! So with the help of Wikipedia, lets start, shall we?


Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937 ) - IS GOOD (Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho!)


Pinocchio (1940) - F*CKIN AWESOME! (I ma reaaall boi!)


Fantasia (1940) - AWESOME! (The Sorcerer's Apprentice was just marvelous)


Dumbo(1941) - AWESOME! (Pretty sad and depressing)


Bambi (1942) - AWESOME! (Also sad and depressing)


Saludos Amigos (1942) - HAVEN'T SEEN IT (Ha! In his GAYEST...Now thats funny)


The Three Caballeros (1944) - HAVEN'T SEEN THIS EITHER


Make Music Mine (1946) - HAVEN'T SEEN IT


Fun and Fancy Free (1947) - HAVEN'T SEEN IT


Melody Time (1948) - HAVEN'T SEEN IT


The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) - For Mr. Toad = IS GOOD, For Ichabod = Pretty Good (The Headless Horseman was very cool to look at)


Cinderella (1950) - IS GOOD (Beepity Bopity Boo!)


Alice In Wonderland (1951) - VERY TRIPPY AND GOOD (I want my Happy Unbirthday Party!)

Peter Pan (1953) - Kind of gay.. but AWESOME! (You can fly? You can fly!)


Lady And The Tramp (1955) - IS GOOD (Ha, happiest... I think Disney knew what gay means at that time...)


Sleeping Beauty(1959) - AWESOME! (Maleficent is such a b*tch!)


One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) - AWESOME! (Cruella De Vil is also a b*tch!)


The Sword In The Stone (1963) - ITS OK... (Its very toned down for an Arthurian legend...)


The Jungle Book (1967) - AWESOME! (And in the future, Baloo the Bear is going to fly a plane.... yeah..)


The Aristocats (1970) - ITS OK...(Not to be confused with the Aristocrat jokes that everyone knows)


Robin Hood (1973) - ITS OK.. (Also toned down for a much violent legend)


The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh (1977) - AWESOME! (OMG! ITS WINNIE THE POOH! THAT GUY IS SOO CUTE!!)


The Rescuers (1977) - IS GOOD! (Madame Medusa, Another b*tch!)


The Fox and The Hound (1981) - HAVEN'T SEEN IT


The Black Cauldron (1985) - IT'S OK (Pretty nice first attempt for a serious dark animated film)


The Great Mouse Detective (1986) - F*CKIN AWESOME! (When Professor Ratigan turned into that monster rat, that f*ckin scared me!)


Oliver and Company (1988) - ITS OK (Very toned down for a depressing period tale)


The Little Mermaid(1989) - F*CKIN AWESOME! (Back to the classic Disney magic, and Ariel is a hottie!)


The Rescuers Down Under(1990) - IS GOOD! (McLeach is a b*tc..... is a bast*rd!)


Beauty and the Beast (1991) - HOLY F*CK! ITS AWESOME! (Its just so magical, its the first and only animated film to be nominated for Best Picture!)


Aladdin (1992) - HOLY F*CKIN JESUS! ITS SOOO AWESOME!! (Singing "A Whole New World" to your girlfriend always works!)


The Lion King (1994) - ITS F*CKIN AWESOME! (Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase!)


Pocahontas (1995) - ITS OK... (So many historical inaccuracies)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) - AWESOME! (Very very dark...)


Hercules (1997) - Barely Awesome! (That show girl diva-ish music numbers were pretty catchy)


Mulan (1998) - ITS OK (First time we see Eddie Murphy as a non-stop talking animal)


Tarzan (1999) - IS GOOD! (I had mixed feelings for Phil Collins)


Fantasia 2000 (1999) - IS GOOD (Not as good as the original)


Dinosaur (2000) - ITS OK (First of Disney's 3D movies)


The Emperor's New Groove (2000) - ITS OK (Its funny at some parts)


Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) - CRAP! (Really rapid dialogue or adlibs didn't help the film)


Lilo And Stitch (2002) - ITS OK... (It was kinda fun...)


Treasure Planet (2002) - CRAP! (Nothing very original about it)


Brother Bear (2003) - ITS OK (Kinda cute)


Home On The Range (2004) - CRAP! (And 2D kinda died after that....)


Chicken Little (2005) - Meh... (My man, Zach Braff was in this movie)


Meet The Robinsons (2007) - CRAP! (The humor wasn't even that great...)


Bolt (2008) - IS GOOD! (Is it because John Lasseter had some part of it?)

Thats it for Simply Awesome or Crap!
What are your opinions?