Category: anime

Champloo

Champloo, Computer Graphics, Anime Film Gifs

“A samurai chooses to serve a master and does it out of respect and love, not because they are forced. Service to them is not demeaning; service is an expression of their prowess and their pride; they serve because only they are strong enough to serve with such flawless perfection and such consummate ability. It is a source of pride to them.

Being a samurai is all about selfless service and if the lord abuses the servant, it is no longer a situation of service; it becomes the situation of a victim. It is never acceptable for a samurai to be a victim. It is never acceptable to allow a lord to abuse you or rob you of your dignity. In such a situation, it is acceptable to walk away.”
― Alexei Maxim Russell, Instruction Manual for the 21st Century Samurai

Akira: Gif Set Two

Akira: Gif Set Two

Akira: directed by Ruairi Robinson and Katsuhiro Otomo, 2001

One of the best-known examples of contemporary Japanese animation, this cyberpunk adventure takes place in the post-apocalyptic city of Neo-Tokyo. A teen-age boy is exposed to a mysterious energy source and develops telekinetic powers that place him at the center of a conflict that may destroy the world.

A landmark anime feature that paved the way for the medium’s growing popularity outside of Japan and remains a significant influence in the sci-fi genre (this and “Ghost in the Shell” were key influences to the super-popular Matrix trilogy). At times it can be over-shadowed by it’s excessive graphic violence and an exhaustingly drawn-out third act, but this adaptation of director Katsuhiro Otomo’s 2000-page manga keeps up a kinetically-energetic pace that simply has you holding on for dear life throughout. Plus, the hand-drawn cell animation remains a wonder to behold even 14 years later and still holds a candle to even modern contemporary anime efforts.

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo (Japanese: サムライチャンプル) is a Japanese anime series developed by Manglobe. It featured a production team led by director Shinichirō Watanabe, character designer Kazuto Nakazawa and mechanical designer Mahiro Maeda.

Samurai Champloo is set in an alternate version of Edo-era Japan with an anachronistic, predominantly hip-hop, setting. It follows Mugen, an impudent and freedom-loving vagrant swordsman; Jin, a composed and stoic rōnin; and Fuu, a brave girl who asks them to accompany her in her quest across Japan to find the “samurai who smells of sunflowers”.