AnimeSuki Forums

Blue flame · 2008-06-24, 19:00

i second ergo proxy..

Sorrow-K · 2008-06-24, 23:22

As a rule of thumb, anything that TinyRedLeaf recommends is good.

I missed this thread first time round, and there have been a lot of really good recommendations, and I'll also raise Kaiji. Doesn't quite have the massive psychological aspect like SEL or Evangelion, but there's a healthy dollop of existentialism, philosophy and sociology, as well as a very gripping storyline. Among the best anime of the year so far.

MuraKami · 2008-06-26, 11:08

I'll add Jigoku Shoujo/Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori and Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade - highly psychological, existential, and sociological.

EDIT: Oh, also Noein and NeA_7. (Especially the last one

)

yezhanquan · 2008-06-26, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuraKami

I'll add Jigoku Shoujo/Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori and Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade - highly psychological, existential, and sociological.

EDIT: Oh, also Noein and NeA_7. (Especially the last one

)

The JS series can get a little boring. Read the summaries and decide which episodes you want to watch. I know I didn't sit through the entire Futakomori.

MuraKami · 2008-06-27, 14:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by yezhanquan

The JS series can get a little boring. Read the summaries and decide which episodes you want to watch. I know I didn't sit through the entire Futakomori.

Ngh, I wouldn't recommend such approach, especially for JS Futakomori.

Spoiler:

frubam · 2008-06-29, 03:17

Try Sci-Fi Harry good series imo.

anselfir · 2008-08-16, 09:05

lawl. higurashi is about as philosophical as my grandmother and her theories of childbirth.

simoun is one of the few works that manages a sublime yet substantial engagement with a series of sociological themes.

Onchuu_Norin · 2008-08-16, 14:48

Welcome to the NHK
Technolyze
Serial Experiments Lain
The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi
Ghost in the Shell

Last Sinner · 2008-08-18, 11:34

Nearly anything I'd approve has been mentioned here already. Satoshi Kon pieces, Lain, Renmei, Welcome to the NHK, Elfen Lied, Simoun, Noein, Mushishi, Ergo Proxy.

I'm pleased to see some people realise there is a strong moral core to Elfen Lied and what it's really about.

However, comparing Ergo Proxy to Evangelion? That's like comparing oranges with apples. Evangelion was just the ranting of a stoned, mentally disturbed guy who had been dumped by his terminally ill girlfriend. Sometimes tangible but sometimes so inocherent and clearly done on a whim from a complete loss of a budget with 8 episodes to go. Ergo Proxy, while a bit slow early and having not such an appealing male lead, explores modern life and almost every aspect of it with sharp wit and black humour. Re-l was quite an intriguing female. The evolution of her from a spoiled brat to a better person is quite tantalising. And Pino is just hilarious, yet also provides some food for thought with her antics. I wouldn't classify Ergo Proxy as sci-fi. More like a tyrannical setting like Brave New World with an apocalyptic scenario.

Three that haven't been mentioned that I would toss up are:

FLCL - As random and chaotic as it sometimes is, there is a clear, beautiful message within. A brilliant 'coming of age' tale and some worthy life lessons. Haruko is just such a hilarious chick and Naota is the teen you once were. Easily Gainax's best work. Never fails to entertain me no matter how many times I watch it. The soundtrack by The Pillows is the perfect unison to this series.

Someday's Dreamers - This series is such a heartwarmer. Never tries to be lavish or over the top. Presents life as it is but adds a little magic. Yume, a cute, kind yet naive young female mage, learns through a series of highs and lows, how to not just use her powers, but how to become an adult. And along the way, she ends up teaching those around her a few things as well. If you like slice of life series with good messages, this is a must.

Last Exile - Some people will think I'm crazy for even daring to mention this. But there is a lot in this. War, social status, morality, raison d'etre, human relationships just for a few. I could go on for ages about this. But if there is one series that blew me away when I started watching anime 5 years ago, still does today and is the only series I would give a 10 to, this is it. The strongest cast of characters I've ever seen, two insanely gorgeous orchestral OSTs, a magical mix of steam punk styles, Range Murata's beautiful drawing style. Gonzo seem to mess up a lot of series, but when they get it right, they get it right.

Fweakin · 2009-01-03, 08:57

Thought I'd resurrect the thread because....well, just cause I could.

So life being the evil thing that it is got in the way of actually viewing much at all. So I have, at this stage, only had a chance to view Elfen Lied, Gunslinger Girl and Higurashi.

Elfen Lied I adored. Was very unique, and had one of the best anti-hero's I've seen for a while, even though the moe-blob alternate made me a little crazy.

Gunslinger Girl had such an understated element to it, and each of the girls seperate neuroses were examined in such wonderful detail.

Higurashi I didn't care for. I just couldn't become absorbed by the characters at all. Maybe I'll try again.

And P.S Deus ex Digital Boy, not a dude

I still have Lain and Bebop sitting on my hard drive. Are there any recent series just out with any promise?

SMK666 · 2009-01-03, 19:14

I watch monster now. Its freaking good! Try it!

qtipbrit · 2009-01-04, 13:35

Fewer recent series come to mind, but you might be interested in Masaaki Yuasa's Kaiba (I haven't watched it myself, but the description claiming to explore the existence and corporeality of memories was more than enough to interest me). Another would be Natsume Yuujinchou, the most recent in a line of excellent titles from Brains-Base. It carries a soothing Aria-esque atmosphere as it tells various short stories of humans interacting with spirits while exploring the loneliness of the main character Natsume.

Matrim · 2009-01-04, 14:33

Haibane Renmei - one of the few series I could genuinely clasify as art. Morality and existential issues are at the very heart of it. Tons of symbolism, too, I am not really into symbolism but nevertheless I think this is one of the best anime series ever.

Monster - themes about the nature of good and evil abound, plus a lot about child psychology. A must see if one wants a challenging anime which also has a very interesting plot, too. And by interesting I don't mean "Guess what just happened" mindscrew type of plot.

Talking of mindscrew, you can try Kaiba from the more recently aired series, just be prepared to have no idea what's going on for a lot of its duration.

LeoXiao · 2009-01-04, 18:26

Quote:

And by interesting I don't mean "Guess what just happened" mindscrew type of plot.

I second this. There's no mindf*ck, where you have to do a huge amount of interpretation, just a lot of subtle dialogue, scenes, and flashbacks which are key. You should watch this.

Shadow Kira01 · 2009-01-04, 21:06

Probably already suggested:

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: It is sort of like a love comedy at first impression but it turns out to be something of a different nature when some of the female characters become very suspicious.

Jigoku Shoujo: This is the most realistic version of Death Note with people who live troublesome lives and seek the help from the "Midnight Website" in exchange for their soul at the end of their lifespan as means of staking out vengeance on the bad guys using a rather dark method. Or perhaps, you can even call it dark justice!

Shigofumi: It is sort of like "slice of life" but this one lacks comedy or rather to say, it is much more realistic compared to Aria of the Origination.

Supposedly, the Star Ocean and Xenosaga ones should be relevant to religion and philosophy, but unfortunately.. That interesting parts from the game were removed and I guess you can almost say that it is impossible to relate these two animes to the topic here.

2008-06-24, 23:22	Link #22
Sorrow-K Somehow I found out Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 40	As a rule of thumb, anything that TinyRedLeaf recommends is good. I missed this thread first time round, and there have been a lot of really good recommendations, and I'll also raise Kaiji. Doesn't quite have the massive psychological aspect like SEL or Evangelion, but there's a healthy dollop of existentialism, philosophy and sociology, as well as a very gripping storyline. Among the best anime of the year so far. __________________ .:The Nihon Review:.:Ikoku Meiro no Croisée:.:Tamayura: Hitotose:. .:Behind The Nihon Review:.:Understanding Guilty Crown’s Failure:. .:MAL:.:Twitter:.

2008-08-16, 09:05	Link #27
anselfir Style Über Alles Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NYC/Chicago	lawl. higurashi is about as philosophical as my grandmother and her theories of childbirth. simoun is one of the few works that manages a sublime yet substantial engagement with a series of sociological themes. __________________

2009-01-04, 14:33	Link #33
Matrim Naysayer?Fanboy?Wiseacre? Join Date: Dec 2005	Haibane Renmei - one of the few series I could genuinely clasify as art. Morality and existential issues are at the very heart of it. Tons of symbolism, too, I am not really into symbolism but nevertheless I think this is one of the best anime series ever. Monster - themes about the nature of good and evil abound, plus a lot about child psychology. A must see if one wants a challenging anime which also has a very interesting plot, too. And by interesting I don't mean "Guess what just happened" mindscrew type of plot. Talking of mindscrew, you can try Kaiba from the more recently aired series, just be prepared to have no idea what's going on for a lot of its duration. __________________ 'The world we live in is always in darkness.' 'Yes, and that is why we seek light.'

2008-06-24, 19:00	Link #21
Blue flame anime bores me lol Join Date: Nov 2007 Age: 32	i second ergo proxy..

2008-06-26, 11:08	Link #23
MuraKami Phase Angle Join Date: Apr 2008	I'll add Jigoku Shoujo/Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori and Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade - highly psychological, existential, and sociological. EDIT: Oh, also Noein and NeA_7. (Especially the last one )

2008-06-29, 03:17	Link #26
frubam simp for Lyria Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: on the Grandcypher Age: 40	Try Sci-Fi Harry good series imo.

2008-08-16, 14:48	Link #28
Onchuu_Norin Clandestine Otaku Join Date: Jun 2008 Age: 34	Welcome to the NHK Technolyze Serial Experiments Lain The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi Ghost in the Shell

2008-08-18, 11:34	Link #29
Last Sinner You're Hot, Cupcake Join Date: Aug 2008 Age: 43	Nearly anything I'd approve has been mentioned here already. Satoshi Kon pieces, Lain, Renmei, Welcome to the NHK, Elfen Lied, Simoun, Noein, Mushishi, Ergo Proxy. I'm pleased to see some people realise there is a strong moral core to Elfen Lied and what it's really about. However, comparing Ergo Proxy to Evangelion? That's like comparing oranges with apples. Evangelion was just the ranting of a stoned, mentally disturbed guy who had been dumped by his terminally ill girlfriend. Sometimes tangible but sometimes so inocherent and clearly done on a whim from a complete loss of a budget with 8 episodes to go. Ergo Proxy, while a bit slow early and having not such an appealing male lead, explores modern life and almost every aspect of it with sharp wit and black humour. Re-l was quite an intriguing female. The evolution of her from a spoiled brat to a better person is quite tantalising. And Pino is just hilarious, yet also provides some food for thought with her antics. I wouldn't classify Ergo Proxy as sci-fi. More like a tyrannical setting like Brave New World with an apocalyptic scenario. Three that haven't been mentioned that I would toss up are: FLCL - As random and chaotic as it sometimes is, there is a clear, beautiful message within. A brilliant 'coming of age' tale and some worthy life lessons. Haruko is just such a hilarious chick and Naota is the teen you once were. Easily Gainax's best work. Never fails to entertain me no matter how many times I watch it. The soundtrack by The Pillows is the perfect unison to this series. Someday's Dreamers - This series is such a heartwarmer. Never tries to be lavish or over the top. Presents life as it is but adds a little magic. Yume, a cute, kind yet naive young female mage, learns through a series of highs and lows, how to not just use her powers, but how to become an adult. And along the way, she ends up teaching those around her a few things as well. If you like slice of life series with good messages, this is a must. Last Exile - Some people will think I'm crazy for even daring to mention this. But there is a lot in this. War, social status, morality, raison d'etre, human relationships just for a few. I could go on for ages about this. But if there is one series that blew me away when I started watching anime 5 years ago, still does today and is the only series I would give a 10 to, this is it. The strongest cast of characters I've ever seen, two insanely gorgeous orchestral OSTs, a magical mix of steam punk styles, Range Murata's beautiful drawing style. Gonzo seem to mess up a lot of series, but when they get it right, they get it right.

2009-01-03, 08:57	Link #30
Fweakin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Age: 38	Thought I'd resurrect the thread because....well, just cause I could. So life being the evil thing that it is got in the way of actually viewing much at all. So I have, at this stage, only had a chance to view Elfen Lied, Gunslinger Girl and Higurashi. Elfen Lied I adored. Was very unique, and had one of the best anti-hero's I've seen for a while, even though the moe-blob alternate made me a little crazy. Gunslinger Girl had such an understated element to it, and each of the girls seperate neuroses were examined in such wonderful detail. Higurashi I didn't care for. I just couldn't become absorbed by the characters at all. Maybe I'll try again. And P.S Deus ex Digital Boy, not a dude I still have Lain and Bebop sitting on my hard drive. Are there any recent series just out with any promise?

2009-01-03, 19:14	Link #31
SMK666 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008	I watch monster now. Its freaking good! Try it!

2009-01-04, 13:35	Link #32
qtipbrit Buddhajew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Diego	Fewer recent series come to mind, but you might be interested in Masaaki Yuasa's Kaiba (I haven't watched it myself, but the description claiming to explore the existence and corporeality of memories was more than enough to interest me). Another would be Natsume Yuujinchou, the most recent in a line of excellent titles from Brains-Base. It carries a soothing Aria-esque atmosphere as it tells various short stories of humans interacting with spirits while exploring the loneliness of the main character Natsume.

2009-01-04, 21:06	Link #35
Shadow Kira01 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: PMB Headquarters	Probably already suggested: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: It is sort of like a love comedy at first impression but it turns out to be something of a different nature when some of the female characters become very suspicious. Jigoku Shoujo: This is the most realistic version of Death Note with people who live troublesome lives and seek the help from the "Midnight Website" in exchange for their soul at the end of their lifespan as means of staking out vengeance on the bad guys using a rather dark method. Or perhaps, you can even call it dark justice! Shigofumi: It is sort of like "slice of life" but this one lacks comedy or rather to say, it is much more realistic compared to Aria of the Origination. Supposedly, the Star Ocean and Xenosaga ones should be relevant to religion and philosophy, but unfortunately.. That interesting parts from the game were removed and I guess you can almost say that it is impossible to relate these two animes to the topic here.