2009-05-01, 02:01 | Link #1 |
The GAP Man
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Deep and Insightful anime
How deep does an anime show such as Eva, Lain or any other groundbreaking anime need to be in order for it to be considered "deep"? I know it is entirely subjective and it may not be as "deep" as it seems but still it seems to be that there is lot of themes, references, philosophies and ideas in the show itself that makes it so powerful and insightful. However, it just seems that you can fanwank just about anything foction as log as it has "deep" stuff in it but as the title says, it is no substitute for reality and it only displays very little of the "real" world. I'll repeat the question the again, how deep does an anime show such as Eva, Lain or any other groundbreaking anime need to be in order for it to be considered "deep"?
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2009-05-01, 03:08 | Link #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Age: 38
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Just deep enough that a good portion of the viewers don't know what the hell is going on. That's all it takes, I think.
Seriously though, your question doesn't really make much sense. If an anime is thought-provoking, it's thought-provoking. There isn't some invisible scale of metaphor or philosophy the needs tip to suddenly make an anime "deep." It is that if someone calls it that--and most people only call a thing "deep" because they don't know what else to call something that seems be going over their head. |
2009-05-01, 03:19 | Link #3 |
ISML Technical Staff
Graphic Designer
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I usually translate "deep" as how much something personally affects you, because that's what it is. If someone doesn't find an anime deep but you do, then chances are they just didn't connect with the anime and not because he or she is stupid. This is why I disagree with "deep" meaning "most people won't understand." I'll list some examples of anime I think as deep and some people will surely disagree with something.
Haibane Renmei Clannad: Tomoyo OVA Cardcaptor Sakura Elfen Lied SaiKano Is Lain deep? Probably. Not to me though. I was too bored to think too hard so I didn't "get" it. I also dislike Akira, FLCL, because those are not my style. I watch anime to enjoy it, not think about how deep it is and reflect on my past sins. I don't really consider NGE thought-provoking... In summary, to me "deep" is personal matter and a consensus might offend many, including me.
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2009-05-01, 03:31 | Link #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: PMB Headquarters
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I guess the idea of deep and insightful varies on the individual viewer. So, my good recommendations may not be considered as such by other individuals.
Gundam 00: The anime especially the second season made me think about the issue of the Middle East deeply and it has also slightly altered my perspective. I am more sympathetic to the people of the Middle East. Gundam Wing: The anime questions the reality of pacifism, as well as the truth of the relationship in regards to that of a colony and the colonizer. However, like other Gundam animes, it is not evident to most typical anime audiences. On the contrary, I think lots of people have seen through it as well. There were many instances of metaphors. However, if you think watching an anime of politics and warfare is boring, then you got the wrong idea. There are lots of mechas and also an awesome soundtrack to go with it. |
2009-05-01, 06:15 | Link #6 |
Lone Wolf
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Dunno how to classify "deep". To me if I can see different "layers" of complexity of character, reference, story, etc. it's deep in my book. Specially when I rewatch the same anime and still get a refreshing new insight in it.
Shows like Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Mushishi, and Monster are deep IMHO.
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2009-05-01, 16:09 | Link #9 |
Spiral
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Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann made me believe there was an omnipotent being somewhere out there just waiting for Earth's spiral power to reach a certain level until they come and wreck complete despair all over our planet, solar system, and galaxy. I think we need to get a bigger drill...
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2009-05-01, 21:25 | Link #14 |
Ha ha ha ha ha...
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Right behind you.
Age: 35
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I always thought the ideas put forth by Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex were pretty deep. It always on some levels asked us, "what makes us human?" or "what is the soul?", especially when taking into account advanced levels of AI and the fact that most people had prosthetic bodies and/or cyberbrains.
I can't believe no one mentioned it yet.
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2009-05-01, 22:46 | Link #17 | |
Dreamer King
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: lost - with no intention to be found...
Age: 38
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Quote:
To an extent FMA first series was thought-provoking. Have to appreciate how they weaved their own direction without further material from the manga. I especially like the whole Sloth confrontation with Ed...now that was intense and thought-provoking. The fixing their mistakes...mortality...the right to live...what is the essence of a person...their identity...their soul.. |
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2009-05-02, 11:42 | Link #19 |
ISML Technical Staff
Graphic Designer
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It makes me sad how we can't have a discussion without some people out there having to act smart and post saying everyone else who participated in this thread is stupid. I thank everyone else who are not condescending towards others in this thread.
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2009-05-02, 12:36 | Link #20 |
Wiggle Your Big Toe
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Milwaukee
Age: 33
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I feel most anime is intended to entertain us, while giving us something to think about. It is apparent that we perceive this notion of “deepness” because it came about from the anime we watch. Some writers intend for some anime to keep us thinking while some anime are created merely for entertainment and fun. And yes, some anime do keep us thinking, hence we call them deep. But keep in mind it is as deep as the person perceives it and also how well the writer executes his or her presentation and intentions.
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