When many viewers are considering starting a new series or film, there’s always a question about how much stock we should put in critics’ reviews. Professional and casual critics alike dedicate a lot of time to encouraging or dissuading others from trying out a new show.Rotten Tomatoesis one of the most well-known review sites. People can see whether a piece of entertainment is “fresh” or “rotten,” as well as an audience score.
But reviews are so subjective. Each of us can search for our favorite film and be surprised by the number of negative reviews. With anime, there’s a vast range of preferences. Some enjoy ahumorous tonesuitable for all ages, while others want grittiness and explicit content. Some love older animation styles, while others expect the visuals to grow and evolve with the times. All that considered, severalanime filmsmanaged to get 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Continue reading to discover some of this overwhelmingly loved anime.
4Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Firefliesis a Studio Ghibli war film based on a semi-autobiographical story. Seita and Setsuko are siblings living in Japan in 1945. After American bombers destroy their hometown and kill their mother, they are forced to move in with their estranged aunt. To protect his sister, Seita doesn’t tell Setsuko about their mother’s death.
Viewers may know World War II is nearing its end, but unfortunately, the Yokokawa family doesn’t have that hindsight. And the rations that restrict their food, the constant threat of bombings, and dealing with the grief slowly take their toll.
One would hope that the kids' aunt is someone they can trust during this difficult transition period. Not the case. Aunt Yokokawa is a supporter of Japanese militarism and doesn’t defend her niece and nephew from the man living in her home who is abusive toward them. Seita has to make a choice: continue living with his aunt, or take his young sister and try to make it on their own.
Heartbreaking, but Powerful
There exists a large portion of the public who believes anime is for children and only broaches trivial topics in a shallow manner.Studio Ghibli is one of many studios breaking this stereotype. Anytime the impacts of war are displayed, specifically its impact on children, it’s bound to pull at heartstrings.
It’s easy to see whyGrave of the Fireflieshas such a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Yes, the animation is great, and the characters are easy to root for, but the look of the film itself is smooth and has wowed audiences all over the world.
It’s not a “feel good” moviein the sense that viewers will be smiling ear-to-ear as they watch. However, there is still something slightly heartwarming in the narrative amidst all the tragedy. Seita and Setsuko have one of the most touching sibling bonds in any movie ever. Some believe this isa prime example of an anti-war film, though writer and director Isao Takahata has disagreed with that sentiment.Grave of the Firefliesis the perfect film to spark a debate about its messaging and political stance.
3The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
The Tale of the Princess Kaguyais a historical fantasy that is based on a piece of classic Japanese literature by an unknown author. A bamboo cutter is trudging through the forest when he comes across a glowing girl who can fit into the palms of his hands. He and his wife believe there’s something special about her and decide to raise her.
She loves her quiet and simple life in her village, where she has made many friends. But when her father becomes set on making her a noble princess, her life changes forever. She’s moved to the capital. Though she now lives in a beautiful home with staff who attend to her, something is missing from her life. As she continues to grow up, her energy becomes increasingly infectious, and many young men want to earn her love. But to get it, they must complete various tasks, including retrieving a mythical treasure.
Worth the Investment
The Tale of the Princess Kaguyatakes a critical stab at therestrictions placed on women. Not just at that time, but many of the topics mirror issues today. Though her father is well-meaning, he strips the princess of agency when he brings her to the capital.
If heavy-handed messaging turns viewers away, they will appreciate the symbolism present throughout the film that requires analysis from audiences. The film makes you think but is entertaining also, so as to not be exhausting.
This is yet anotherStudio Ghibli filmand the creators invested a lot of money into it. It became the most expensive Japanese film ever made, as well as themost expensive anime. However, it paid off. It received universal praise and an Academy Award nomination. The animation style is quite unique, appearing almost as pencil sketches that give it a vintage feel, despite being released in 2013.Stream on Max.
Related:Studio Ghibli: Every Film From the Studio That Has Won or Has Been Nominated for an Oscar
2Only Yesterday (1991)
Only Yesterday
Only Yesterdayis a manga-based drama about a twenty-seven-year-old woman named Taeko Okajima who is going through what might be described as aquarter-life crisis. She works at an office in Tokyo and is single, a fact her mother loves to remind her about. Taeko needs a break from Tokyo. So she hops on a train to visit family in the countryside.
While on her journey, she thinks back on her childhood, the highs and lows. Conflict with her family, school, coming upon her first crush, experiencing puberty. She spent her life in Tokyo, but even as a kid she yearned for something outside the crowded, hustle-and-bustle atmosphere of the big city.
Her memories also require her to interrogate if (and why) she gave up on her childhood dreams. Pretty intense feelings for a train ride. The feelings only intensify when she gets to Yamagata and crosses paths with her brother-in-law’s cousin, Toshio.
A Quiet and Gripping Masterpiece
This is a quieter film. Much of the stakes are internal, affecting only Taeko herself. Yet even without huge explosions or macro-sized consequences hanging in the balance, it’s still a gripping movie.Only Yesterdaynails the most important detail for a story like this: making viewers care about the main character. Even when viewers understand the plot’s problems only focus on Taeko, that’s enough because we’ve come to care about her so deeply.
It topped the Japanese box office when it was released in 1991, but has continued to find fans in the years since. In 2016, it was able to reach even more people when an English-language version came out, starringStar Warsactress Daisy Ridley andSlumdog Millionaireactor Dev Patel.Stream on Max.
Related:Studio Ghibli: The Biggest Names in English Dubs, Ranked
1The First Slam Dunk (2023)
The First Slam Dunk
The Shohoku High School basketball club faces a match against Sannoh High School at the inter-High. The achievements that each member has earned, the past that they carry and various thoughts collide violently on the court.
The First Slam Dunkis a very unique anime film focusing on the sports world. Ryota Miyagigrew up around basketball. His older brother, Sota, was the talk of the town with his incredible skills. Tragically, Sota passed away in an accident. In an attempt to start anew, Ryota and his family move a different prefecture. His brother’s death inspires Ryota to pursue basketball. He’s the point guard of his high school team and is known for his quick-thinking skills and speedy feet.
Yet even in this new town, Ryota can’t help but feel the pressure of stepping into everything his brother was. Whether it be on the court or at home, Ryota constantly feels like he isn’t good enough. But he can’t let those worries consume him. His team has made it to the championship game and their opponent is both undefeated and the reigning champions. Let the games begin.
Shooting for Greatness
With compelling on-court scenes, interesting teammate dynamics, and a bit of humor,The First Slam Dunkis a shining example of why coming-of-age sports films are so popular. It’s one of thehighest-grossing anime filmsof all time, thanks to its fast-paced plot and attention to detail.
The basketball sequences are surprisingly good, as even in live-action films directors often gloss over these moments. This adds a level of realism that many fans appreciate.
The creators made a risky choice by diverting from themanga series the film is based on. In the comic, Ryota isn’t the main character but instead one of the teammates in the periphery.
However, his backstory offered too many avenues to explore to just pass up. Most of the film takes place during the game and is from the viewpoints of various players. However, having Ryota as the glue keeping everything together proved to be the right choice.
