We will first briefly review the environment, The Matrix was formed in, and how anime was developing at this time. We will then analyse one of the key anime films that had an impact on The Matrix, Ghost in the Shell, to look at some of the visual and thematic similarities.

Anime in the 90s

While anime was known in English-speaking markets before the 90s with films like Akira receiving great praise from critics and many anime TV shows being imported for younger audiences, it wasn’t until the anime boom in the mid to late 90s that the medium really began to gain a firm foothold. This time saw several beloved anime series licensed, dubbed and broadcast to great success, such as Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon and Pokemon. This time also saw the breakthrough of more adult-focused anime. One of the most successful films of this period was Ghost in the Shell. After having underperformed at the international box office, it became a cult classic on home video.

It was in this background of anime’s growing prominence that The Matrix emerged. Lilly and Lana Wachowski, the film’s directors, were inspired by several anime projects including Akira, Ninja Scroll and Ghost in the Shell. Meanwhile producer Joel Silver reportedly said the sisters pitched the Matrix by showing him Ghost in the Shell and saying, “We wanna do that for real.”

A Ghost in the Matrix

Ghost in the Shell’s influence on The Matrix is easy to spot. Both have opening credits that use changing code to communicate the focus on technology and AI. Both have a secondary character with a look that foregrounds being unable to see their eyes (Batou and Morpheus). The film’s stories both have moments where the heroes have cables attached to their heads/necks. There are machines that look like animals, scenes featuring machines crushing the hero with an arm-like appendage and both also feature a strong, stoic woman with a great jacket in a central role (The Major and Trinity). They also both have a cold look. Communicating the isolation felt by the main characters.

They also have overlapping themes. Both films discuss the impact of memories. Neo reflects on how his memories of being part of a simulation mean he has never experienced freedom. Meanwhile, Ghost in the Shell shows “false” memories being used to manipulate while also making artificial creations feel more alive. Both also touch on AI creating new life. Agent Smith and The Puppetmaster start as AI programs but eventually begin exhibiting more emotional traits that indicate sentience. Agent Smith hates his duties and The Puppetmaster wants to break away from its function to try and evolve. The films also explore how identity intersects with technology and power systems. Technology can help to realise someone’s true self. Such as helping Neo become more heroic and helping The Puppetmaster claim a real body. However, they also show how systems of power use technology to control people. The Machines and The Service reduce people’s identities to just being part of a machine that shields those in power. Themes that still resonate today.

Giving Back

The Matrix’s success arguably opened the door for more open anime influence in Western cinema. The sequels continued to demonstrate their love for the artform, the Wachowskis even developed a project called The Animatrix as an opportunity to show appreciation to the creators who inspired them, with several anime studios animating short stories based in the Matrix universe, and the revolutionary effects work brought live-action cinema a lot closer to capturing the imagination of anime spectacle. The Matrix was part of a wave that showed that anime was a creative force of its own. Capable of telling their own stories and inspiring others that captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Which helped to inspire many filmmakers today. From James Cameron to Jordan Peele and beyond.

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For those new to the world of Overlord, the story follows Momonga, an ordinary salaryman who becomes trapped in the virtual world of his favorite MMORPG game. Now known as the Sorcerer King Ains Ooal Gown, he must lead an undead army to defend the Sacred Kingdom from the malevolent Demon Emperor Jaldabaoth. With a powerful mix of dark fantasy, complex character arcs, and thrilling battle sequences, Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom is set to deliver another unforgettable chapter.

Fans of the series can enjoy the film in both Japanese with English subtitles and dubbed in English, allowing everyone to dive deeper into this immersive isekai world. Make sure to catch up on all four seasons, streaming now on Crunchyroll, to enjoy the movie’s epic continuation fully.

Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom is produced by MADHOUSE, directed by Naoyuki Ito, with character design by Satoshi Tasaki and music by Shuji Katayama. Be sure to mark your calendars for 8th November for this unmissable anime experience!

Also Read: How Anime Went International

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Toriyama’s legendary creation began with Dragon Ball, following the adventures of Goku, a young warrior with a mysterious past. The saga continued with Dragon Ball Z, where Goku faces increasingly powerful foes and develops unforgettable friendships. Dragon Ball Super, the latest episodic series before DAIMA, pushed the boundaries of the Dragon Ball universe, introducing multiversal tournaments and godly powers. Now, with Dragon Ball DAIMA, the beloved characters are back, but this time, they’ve been shrunk due to a mysterious conspiracy!

Directed by Yoshitaka Yashima and Aya Komaki, and featuring music by Grammy Award-winning artist Zedd, Dragon Ball DAIMA brings a new twist to the series. Goku, along with his friends, must navigate a new challenge in the Demon Realm, where they face off against a young Majin named Glorio. With its bold new story and stunning animation by Toei Animation, DAIMA promises to capture the hearts of longtime fans and newcomers alike.

This release comes at a poignant time for Dragon Ball fans, as it marks one of the first major expansions of the franchise following the passing of its legendary creator, Akira Toriyama. The new series will undoubtedly honour his legacy by continuing to push the boundaries of what Dragon Ball can offer.

Dragon Ball DAIMA is more than just a new series—it’s a celebration of one of the most iconic anime franchises of all time. With the full force of Crunchyroll behind its release, fans across the UK and beyond can experience this next chapter in the Dragon Ball saga as it unfolds.

Be sure to catch the latest adventure in the world of Dragon Ball starting 11th October on Crunchyroll, with new episodes simulcast weekly alongside the Japanese broadcast.

Also Read: How Anime Went International

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The Best Pokémon Movies

Pokémon movies have been a hit with audiences of all ages, blending adventure, friendship, and the magical world of Pokémon. Each movie takes you on a unique adventure, introducing new Pokémon and thrilling stories. But with so many to choose from, which ones stand out as the best? We’ve picked the top five Pokémon movies that you definitely shouldn’t miss. Let’s take a look!

#1 Detective Pikachu

“Detective Pikachu” is a real treat! It combines live-action and stunning CGI to bring Pokémon to life like never before. The story revolves around a young man teaming up with a wise-cracking Pikachu to solve a mystery. It’s full of humor, heart, and action, making it a hit for both long-time fans and newcomers. The blend of mystery and comedy, along with adorable and lifelike Pokémon, makes this movie a must-watch.

#2 Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle

“Secrets of the Jungle” is another gem in the Pokémon movie series. This movie introduces us to the mythical Pokémon Zarude and a human child raised by Pokémon. The lush animation and emotional storyline about family and belonging resonate with viewers of all ages. It’s a story that celebrates the bond between Pokémon and humans, set in a beautifully animated world that’s both exciting and heartwarming.

#3 Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back — Evolution

“Mewtwo Strikes Back — Evolution” is a thrilling remake of the classic Pokémon movie. It retells the story of Mewtwo, a powerful Pokémon created by humans, who seeks its own identity and purpose. This movie, with its modern animation and deeper exploration of themes like identity and morality, offers a fresh experience for those familiar with the original and a captivating introduction for new fans.

#4 Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!

“I Choose You!” is a nostalgic ride, revisiting the start of Ash and Pikachu’s journey with a few twists. It reimagines the first episodes of the Pokémon TV series, introducing new characters and adventures. The movie is a perfect blend of nostalgia and new elements, making it enjoyable for long-time fans and those new to Pokémon. It’s a heart-warming tale about friendship and the beginnings of a great adventure.

#5 Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us

“The Power of Us” focuses on the themes of cooperation and teamwork. Set in a seaside town during a festival, it brings together a diverse cast of characters, each with their own stories, who must work together with their Pokémon to save the town. The movie is a beautiful illustration of how people and Pokémon can achieve great things when they work together, filled with inspiring moments and exciting action.

Why Kids Still Love Pokémon in 2024

In 2024, Pokémon remains a hit with kids, thanks to its ever-evolving world of unique creatures and adventures. The mix of engaging stories, lovable characters, and themes like friendship and bravery resonates deeply with young audiences. New games, movies, and TV shows keep the content fresh and exciting, ensuring that Pokémon continues to be a big part of childhood for many.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) also plays a huge role in this enduring popularity. It’s not just about collecting cards; it’s about strategy, social interaction, and the thrill of the game. Special promo cards released with new movies add a collectible and exciting aspect, blending the cinematic world of Pokémon with the hands-on fun of the TCG. If you manage to get your hands on authentic Pokémon Japanese cards, then you should know that they are worth a pretty penny! This keeps the Pokémon experience dynamic and engaging for kids year after year.

Conclusion

There you have it, the world of Pokémon movies in a nutshell! From “Detective Pikachu” to “The Power of Us,” these movies offer something for everyone – adventure, friendship, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering Pokémon, these movies are a great way to dive into the enchanting world of Pokémon. Remember, Pokémon is more than just a franchise; it’s a world that brings people together, igniting imagination and joy in fans of all ages.

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Today we will provide a guide to ease you into the wonderful world of Ghibli. Firstly we will briefly go through the studio’s history and its founders. We will then review their film’s common styles and themes. Before finally listing the five films we think give the best introduction to the studio’s work.

Ghibli’s History

Directors, Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata along with producer Toshio Suzuki founded Studio Ghibli in 1985 after Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind’s success. The studio’s name came from an Italian word referring to both a hot desert wind and a WWII plane. The name symbolised the impact Miyazaki wanted to make on animation and his love of aircraft.

Ghibli’s first film, 1986’s steampunk favourite Castle in the Sky immediately caught people’s attention. In 1988 the studio produced Grave of the Fireflies and My Neighbour Totoro simultaneously. Despite the trying production process for the young studio, both films became instant classics. After 1989’s Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ghibli brought animators on staff permanently rather than project by project. These animators subsequently worked on Miyazaki’s and Takahata’s features and helped create projects like Ocean Waves and Whisper of the Heart.

In 1996 Ghibli’s parent company, Tokuma Shoten, partnered with Disney (which continued in Ghibli’s independent era). Several of their projects received dubs and higher-profile international distribution, bringing Ghibli’s work more attention. GKIDS acquired the theatrical rights for several Ghibli films in 2011, but Disney handled home media releases until 2017. During this partnership Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, for a time, became the highest-grossing film in Japan. Spirited Away became the first anime film to win the best-animated feature Oscar and the Ghibli Museum opened. Additionally, Hiroyuki Morita, Gorō Miyazaki, and Hiromasa Yonebayashi made their Ghibli debuts.

The studio is currently experiencing a period of change. Isao Takahata passed away in 2018. The studio also released its first entirely CG film and made its entire back catalogue available on streaming for the first time. Hayao Miyazaki is currently working on a new feature but his continual retirement announcements have made many wonder what will happen to Ghibli in the future.

Ghibli’s Style

One thing that sets Ghibli apart is that it mainly sticks to using traditional hand-drawn techniques to realise its films. It uses CG sparingly (aside from Earwig and the Witch). Even the upcoming How Do You Live? uses hand-drawn animation. Making Ghibli an outlier in the modern animation industry.

Ghibli also has many elements and themes that their films continually return to. Including the interaction between humanity and nature, children or young adults coming of age, mundane situations interacting with the fantastical or extraordinary, strong women characters, and an anti-war stance.

Ghibli’s Best

Finally, which Ghibli films provide the best entry point for audiences?

Grave of the Fireflies

Isao Takahata’s first Ghibli film is a heartbreaking story about two children attempting to survive in a world made cruel by war.

My Neighbor Totoro

When a family moves to the countryside their two children discover and begin interacting with woodland spirits. My Neighbor Totoro is the equivalent of an 86-minute warm hug.

Princess Mononoke

The story of a Prince caught in the middle of a war between forest-dwelling spirits, gods and warriors and the technologically advancing humans encroaching on their territory is an exhilarating epic that everyone must see.

Spirited Away

Spirited Away is about Chihiro who begins working at a bath house for spirits and gods while trying to save her parents who were transformed into pigs. A fantastic coming-of-age film and the only anime film to win the best-animated film at the Oscars.

When Marnie Was There

This bittersweet drama is a wonderful supernatural-inflected tale about finding friends and yourself through exploring the past that hits as hard as any live-action drama.

Hopefully, this article has given you enough insight into Studio Ghibli to encourage you to start your Ghibli journey. Enjoy.

Also Read: How Anime Went International

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Anime has had a cult presence in the UK since the 90’s, but it’s much more popular now than it ever was, here we take a look back at some of the iconic anime that made the medium go international.

Akira (1988)

Set in the futuristic year of 2019, Akira’s vision of Neo-Tokyo has inspired countless artists and filmmakers, as well as the cyberpunk genre. Many artists cite the film as an influence, as well filmmakers. Alita: Battle Angel, Cowboy Bebop, The Matrix, Looper and Inception have all referenced or cited it as an influence. The film was a huge hit in Japan but also did well in the US, grossing about $1 million despite a limited run. This limited run resulted in it becoming a cult classic and selling very well on home video, introducing the medium to western audiences and paving the way for others.

Unusually for animation, the voices were recorded first, with the animation and lip-syncing done around the performances. It also had over a whopping 150,000 animation cells, which is why it’s so smooth and detailed.

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Along with Akira, Ghost in the Shell helped show that anime wasn’t solely aimed at kids. Frequently praised for its visuals and score, it used some (at the time) unique special effects. With a combination of hand-drawn and digital animation. It has created some iconic visuals, which have inspired films like The Matrix and Avatar. James Cameron regards it as “the first truly adult animation film to reach a level of literary and visual excellence”. The Wachowskis, in particular, showed the film to producers claiming “we want to do that for real” for The Matrix and its sequels, and for the most part they succeeded.

A live-action version was released in 2017, while it received mixed reviews, it does follow very closely to the original, both its plot and its visuals.

Pokemon: The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)

Even if you don’t recognise any of the other entries on this list, you will defiently know Pokemon. Whether it’s because you played the games, watched the show with that iconic theme song, or even just know Pikachu. Pokemon was a smash hit when the first game launched in 1996, and the anime aired a couple years later. The fun designs and the “Gotta Catch ’em All” premise is perfect for kids. The anime does a great job of showcasing the pokemon in action as it follows Ash on his quest to become a pokemon master. The anime also spawned several feature films, notably the first one, which introduced the mysterious Mew and Mew-two. It also has something of a “rivalry” with Digimon, which has a similiar premise, and started at a similar time.

Studio Ghibli

Formed in 1985, Ghibli is a Japanese studio that has often been compared to Pixar, for their heartfelt and fantasy animations. Although their films didn’t make massive waves until 2001’s Spirited Away and its Oscar win, they were cult classics. My Neighor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service, in particular, had a successful run on VHS, and these versions are now collector’s items, due to the different English dubs. Ghibli has had an advantage at making a name for itself in the west, thanks to its association with Disney. Not only have they helped with distribution, but they also went the extra mile with the English dubs. Rather than just directly translating, they readjust the grammar to make sense, and get big names, like Christian Bale, Hailee Steinfeld and Patrick Stewart to voice the characters.

Also Read: The Rise of Studio Ghibli

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