Japan's Anime Revolution! - by Jonathan Clements (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A survey of the twenty most important Japanese anime films and filmmakers of all time--from Ghost in the Shell by Mamoru Oshii to Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki!

Anime Revolution! presents twenty pivotal moments in Japanese anime history--from Japan's first animated feature to modern blockbusters which have redefined the art form. Anime expert Jonathan Clements describes the storytelling innovations and technological advances that made this possible--as well as the filmmakers behind the transformation, from Hayao Miyazaki to Naoko Yamada.

This illuminating book describes the 20 most important films in anime history, including:

• Momotaro: áReleased at the end of World War II, this was Japan's first feature-length anime
• My Neighbor Totoro: áMiyazaki's iconic work, created as an alternative to formulaic animated films it has no conflict or antagonist
• Ghost in the Shell: áThe influential sci-fi feature which inspired The Matrix and later spawned its own anime spin-off, The Animatrix
• The End of Evangelion: áA follow-up to the hit TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion, made in response to fans dissatisfied with the original series finale
• Spirited Away: áThe Oscar-winning anime that is the highest-grossing Japanese films of all time
• A Silent Voice: áAdapted from a popular manga and notable for being the first anime directed by a woman
• Plus 14 other landmark films!

Clements reveals behind-the-scenes decisions that changed the course of Japanese animation. Which movie was finished by a group of out-of-work waitresses? Which animator hated his work so much that he threatened to shave off his eyebrows? Which film caused of a ôcivil warö in sci-fi fandom? Which blue-chip classic nearly bankrupted its producers?

With 50 full-color photos, this fascinating book is a must-read for every devoted fan of Japanese anime!

About the Author

Jonathan Clements is the author of Anime: A History, The Anime Encyclopedia and A Brief History of Japan. He's a contributing editor of The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction and has worked on dozens of anime films as a translator, voice actor, or dubbing director--including Grey: Digital Target, Sol Bianca, and Musashi: Dream of the Last Samurai. He has provided commentary tracks to films including Vexille, Golgo 13, and Weathering with You. He is the annual festival jury chairman at Scotland Loves Anime.