3. Blood And Guts - Princess Mononoke
Studio GhibliThe charming films of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki are still something of a best-kept secret to Western audiences. Often touted as being the Japanese equivalent to Disney, Ghibli is one of the only film studios continuing to produce 2D animated films in a 3D saturated market. How do they get away with doing that in 3D-mandated market where Pixar has set all the trends (Disney last 2D attempt, The Princess and The Frog, bombed miserably)? One might argue because their films were intended mainly for the Japanese market first, but there is more to it. Ghiblis stories are visions into very detailed worlds, filled with lovable characters, rich colors, and happy themes. The sheer depth of their stories allows them to make their films however they please. Even if that means changing their style completely from the usual happy-go-lucky story to one filled with torrential amounts of blood and guts. While Princess Mononoke may not be the most violent animated film ever made, that is not saying much when comparisons drawn put it alongside adult animations such as Heavy Metal. Mononoke begins much like any other Ghibli film by introducing a unique setting filled with wonder. Then, out of nowhere, characters draw swords and bows and begin hacking each other to death. Crazier still are the ample amounts of added blood, gore spurting out of severed limbs and decapitated heads. Its a fantastic movie, however, shockingly gruesome and very out of place in Ghiblis library of light happiness where movies like My Neighbor Totoro seem to set the status quo.