40. When The Wind Blows (1986)
When The Wind Blows is a haunting social commentary that sees two innocent, vulnerable elderly people place their trust in a government who provide safety leaflets, rather than escape to a safer zone. Misinterpretation and a resolute stubbornness from nostalgia prove to be their downfall as the story follows the build up and aftermath of a nuclear attack. The film features only our two protagonists, echoing a lonely and isolated atmosphere with the film feeding off the tension that the air of inevitability has about it. Its a brutally grim tale that is certainly not one for those seeking a happy ending. The animation evokes the claustrophobic feel of the film, the gloomy misty washed out colours that represent troubled war torn Britain, combined with the soundtrack featuring artists such as David Bowie and Genesis. Beautifully drawn characters show the pains and anguish that their situation leaves them in, from the hope of rescue to the realisation that no one will save them. Combined with the stop motion backgrounds, the contrast between the two styles of animation evokes a slow build up of emotion. When The Wind Blows is a radiant depiction of the other side of political conflict, showcasing the people who are most vulnerable in such harrowing times and how, when those who need them most, the government abandons their citizens. A very grown up piece of animation.
39. Paprika (2006)
Our 2nd film by Japanese animator Satoshi Kon, Paprika is a startling triumph of ambition. The films focuses in on the notion that if our psyche was unravelled and unbound, allowing others to view and witness our dreams, would it become a force of evil and destructive power should it fall into the wrong hands. Set against the backdrop of modern day Japan, the film explores the subconscious mind and the ramifications of manipulation of our dreams. The animation is as expected, bright and vibrant when delving into the consciousness of a persons mind, while in stark contrast to the noir-esque tones associated with the detective who is tortured by a recurring dream. Other moments provide a staggering level of detail that is associated with the films ambition of being as large and pompous as possible, for example, ominous robots and giant naked people fighting over the Tokyo skyline. While the sheer scale of what is thrown on the screen may delude some, others may find the limitless delving into imagination something glorious, something to explore. Echoing other sci-fi classics such as Total Recall, Paprika strikes a beautifully found niche of engaging the mind while providing an aesthetically stunning piece of animation.
38. Wallace and Gromit: Curse of The Were Rabbit (2005)
Wallace and Gromit: Curse of The Were Rabbit is a meticulously brilliant adventure following two of Britains most loved animated characters. Nick Park and his team have integrated so much detail, charm and wit from the little plasticine figures that the big-screen adaptation of Parks most beloved creations highlights everything that is right with animation. A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave remain some of the greatest pieces of animation put to TV but this, the 1st big screen adaptation for the duo, expands the traditional narrative and introduces us to a more collective band of secondary characters, all of whom fit seamlessly into the Wallace and Gromit universe. Curse of The Were Rabbit holds its heart very much with Britain, showcasing the eccentricities of middle England by incorporating a wonderfully humorous tale about the mysterious disappearance of garden vegetables. Its so mad that it seems such a personal little homespun project, rather than the behemoth it ultimately turned out to be with funding from Dreamworks. Thankfully, nothing seems to have been compromised from this association, with the humour never over indulging the plot and vice versa. Curse of The Were Rabbit is a remarkable achievement, the time and dedication that Nick Park and his team put in has been rewarded with a truly stunning piece of animation and one that is worthy of the acclaim it has since gone on to receive.
37. Metropolis (2001)
The name Metropolis may be more synonymous with the 1927 Fritz Lang masterpiece, but this direct animated adaptation of both Langs film as well as a manga comic held its own against such a formidable reputation and lofted expectations. Set in a dystopian future where much of the human working class lives in a state of squalor and poverty, as well as robots who are segregated and discriminated against, the film merges both storylines from the original film and the manga seamlessly to create its own unique world. While the plot may not inspire many, the real star of the film is the beautifully formed visuals that were created by legendary animators Madhouse Studios. Blending a combination of both 2-D animation with stunning CGI provides a startling contrast of retro animation and contemporary, giving Metropolis a unique feel that is very difficult to find replicated anywhere else. As pure spectacle there is very few that could beat Metropolis for its aesthetic and while the plot isnt particularly thrilling, the beauty of what is presented more than makes up for that. Metropolis is an underrated gem.
36. Waltz With Bashir (2008)
The idea of juxtaposing the atrocities of war with animation may seem slightly unsettling on first appearance but Waltz With Bashir, which is set during the Lebanon War, realigns preconceptions to provide a masterful tale that is both haunting and aesthetically beautiful. Inspired by director Ari Folmans experiences during the Lebanon War, the film follows our protagonist as he struggles to recount memories of his time during this horrific period. Discussions with a friend rekindle curiosity about how a lack of memory of his time came about and ultimately proves to be a trip of realisation and redemption. What really sells this project is the beautiful animation that entrances and evokes a far deeper semantic. While looking similar to the rotoscoping process, the actuality is a combination of Adobe Flash cutouts and traditional animation. Its a glorious mix that coupled with the darkened hues of black and grey and the vibrancy of yellows and oranges, gives the film a personality. Waltz With Bashir is not one for the faint hearted, its stark, brutal take on the realities of war do not hold back to accommodate a broader audience and while this attitude may some shy away, ultimately the film achieves what it set out to do wonderfully.