30. Kikis Delivery Service (1989)
Kikis Delivery Service was a 1989 animated film by Hayao Miyazaki that spelled the commercial breakthrough of his films to the west, spawning a new audience and new success with it. Already extremely popular in Japan, Kikis Delivery Service, which focused on the eponymous Kiki as she is forced to leave home to find her way as a witch, provides moments of grandeur and reflection, showcasing the array of talents that Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli team possess. Its a splendidly worked piece of animation that is both unafraid to be bold and loud but also retrospective and sombre, revealing the more personal quieter moments of he character. Miyazaki is a master of revealing character, the mannerisms and quirky attitudes, showing strengths and weaknesses to each personality. To some this style may prove disillusioning, but the structure allows a contrast in styles, mood and action. Its beautifully done and one that Miyazaki has honed and perfected over his expansive career. The film also includes quirky little touches that add to the personality of the film, blimps flying overhead, black and white TVs and the quaint typography from different countries add to the level of detail Studio Ghiblis incorporates into their films. As an alternative to western animation, Studio Ghibli has always been the studio to turn too for a different perspective on the world. While the western voice acting (Kirsten Dunst voices Kiki) may grate on some, the beauty of the film should never dispel any of these pet hates. A wonderful film.
29. Persepolis (2007)
Marjane Satrapis and Vincent Paronnaud 2007 animated film Persepolis deals with the troubles of growing up in such a constricted society. The relationship between the political issues of the time and around growing up is fully explored, while this film is surrounded by comic book-esque aesthetics that allow the story a free rein to tell what needs to be told. Examining Satrapis life growing up around the political troubles in Theran through the '70s and '80s, the story tells a tale of an independent girl desperate to break free from the typically narrow minded individuals that governed her life through her childhood. Finding solace through rebellion, her tale is one of striving to find a voice rather than to be governed by one. Ultimately sent away to Europe, we find the consequences that can arise from such revolt and pursue the line of angst and the tale of coming of age. Persepolis is deeply evocative and an utterly human piece of animation. Blending this tale of Satrpais around the glorious aesthetics certainly helps the way the story is told, its frantic self portrait that may of otherwise failed with any other stylistic choice is enough to keep any viewer compelled.
28. The Illusionist
Sylvain Chomets The Illusionist was a 2010 animated film that took its source from an unproduced script by French filmmaker Jacques Tati, most notably known for his masterpiece Playtime. The film gallivants from Paris to Edinburgh in the 1950s to tell the tale of an Illusionist who develops a connection with a young girl who is fascinated by his show. Chomet accurately and rather wonderfully animates Jacques Tati to feature in the film, his gangly frame acting as a use of sentiment and developing a maternal, fatherly figure to the spellbound and incredibly caring girl. The films also beautifully tracks through the streets of Edinburgh, embarking on a tour of the beautiful gothic architectural city, the famous cinema The Cameo is featured to the glamorous lights of the West End. The water colour feel to the animation provides a beautiful structure for Chomet to feature some of these landmarks and provides the film with a gorgeous aesthetic. Its a film of quiet charm than abrasive confidence. With very little dialogue between our two protagonists, the feelings, mannerisms and actions are exposed and ultimately explored more closely which can make the film feel longer than its 82 minute screen time. While potentially a more personal choice, The Illusionist provides a glorious more sombre piece of animation that will quietly impress.
27. Mary and Max (2009)
Mary and Max is a 2009 animated by Academy Award winner Adam Elliot. The film tracks the relationship between two pen pals, Mary, an 8 year old from Australia and Max, a 44 year-old overweight depressive who strikes a connection due to their relative isolation and loneliness. While the film certainly deals with potentially uncomfortable issues it handles them with care and affection. Its exploration into the fragility of the human psyche by detailing characters with various mental disorders allows the film to harness the volatility of each personality, detailing a deeper connection and an overwhelming sense of compassion. The animation, in a similar mould to that of Nick Park, uses clay to construct the persona of our characters. Its use of colour to reflect perspective of the world separates both Mary and Max and allows an exploration into the innocence of childhood and the reality of adulthood. While the characters may not on initial appearance to be very likeable, the negativities and fragilities displayed evoke a charm and honesty that is uncommon in modern cinema. While some may find its dark, gritty content slightly disturbing, there is a beautifully told, gorgeously animated piece of animation to be found. With vocal performances from Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toni Collette, the film is a quirky, sweet insight into two separate lives at two different stages of life.
26. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Nausicca of The Valley of The Wind is a 1984 animation and one of Hayao Miyazaki earlier efforts. The story follows a princess named Nausicca who encounters a crashed plane that contains the embryo of a destructive Warrior. Due to the harmful consequences that this can have on the land, Nausicca is forced to defend the land from others who wish to use this weapon to purge the radiant forest. Exploring the environmental damage that humans can cause, Nausicca acts as a figure to try and restore the once harmonious connection between man and nature. The theme may feel ever more appropriate now due to the recent evidence showing the consequences of the society we live in. Its a brutal, grim social commentary that details both the horror of our actions as well as the beauty of what were destroying. While the visuals may seem slightly more dated than his most recent efforts and the story feeling very similar to a later Miyazaki film, the themes that Miyazaki adopts such as exploration, flight, strange creatures and an overwhelming outpouring of love from our protagonist shine through. Also containing a brilliant array of characters such as the mysterious expert swordsman Lord Yupa, Nausicca is yet another gorgeously created film by Miyazaki who seems to effortlessly create animation that startles while providing a deeper message to explore.