Capturing the essence of an anime masterpiece is always an especially complicated task. Explaining the inexplicable, delving past the beautiful surface, defining the indefinable. True anime classics are the equivalent of visual poetry, with their narratives stopping the world and bringing small miracles to life.
For this exact reason, it's very challenging to compile a list of anime where live action remakes would do them justice, much harder than, for example, "The Best Disney Films of the Last 10 Years".
In this article, we try to imagine ten anime classics that could fit with this philosophy, whilst also, if we look at the box office, have the total and enthusiastic approval of millions of viewers.
1 'Akira'
Someday it will happen. Or so we hope. The remake of 'Akira' in live action, one of those films that exemplifies the heights anime can reach with clarity and grandeur. Jaume Collet-Serra almost was the man to bring this story to life, but via certain pitfalls and roadblocks, the film never came together
A year ago, Justin Lin seemed like the chosen one, but unfortunately we didn't know for certain the rumors held any truth to them at all. In any case, it will arrive when it arrives. And hopefully it will be unforgettable.
2 'The Tale of Princess Kaguya'
The first on this list from the giants that are Studio Ghibli, 'The Tale of Princess Kaguya', was a new and overwhelming demonstration of the talent of Isao Takahata, the genius behind such immense films as 'Grave of the Fireflies'.
On this occasion, the filmmaker adapted a popular Japanese tale written in the 9th century under the title of 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter', betting on a risky animated design that ends up becoming a full-fledged visual triumph. A wonderful story told with the wisdom, delicacy and beauty of a master of the genre. An essential film that would fit perfectly in a new revision that respects the original history but expands on the fact with magic derived only through animation.
3 '5 Centimeters Per Second'
The unintentional but grateful protagonist of the tremendous social and cinematic phenomenon that has been his last film, 'Your Name', director Makoto Shinkai, one of the sure bets for the future of the most memorable anime, already had a good number of interesting proposals behind it. The best of them all, '5 Centimeters per Second', summarizes better than any other all the virtues of exemplary narration and emotion.
'5 Centimeters per Second' is an intense love story set over a lifetime, he embroidered a story full of sensitivity and delicacy. Its remake in live action would need an extra sale of Kleenex at the entrance of the cinema, and that always adds points.
4 'Perfect Blue'
The early death of Satoshi Kon left us completely devastated. And one of the most interesting and dazzling film legacies in the history of anime. A brief but intense career in which we find masterpieces the size of 'Perfect Blue', a dark and disturbing thriller, complex and suffocating, a wonder for the eyes accompanied by an inevitable knot in the pit of the stomach.
Imagining a live action version is not too complicated since, well, we already have it. And it's called 'Black Swan'. The otherwise excellent, Darren Aronofsky movie, can be understood as a full-length remake or as a paid homage to the jewel made by Kon in 1997. Or not.
5 'Journey to Agartha'
The second on this list, and one of the most praised films of Makoto Shinkai's career, 'Journey to Agartha' (Also called 'Children who Chase Lost Voices'), is an adaptation of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, with a whole set of influences and direct tributes to the Ghibli giant.
Beyond constituting an obvious reference for the vast majority of artists of the genre, the essence of the study traverses with special intensity this history of losses, second chances, strange and captivating places and fragile characters who must learn to survive based on script turns. A remake in live action would have everything to fascinate to spectators with desire to mix fantasy and emotion as without that the film is impossible.
6 'Princess Mononoke'
This article would have no sense without the name of Hayao Miyazaki. This is the second of Studio Ghibli's films on this list, and my favorite animated film of all time.
The options are as varied as they are illustrious, but it is perhaps 'Princess Mononoke' that brings more possibilities. The poetic epic that runs through its history, the beauty of its landscapes and creatures, its sense of adventure and the spectacle of action combined to the thousand marvels with the precious intimacy of its characters. If it were to be remade in a live action formate, we would have a real jewel.
7 'Millennium Actress'
An actress who looks back. A documentary to review her work and artistic legacy. The relentless passage of time. The incalculable power of memories. And the indescribable weight of a masterpiece. 'Millennium Actress' is another of the summits reached with enviable dexterity the late Satoshi Kon, needed just over 80 minutes to round the miracle, to turn every scene into gold, to thrill to the tear and to hypnotize with a devastating beauty. If the cinema dares to re-attempt such an achievement in real action, we will expect the same unforgettable greatness.
8 'Only Yesterday'
All those who have prejudices towards the anime genre, thinking that it is childish and violent, inconsequential and excessive, should be given an opportunity to watch 'Only Yesterday', another masterpiece by Isao Takahata. In short, Ingmar Bergman himself would have signed this story that, based on silences, looks and inner reflections. Each one of its scenes reveals a truth, an honesty and an unforgettable sensibility. A remake in live action, in this case, would only have to respect the raw material 100%. And hope.
9 'Ghost in the Shell' sequels
TV series, cinematic sequels, remake in real action ... It is clear that the memorable 'Ghost in the Shell' has been expanding its universe to the great since it exploded millions of heads after its release in 1995. As we confirm in the good reviews that the new version directed by Rupert Sanders seems to be leaving, we can begin to imagine the construction of a film series with Scarlett Johansson at the head. If so, the cinema could have a new heroine ready to achieve the status of icon.
10 'The Boy and the Beast'
It could have been the remarkable 'Summer Wars', the charming 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' or the tender 'Wolf Children', but the endearing and thrilling story of 'The Boy and the Beast' has ended up representing Mamoru Hosoda in this article. We speak of a director with special ability to combine the visual display of first level, marked by important doses of spectacular action, and stories full of tenderness.
In the case of his last film, we find a golden opportunity to turn to live action. It's only had a recent release, but already we want more.