ACCORDING TO ABBEY: UNDER-THE-RADAR ANIMATED FILMS
Article by Abbey Archer
Be honest: when was the last time you watched an animated film that was the perfect balance of style and substance? Or, I suppose the more accurate question is, what was the last animated film you watched that wasn’t completely aimed toward the Under 5 demographic? Not to say anything against kids’ films, but sometimes the grownups want to disappear in a visually pleasing story that isn’t filled with lame gags and excrement jokes. If you’re as big a fan of these kinds of films as I am, then check these 7 films out that, like my Unappreciated Films list, have flown under the radar with the general public.
The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Because this wouldn’t be an article written by me where I don’t mention Steven Spielberg at least once, this motion-capture animated feature has definitely not gotten much of the praise it deserves. The Adventures of Tintin is based on the classic Belgian comics about a boy — the eponymous Tintin — who solves mysteries with his pet dog, Snowy, and his nautical friend, Captain Haddock. This film has great humor, even better visuals, and Andy Gollum-King Kong-Caesar Serkis; it has enough to keep the kids entertained without sacrificing intelligence for the adults. Think Indiana Jones, minus the melting Nazis, Venetian rats, and unqualified cardiologists from hell.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson is one of my all-time favorite directors, and this film was my introduction to his whimsical genius. Like Tintin, Fantastic Mr. Fox is based on a beloved Roald Dahl book, dealing with an anthropomorphic fox and his misadventures with fellow animal friends. I suggest having the kids skip this one, as the humor and subject material is too sophisticated for their innocence; but for you fellow witty dialogue-driven movie nerds out there, this is the feature for you. And in case you were wondering about the stop-motion animation, it is some of the best ever put to screen. Give it a go, you little cuss!
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Studio Ghibli is one the most respected animation studios ever, and their films are universally adored by critics and fans alike, but for some reason, you don’t hear a lot about this film — and that needs to change. Grave of the Fireflies tells the semi-autobiographical story of Seita and Setsuko, siblings trying to survive the immediate aftermath of Japan’s surrender in WWII. Obviously, the subject matter and visuals are bleak and depressing, definitely not something you want to watch when you’re looking for a pick-me-up. That being said, it is an important story that deserves to be discovered and studied as a narrative that isn’t talked about nearly enough.
Millennium Actress (2001)
Millennium Actress is another feature from Japan, but not from the aforementioned Studio Ghibli. Directed by the revered Satoshi Kon, it follows a dying woman through her life as an actress. It sounds like just another generic cliché of a story, but the way it is presented is unique and inventive, paralleling the different roles and genres she was a part of. It packs a lot of emotional punch as well — you may need to keep a couple of tissues on hand. I suggest watching this twice, as the narrative can be a bit puzzling to follow on the first viewing. But trust me, you’ll want to watch it several more times after.
Persepolis (2007)
Sometimes, foreign films are the best. Adapted from my favorite book ever, Persepolis is the true coming-of-age story of Marjane Satrapi, a woman growing up during the Iranian Revolution. She recounts her childhood to early adulthood with biting humor and honesty, literally drawing her recollections in stark black and white. There’s a real tragedy to her story from a country of oppression, but it’s also incredibly relatable and full of heart. It should be said that the little ones shouldn’t watch this until they’re older, so sneak a peek when you have some alone time.
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Whatever your beliefs or opinions are about the Bible and its content, this film, much like most middle children, is desperately in need of more love and attention. The Prince of Egypt is a retelling of Moses, the riverbed baby found by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in royalty, only to learn of his true Levite lineage and become a prophet. This film is a musical, and while the numbers and subject material could veer into cheesy territory, it stays grounded and reverent. It also has some of the best hand drawn animation, evoking powerful images that stay with you long after the credits roll. Again, regardless of your religious preferences, this deserves a watch from animation junkies.
Rango (2011)
Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp are at it again, not as pirates duking it out with undead sea monsters, but as a chameleon facing an identity crisis. Rango was so acclaimed that it won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature … so why aren’t more people talking about this? I’m honestly baffled by its lack of public acknowledgment. It features eccentric characters and whipsmart dialogue; the animation is seriously the most amazing computer-generated imagery I’ve ever seen (sorry, everyone else); and the story is a fun take on a new-sheriff-in-town Western. Do yourself a favor and give this a chance.
