HIDDEN ANIME GEM

Rating: 9/10 (26 April 2003)

If you are looking into alternative film genre's, then this is as good a place as any to delve into Japanese Anime. The director has been involved in the some of the best animation to come from the East and this 1986 film has now become available on DVD, following Disney's decision to purchase distribution rights.
It contains excellent Japanese-style animation,with an accessible family orientated story.
The film combines elements as diverse as War of the Worlds, WW1 & 2, The Day The Earth Stood Still, The Industrial Revolution, magic and Fantasy. These themes in the wrong hands could make a terible mess, but are handled to create a plausible, alternative world. The story can seem a little kiddie like in places- it is a family film- but it does not detract from the enjoyment.
The newly dubbed English translation has Anna Paquin (Rogue of X-men), James Van Der Beek ( Dawsons Creek! and Rules Of Attraction) as well as Mark "Skywalker" Hamill doing the honours.
Do yourself a favour and check out a copy. Also look out for "Spirited Away", "Princess Mononoke","Ghost In The Shell" and "Akira" for other top of the range Manga/Anime.