What does anime mean to you?

[animeantoinette]

What does anime mean to you? Is it just an anime, or is there so much more to it than that? Please explain, if you want, what anime means to you. How much do you apperciate it?

Personally, anime is not just a cartoon to me. It is an art. The time and effort put into anime, blows my mind. Also the fact that you can learn more as you get more into it. If you love it, and get into it, it means so much more than just a anime. It isn't just a escape from reality to me either, even though it is a good one.
It's well how can I say.......anime is a part of me. I yearn for it. I want to be it,see it, own every one. I just love anime. I apperciate it very much.

[JaQuais J.]

Anime is a way of life.........enough said;)

[Dark Awakenings]

anime is my school away from school.

[Tamashii]

Originally posted by Dark Awakenings
anime is my school away from school.

That can't be anymore true. Anime teaches us many things, ranging from how to live our lives to relationships, it is our "School away from school". We're also learning in a way we can enjoy, instead of listening to the lectures of our professors or writing fourty page thesis papers.

[PassiveObserver]

Anime is so much more than an animated cartoon from japan. There are things that are done in anime that you don't see anywhere else. While most all american cartoons are completely pointless anime has directions and lessons for the watcher to learn. Many great things can be learned through anime.

[AlterGenesis-X]

Anime is my escape from reality. Anime is my home away from home. Anime is my entertainment, Anime is always there for me to watch, to laugh, to get angry, to think whatever the case might be, Anime is there.

[fugupinkeye]

Anime is an escape from the horrible formula used by american tv shows. It is just something different, and still has a level of quality the US shows have lost (except The Nanny; Fran Drescher Rules)

[Pelliwin]

to me, anime is an escape from reality. I know it sounds kinda corny, but hey, think about it. I like fantasy styled anime-inuyasha over sci fi-trigun. I like watching anime when I'm bored, and although I'm not obsessed, I do ocasionally buy a movie, or tape my favorite episodes.

[Leonef]

Originally posted by fugupinkeye
Anime is an escape from the horrible formula used by american tv shows. It is just something different, and still has a level of quality the US shows have lost (except The Nanny; Fran Drescher Rules)

What he said. Not too say that all american TV shows are poor but taht is the reason I watch anime, to get away from all the stuff that's shown on domesticated TV channels. Anyway, I'm not american, so I should probably use a different example. At work the otehr day, one of my daft, narrow-minded collegues asked me if I watched Eastenders (read: dull soap set somewhere in London) to which I replied "NO". that's what TV is like over here nowadays. if it's not some tedious show about fictional people living out their bland lives, it's a tedious 'reality' about real people living out their bland lives. Even programs which are menat to be cop dramas or hospital dramas are just soaps that happen to be set in police stations or hospitals.

So, I guess that's why I watch anime, because besides the occasionally interesting WWII documentary or 'Danger : Incoming Attack!' theres nothing good to watch on TV.

[Guyara]

Originally posted by JaQuais J.
Anime is a way of life.........enough said;)
Amen! :D

[Bane the ECF]

Good anime is everything that's right about animated video. Plus, for me it's part of my culture.


Bane

[rvx3452000]

well, for me, anime is what it was really meant for. Tobring hope to those who have none. Thats why when i see dumb stuff like DBZ or whatever that have no p[oint or don't hold true to the true meaning of anime then i get pissed.

also, other animes that have needless fanservice and other fighters don't make since either, anime is about life and its relation to characters, not how kool the fights are.

[shinigamikender]

Anime's an adventure and full of unexplored and fascinating plots. Also a ripe source of plot-bunnies.

[Shadowmage]

Anime is a way of life for me.
It is reality outside of reality.
I feel engrossed in the world created by an anime (well at least in a GOOD anime)
It also helps me better understand myself as well as others.
I also learn new ways of thinking and moral values.

[Zero]

"What does anime mean to you?"

Sounds like a formulaic middle school essay :D

Can't really say it means anything more than a piece of entertainment. Funny how people make it out to be some enlightening "masterpiece." It's just another form of entertainment I enjoy like a good movie, book, music, etc....

[Shadowmage]

Originally posted by Zero

Can't really say it means anything more than a piece of entertainment. Funny how people make it out to be some enlightening "masterpiece." It's just another form of entertainment I enjoy like a good movie, book, music, etc....

It is true that anime is entertainment at is very roots, but just like any other good movie, book or music, it CAN be epic. Sure, not every anime is a classic, but the rare few animes that gets you thinking. Animes like Lain, Evangelion, Kare Kano, or even Fruits Baskets gives interesting views on human beings and presents interesting concepts that a normal person probably would come up with him or herself. I don't mean to flame you. I just wanted to clarify that anime may be entertainment at its roots, but it can also enlighten and be considered a "masterpiece."

[animeantoinette]

Originally posted by Zero
"What does anime mean to you?"

Sounds like a formulaic middle school essay :D

Can't really say it means anything more than a piece of entertainment. Funny how people make it out to be some enlightening "masterpiece." It's just another form of entertainment I enjoy like a good movie, book, music, etc....

Heh, middle school huh? I am well pass that. It is entertainment, true. To some though, it is not just entertainment. It means so much more then that. I breathe it live and love it. I learn something new about it everyday.

[otaku527]

Anime is my hobby

[PirateKing]

I think anime, like TV and movies and painting, is a valid art form (or part of one). There's some schlock, and some entertaining stuff, and some pretty-looking stuff. And there's also some amazing/insightful/complex stuff that may be remembered as "works of art". And like other art, anime has its own fans who enjoy it. I enjoy anime.

[TasukiGODofFIRE]

animation done by our crafty neighbors in the east.

[animeantoinette]

Animation is like Japanese food for your brain. I can't ever get enough Japanese food....yummy.

[genki sakura]

Originally posted by AlterGenesis-X
Anime is my escape from reality. Anime is my home away from home. Anime is my entertainment, Anime is always there for me to watch, to laugh, to get angry, to think whatever the case might be, Anime is there.

That's all that needs to be said.
It really does take me away from reality and what it ensues.

[RahXephon]

Originally posted by AlterGenesis-X
Anime is my escape from reality. Anime is my home away from home. Anime is my entertainment, Anime is always there for me to watch, to laugh, to get angry, to think whatever the case might be, Anime is there.

*claps*

Excellent response, I fullheartedly agree also.

[Ryu776]

Originally posted by PassiveObserver
Anime is so much more than an animated cartoon from japan. There are things that are done in anime that you don't see anywhere else. While most all american cartoons are completely pointless anime has directions and lessons for the watcher to learn. Many great things can be learned through anime.

Great Response

Anime is my reality, my second home, my mind, my will, my hope. Anime is the one thing and place that keeps me straight. It's the world that is so close but so far away. It's when im away and when im asleep. It's something I wish to reach, yet my arms arn't long enough. It's my life, my reality, and my faith.

[genki sakura]

Originally posted by Ryu776

Anime is my reality, my second home, my mind, my will, my hope. Anime is the one thing and place that keeps me straight. It's the world that is so close but so far away. It's when im away and when im asleep. It's something I wish to reach, yet my arms arn't long enough. It's my life, my reality, and my faith.

what a poetically wonderful answer. I like it.

[Mizuki Rainko]

Originally posted by AlterGenesis-X
Anime is my escape from reality. Anime is my home away from home. Anime is my entertainment, Anime is always there for me to watch, to laugh, to get angry, to think whatever the case might be, Anime is there.

Good way to put it.

[Renzoku Hikari]

Originally posted by Shadowmage
Anime is a way of life for me.
It is reality outside of reality.
I feel engrossed in the world created by an anime (well at least in a GOOD anime)
It also helps me better understand myself as well as others.
I also learn new ways of thinking and moral values.

I feel the same! Anime helps me in my everyday life and it helps me get *away* from my everyday life, all in one fun little package. ^_^

[DarkKanti]

Anime is the biggest aspect in my life. It is awesome and I could not live without it. I spend all of my money on it. This summer I am going to Japan just for anime.

[Jaime Astorga]

What does anime mean to me? Just look at heaven...

[Student Rookie]

What does anime mean to me? Well... let's see. For me, anime has fascinated me since I first saw Ghost In The Shell 6 years ago. Up until last year when I went to my first Con (GenCon Indy) I had seen a couple animes but only owned Blue Seed. Now, I've got 50 anime DVDs and am known throughout my school as the number one guy to turn to for anime info/help. SO. What does it mean to me? Anime excites me, calms me, makes me want to strive harder, makes me smile when there's nothing better to smile about... like Ja Quais J. said, anime is a way of life for me now. With shows like Ruroni Kenshin, Saiyuki, Full Metal Panic, Ghost In The Shell, and Akira my life will never be the same again.

[Tank]

You can say that anime makes up 1/6 of my life, along with school, video games, baseball, my girl friend, and family.

[Shino]

As said by many other users, it is an escape from reality, and obviously for entertainment.

[animeantoinette]

I take it as an artform. I must be alone though. Unless someone else thinks so.

[PirateKing]

Originally posted by animeantoinette
I take it as an artform. I must be alone though. Unless someone else thinks so.
Originally posted by PirateKing
I think anime, like TV and movies and painting, is a valid art form (or part of one). There's some schlock, and some entertaining stuff, and some pretty-looking stuff. And there's also some amazing/insightful/complex stuff that may be remembered as "works of art". And like other art, anime has its own fans who enjoy it. I enjoy anime.
You are not alone.

[Recoil]

Anime means entertainment to me.

[jiffyjimbothe3]

Well many people have said this already, but... I use it as intertainment, kinda like an art form also, and to escape from reality. Its just kinda fun sometimes to basically watch someone else's life almost as if it is your life for 26 episodes. (or so)

[hekikuu]

Anime is my flying dream.

Have you ever had a dream in which you could fly, or in which you had other super powers? Remember how dismal the waking world seemed after that? Anime brings me into worlds where the people have abilities and physical qualities I wish I had, where they do things I want to do, and have relationships I'd like to have. It feels just like a flying dream, and I don't want it to end. Of late, the waking world has become very dim to me. I'm afraid that I'm being consumed.

[Akuhei]

Originally posted by hekikuu
Anime is my flying dream.

Have you ever had a dream in which you could fly, or in which you had other super powers? Remember how dismal the waking world seemed after that? Anime brings me into worlds where the people have abilities and physical qualities I wish I had, where they do things I want to do, and have relationships I'd like to have. It feels just like a flying dream, and I don't want it to end. Of late, the waking world has become very dim to me. I'm afraid that I'm being consumed.

I have similar feelings to you... I get so absorbed into the anime.. it feels like my life has nothing going on. If i watch R.O.D. (for the 109238019283th time) I will wake up the next day and say "why can't the school just explode..." I completely agree with you. I also view it as an art form, but if an anime is good enough it can completely absorb my into its atmosphere (GOTFF made me like.. immune to sadness).

[Ojisan]

....a good way to kill the time?

[jetfire]

It's a form of entertainment and a form of art for me. I watch it when I can, but it's not a way of life for me. My life doesnt revolve around anime. My life revolves around my reality: what I do and how I live. Anime doesnt determine it, I do. I could live without anime, but it sure is fun to watch and is a great art form (I'm even an artist myself). I used to watch anime/play video games to escape from reality, but after some searching and determination I have found goals and paths to achieve in life (ex. I now have a fiancee, go to college and have a job). Now, I don't need to escape anymore because I love my reality. However, this doesnt stop anime or video games from being enjoyable. They are a form of entertainment to relax me and pass the time. And great ones at that.

[Ceres]

Well....just like the others have said, it's more than just a form of entertainment. It sort of like grows on you until you can't get enough of it anymore. :)

[Ojisan]

Originally posted by Ceres
Well....just like the others have said, it's more than just a form of entertainment. It sort of like grows on you until you can't get enough of it anymore. :)

See, I find that that holds true for many forms of entertainment. I've been sucked into a series of good books just as much as any anime.

[animeantoinette]

think this thread is good? rate please.

[shewolf]

anime is more than just animated cartoons. More than just a show. Its my refuge from this disappointing reality! It keeps me on my feet giving me motivation and new point of views. It even teaches me a thing or two.

[Spilled Milk]

I guess it doesnt really mean anything special to me. although some times when i whatch it it helps me forget all the crap that im worried about or stressing over. Also a good way to forget you have homework that day. :eek:

[Roshi911]

i think that anime is something more than a cartoon. it's more like looking into someone else's life and getting to know there inner selves... it's better than any regular movie because they can do so much more, and there a lot more beauty and art that goes along with anime. plus it's someone's creativity on the screen. it's what THEY thought up and drew and something that they wanted to, not only prove to others, but prove to themselves that anime is something worth watching. i know that if i were an animator i would want people to hear my thoughts and watch what i think of rather than what they want to think is going on. it's more real then anyone takes into consideration.

[lucky]

good question. hm... prolly real life with alittle more of the best things. food, sex, voilence, giant robots... lol. its all good in anime.

[Alex]

It's entertainment; it's a vehicle for escapism; it's food for thought and fantasy; it's stimulation for the senses, especially the visual, and when it's really good it's a catalyst for emotional experience.

[Dennis]

An escape from the world in which we, foolish mortals, all live in. It is a way of life. Christians go to Mass on Sundays, Otaku watch anime whenver we get the chance.

Dennis

[Akuhei]

Originally posted by animeantoinette
think this thread is good? rate please.

I do think that it's good.. it managed to survive my curse of death (do people not like me?) and it's interesting to see what people think on the subject.

[Mancy]

Anime is like a kind of drug, its like you get stuck in this world and you never want to come out... And there is no bad-side(except DBZ and pokemon) grrrrr....

[‚È‚¾‚êFROST]

anime is an art form, not only designed to make people happy, but also to spark the fluids of creativity in their minds.all cartooning is like this inn the sense that it makes us happy, but only anime actually gets you thinking about your situation.

[osakan_otakugal]

i agree with JAQUAIS J.

ANIME is definately a way of life.

[animeantoinette]

Originally posted by Naota16
I do think that it's good.. it managed to survive my curse of death (do people not like me?) and it's interesting to see what people think on the subject.

LOL.

Originally posted by osakan_otakugal
i agree with JAQUAIS J.

ANIME is definately a way of life.

I have to agree with you both on that one.

[Haruki]

Originally posted by JaQuais J.
Anime is a way of life.........enough said;)
Yes it is a way of life!:D

[Leonef]

Originally posted by thatstoodamnbad
An escape from the world in which we, foolish mortals, all live in. It is a way of life. Christians go to Mass on Sundays, Otaku watch anime whenver we get the chance.

Dennis

Um, christians don't actually go to Mass, I'm afraid. But just don't ask me to say who does.

Though I do agree with your latter point, but right now I'm not watching anime, I'm watching my Bitorrent share ratio linger dangerously close to the < 1 marker! Eek!

[Sakuraba39]

To me first of all Anime is smart entertainment, and a way to have a choice out of all the bad shows on Tv now a days. It is not a common cartoon or something, almost all anime has a deep story and drama to it and not everybody is capable of asimilating that. I heard once, "OHH!! anime is for stupid people" and I bet the guy doesn't even watch it for once and of course he would not understand it with it's little brain, just watching Cristina show on the tv.
My point is that Anime is more than a cartoon, it's a culture, a way of life and I think it is not given the respect it needs.

I LOVE ANIME!!!!!!! GRETTINGS

[lyleanna]

anime is a simple book that can teach even little children about the bad and good of the earth, and it also brings out each one of us the creativity and imagination that can help not only ourselves but others too.. this also can be linked to one's principle, belief, and tradition of specific place...

[laborpilot86]

Anime for me is a new vision of the world, whether the past, future, today, or places/times that never existed. No one can watch a Princess Mononokewithout contemplating the beauty of it's imagery. You can't watch Ghost in the Shell without wondering whether this is the future that awaits us all. The saddness of war in Macross, the pain of defeat and death in Grave of the Fireflies, the bittersweet feeling of teenage love in Eureka 7, the thrill of new worlds and technology in Steamboy and the diaster of man playing god in Akira. Anime has all that and more. When watching it, keep in mind that your are view the psyche of another culture, but thier hopes and fears aren't much differant than anybody else's.

[Murdoc]

Its just a way to pass time when I'm not busy. Nothing more than a hobby for me.

[Dark Lord]

Anime huh? Hmmm... It's definitely no ordinary cartoon... Its much more than that... One might say that it is an art... An art that people are meant to appreciate in many ways... An art that is meant to inspire, to entertain, and to invoke specific emotions to a viewer...

[NausicaaBoy]

Endless worlds and stories to just waiting to be explored. Freinds like my AA family. Inciteful anologies and metaphors waiting to be discussed. Its a whole sub culture that Is great for personal enjoyment.

[kyubichan]

Like the threadstarter said, the effort put in (most) anime I've seen is mind-blowing. The shadows, the movement of the characters: awesome.

[LadyYuina]

Anime began for me as simply entertainment matter, but now that has evolved a little. When I watch anime now I sometimes think of them as a work of art, because I know some anime have really nice effects (such as body movement, coloration, etc.) that must have taken a lot of effort to create (ex: Karas: The Prophecy).

[Whizz]

What does anime mean to me?
In a way it's a form of art but it's more entertainment than anything else. I like good entertainment like watching good series and movies, but how can you know it's a good one if you don't watch bad ones?
To some it's more than entertainment to some of them it's a way of life and to others not. There are some who likes anime and those who don't and those who won't even consider it at all as a possibility over Disney cartoons or pixar. But back to subject to it's a way to relax, laugh etc. but it's not my whole life.
Well I think I strayed little from the original subject, but live with it or don't.
And what did I want to say above, it's only entertainment to me, nothing more nothing less.

[WookieInMaShoo]

I see anime as art, but also as a story. The creators seem to put a little bit of themselves into their anime and manga and so, even if the character are fictional, they do hold qualities of real people.
It's also amazing dedication. The Japanese go to great lenghths to create a wonderful movie or show.
The creators of Kakurenbo must have spent a long time to create a detailed environment and great looking creatures all for the sake of a 25 minute movie.
Miyazaki works so hard and with painstaking effort to bring us his movies and his efforts show through great movie, after great movie, after many a great movie.

[JigokuHime]

Anime basically reflects my childhood^^
but as i would put it...Anime means alot to me.
Anime is the work of art that i love to draw!
I see it better than cartoons.
Anime can make you cry, mad, sad, happy! and more
while cartoons just makes you laugh! And say wow!
Anime is something more...and i don't mind producing my own later own in the future! I want to show others waht anime is all about to! ^^
CG are now in though...
however...Anime is one of a kind that everyone must experience.

[zarahf]

To me anime is all absorbing. While many, if not most, television shows or movies can be watched with half ones attention an anime requires much more. There is no accidental shot or occurence. Everything is placed as it should be and often contains meaning. It requires more thought, more attention and more commitment to truly understand and fully enjoy. Plus, I just so often laugh my arse off in the process. Its a great escape from the every day grind.

[Jayna]

Well....if you like anime you basically have a neverending hobby. o.o I mean there are HUNDREDS of diffrent anime series, and I'm willing to bet not many people have seen more than two hundred series (I've only seen one hundred myself)

I also have a theory. Americans rule at Live Action movies, this is their expertise. The Japanese rule at Animation, that is their expertise. >.< I mean most American cartoons are...boring. I mean go ahead, look up how many American cartoons have it all, meaning good animation, a good story/plot and a nice flow to it. And with Japanese Live Action, you'll find the occassional gem but from what I've seen....they aren't very good....the acting always seems so FORCED no matter what they do so even if the story flows wonderfully it's a wasted effect if the characters don't follow suit.

Another reason is anime characters tend to have the same problems as us normal people. You ever been ANGRY and SAD but you had no idea WHY? Than suddenly someone said, "Well all this pressure from school is getting to me, I don't know if I can handle it." and you go, "Wait...that's my problem...school...why didn't I realize that before? Why was I so angry?" now suddenly that you know the problem it's easier to fix. That's why I like anime. They tend to say and feel the things I am feeling but can't put into words. You can relate to them.

[Marth]

Same thing as videogames, roleplaying games (D&D), books, music and movies. Something I love to do and want to create one day.