Tag: animation

Gandahar (1987)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer (in French, no subtitles – sorry)

Director René Laloux’s is best known for his acclaimed animated psychedelic sci-fi film Fantastic Planet (1973). Gandahar is not quite as good, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. What is missing is the involvement of Roland Topor, who was an amazing artist and also wrote the novel “The Tenant” (which was adapted as the infamous film). This screenplay was adapted by Laloux from the book “Les Hommes-machines contre Gandahar” by Jean-Pierre Andrevon. The story is epic in scope, and manages to intelligently deal with problems of the real world along the way. It involves the inhabitants of a utopian society being attacked by the fascistic Men of Metal. A lot of interesting plot developments take place over the runtime. Those twists and turns, as well as the social commentary, kept me engaged. The animation is a bit clunky, not as bad as Heavy Metal (which I enjoyed), but not as good other animated movies from the same time period. The flaws stand out because Fantastic Planet looked so innovative when it came out. However I liked this movie overall, and I am recommending it because it struck me as 100% Anomalous Cinema. There’s a small added bonus in that the English language dub features the voices of Christopher Plummer, Glenn Close, and Jennifer Grey. I hope you appreciate this weirdo sci-fi head trip as much as I did.

NOTE: This has been restored in 4K for a French disc, so I assume that means a US release is in the works.

Not available on domestic Blu-ray (but here’s the French special edition).

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Memories (1995)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

I am super picky about anime. Something about the genre usually turns me off, with the exception of films like Barefoot Gen, Ninja Scroll, Perfect Blue and a small handful of others. I just added Memories to that short list. It’s an anthology of Katsuhiro Otomo stories directed by three anime heavyweights: Kōji Morimoto (The Animatrix), Tensai Okamura (Ninja Scroll / Ghost in a Shell), and Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira). The whole film is very cohesive and filled with detailed, and psychedelic sci-fi animation. Do you happen to live where weed is legal? Bonus for you.

Available on domestic Blu-ray but it’s out of print / selling for $$$.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

Cold Case Hammarskjöld (2019)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

A Danish comedian looks into a conspiracy theory behind the mysterious 1961 death of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. The film starts out with a Spinal Tap feel and ends with some very real and disturbing discoveries. Highly recommended.

Not available on Blu-ray.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.

9 (2009)

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JustWatch Streaming Info | imdb | trailer

Rag dolls vs. death machines after the fall of man. I don’t normally enjoy movies made with young people in mind, but this was damn good. It’s is a very imaginative creation from start to finish. Well, there is one moment of Disney-esque happy fluff but it’s over fast. 9 also features excellent sound design. Try to watch this when connected to a good stereo with a subwoofer or the best headphones you can get your hands on. There are lots of lovingly crafted weird sounds to enjoy.

Available on Blu-ray from Universal.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight / Cash App $vergeoflight / or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.