Anime Persuasion!

I'm trying to convince some of the guys I live with that anime is not all bad. They currently seem to think that everything's either the kiddified crap on TV, ridiculously unrealistic violence or just flat out pornography.
Can anyone suggest something I can show them to show them the contrary? I've thought of Akira, but that's all I can really think of.

 

Tell them about the kind of cars or guns they have. Guys like that. Or tell them about the humor of the story. It's like a cartoon made for adults who don't want to stop watching cartoons.

 

I'm sorry if I was unclear, Izzy, but I'm looking for stuff that IS NOT kiddified, pornographic or unrealistically violent. So basically I don't want Yu-Gi-Oh, Evangelion or Kenshin ... or that type of stuff.

 

was I helpful at all. I couldn't think of much but I did what I could. So I hope I helped

 

Hmm... I'd suggest Perfect Blue as something adult. Definitely not kids' stuff.

Boogiepop Phantom does have violence, but it's nevertheless worth a watch and certainly thought-provoking. (And I'd argue that it involves realistic levels of violence for the context. I'm assuming that by "rediculously unrealistic," you mean unnecessary DBZ-esque fights or just random mutilation.)

I'm 100% behind Izzy with his suggestion of Ghibli films - particularly Princess Mononoke, since it's a nice blend of themes.

Hm. Blue Submarine #6 or Last Exile, maybe? Since you said they're guys, I can imagine that shoujo anime might not be a terribly good idea - a lot of it is either romance-themed or far too cute for your average guy to respect, sadly.

 

Are the people in question actually willing to listen to evidence that doesn't support their point of view? If not, you'll just be talking to a wall. If someone doesn't want to like anime, it's their perogative. Arguing with them just makes you look like a zealot (otaku) and would probably 'prove' their point.

 

They know I'm no typical otaku; I bash anime as much as they do sometimes. I have convinced some of the guys to at least give me one chance to show them good anime, and if I don't impress them then that one shot is all I'm likely to get. So that's the gravity of the situation. I'll probably try to track down Mononoke or Blue Sub #6 ... as I recall those should work pretty well. Thanks, everyone.

 

I would second that strongly.This movie swayed a few people I know.

Also,you could try the Cowboy Bebop movie.Even if they haven't seen the series,they can pick up the story right away.

Not to mention,I hear that Excel Saga is a very serious anime with redeeming social qualities and in-depth political views.At least,that's what I hear.

-BC

 

Outlaw star is pretty good, action and comedy well..mostly action.

 

If you wanna show them some good, exemplary anime, show em good stuff that doesn't have anything questionable in them. I wouldn't reccommend Akira, cuz even though the violence isn't that much, the hard-to-follow plot and freaky insanity parts might throw them off from actually enjoying it. And don't show anything too girlie (like magical-girl animes) or lovey-dovey (like Kare Kano). And not Excel Saga! That's for people who already understand the zaniness of anime... even has an episode with a pedophile about to do it with a willing girl!

Give em something solid and interesting, and not too otaku-ish, like The Vision of Escaflowne, or Cowboy Bepop the series (my friend says "it's the anime for people who don't like anime"). Gundam Wing or X might be okay, since their violence is justified by super-powered mechs.