I’m a bit of a geek. There you have it. I’m happy to shamelessly indulge in old x-men episodes, new Shonen Jump issues and I think it’s really quite awesome how series like Heroes and films like Batman have continued the battle in making popular what used to be “un genre intouchable”.

But the fact is there are quite a lot of people who aren’t… geeks that is. So many folks who tend be interest fascists; clinging to the same enduring negative associations with comics and animé that are common in contemporary society: these associations generally being childish, lacking in depth, just for kids, otaku culture.

But I’m pleased to report that, as a product of countless dinner conversations and one-sided diatribes, I’ve come to realise there exists a large portion of middle-class arty intellectuals who would dearly love to take a dip into the murky depths of animé. Well, as long as said anime is dramatically powerful (read as arty farty) enough to inspire comment and analysis. For optimal results discussions should take place at the latest fusion asian restaurant while pretentiously sipping a tea that no-one really likes.

So rest easy arty farty’s (you know who you are), and bear witness to a short but informative list I’ve compiled for your benefit:

Grave of the Fireflies – A bleak, tragic, tear-filled and heart-wrenching journey commenting on the effects of war and the strength of love. Expertly rendered animation and drawn in a classical style, there’s plenty for the wary mainstream audience to interpret and many an occasion to remark, “Ooh, it’s really quite well drawn isn’t it?”

Tekkon Kinkreet – So you’d like an emotively powerful and superbly animated film? Look no further. Tekkon Kinkreet doesn’t make much sense but arty types will most certainly draw upon themes of friendship, loss and the effect of urban desensitisation on the young. You’ll find none of the usual big-eyed, spiky-haired animé embodiments here. Unique, deliberately violent and just confusing enough to be profound.

Princess Mononoke – It’s a typical Studio Ghibli production; detailed, beautiful and softly animated. All quite pretty really, except for the noticeable increase in violence and gore. Don’t worry, it’s all quite tastefully done. And it’s all about human kind’s terrible treatment of the environment and our progressive detachment from nature. Highly recommended for tree-hugging greenies… uh, I mean eco-friendly liberals.

Millenium Actress – An old actress takes her two interviewers on a journey through her memories as she retraces her epic search for the only man she’s ever loved. Quite fantastical but not enough to detract from the psychological and symbolic complexity of this strange little film. Mature themes like civil unrest, genocide and unrequited love make this a contender for any arty’s attention, though the high quirk-factor might mean too many laughs for it to be properly considered “real” drama.

Perfect Blue – So I’ll admit reality takes a bit of a back seat in this superbly done psychological thriller. Honestly though, the lack of a coherent plot serves too enhance the plot, not detract from it. Themes include the increase in idolisation of pop-culture and the battle for self-fulfilment. Quite worthy of discussion over a chai tea. Just remember it’s pretty damn scary.

Well that’s it from my end, so next time you’re considering whether to “give that weird Japanese animation thing a go” remember to keep this list in mind. Chances are you’ll come out pleasantly surprised by the bombastic amount of profound themes bandied about, and even more surprised by how much you’re impressed by the “unique style” of animation.

Alastair Moore