Not just any anime, but a fantasy anime.
I�d really like to dive into the world of a breathtaking, beautiful, fascinating fantasy story... but I must admit I simply don�t know any series that fulfills my wishes.

So...
Does anyone here happen to know a title that has - if possible:
- good animations...
- beautiful art (and if possible realistic)
- a serious storyline (no comedy)
- maybe even complex and interesting characters?

What should I try?:puppydog:

Great movie that i think you'll get a laugh out of, G-Taste, a taste of honey ;)

laterz
lone wolf

Eh..lone wolf..she said absolutely serious...none comedy..=X

Anyway, the closest thing I can think of is Princess Mononoke...but I'm assuming you've already seen it (c'mon, it's you Misao =P). Not to mention it doesn't necessarily qualify all your requests...

...Eh..personally, I think the hype on the movie's too big..the movie's okay, but kind of boring and..uhm..dumb...but whatever suits your fancy.

/endbeginofrant

I'd reccomend "Fist of the North Star."

Dunno if you'd think it had good artwork, but I certainly think it did. It's an older anime, which is why I'm saying that. :)

Ah...well I thought you might have already seen it, but how about Record of Lodoss War ? First watch the OAV then the TV series (Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight), there IS a bit of humor in the TV series ( especially that infamous "second part of the show" lol ) but it really isn't its main focus.

As far as other fantasy animes...well, why not FF:Unlimited ? I haven't seen it though.


And while those aren't fantasy movies, check out Ninja Scroll if you don't mind violence and The Wings of Honneamise if you like sci-fi.

Um, FF Unlimited isn't what I'd define as 'serious anime' though. It's too off-beat and quirky, not to mention comedic.

As for my 'choices', I'd reccomend:

If you like anthologies, maybe Memories is more to your tastes? The first story, the DVD's title film, is a science-fantasy story in the style of 2001, but with elements of Akira and Roujin Z thrown in for good measure, set in the future on a salvage ship that uncovers a dsitress signal from a floating piece of scrap near Juipiter. As the crew investigate they are drawn into a horryifying and phantasmagorical nightmare, and have to face their own worst memories. And it has a real delicious twist right at the end. The second film, called 'Stink Bomb', is more of a dark comedy involving... odour... anything else and I'll spoil the surprise! I'm not sure about the third one on the DVD as I never got to see it.

As for fantasy, maybe Ah! My Goddess the Movie would be appropriate? Set several years after the OVA (in other words, about the point in time the manga is up to), the animation and art direction of the OMG movie is superb, beffiting a big-budget theatrical release. The story may seem a little confusing at first, but if you're familar with the OMG universe, (and in particular the manga) then it should all fall into place, and things become clearer with repeated viweing.

It's a lot darker in tone than the OVA was, involving Belldandy's former mentor; a fallen god named Celestine who has a few gripes with how the universe is run, challenged the rulling gods and was imprisoned on the moon for his crimes. Now, he's been freed, and, having not learned his lesson, shockingly uses Belldandy as a tool to infect the celestial computer Yggdrasil with a virus as aprt of his plan to reshape the Universe to his liking.

Naturally, I won't spoil the rest, other than by the end, it seems nearly every obstacle possible has been thrown up between Keiichi and Belldandy, and still they prevail, right down to erasing Bell's memories of Keiichi! Needless to say, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye, but keep an ear out for the music. It should be very familar in style to FF fans - the reason being the soundtrack was composed by none other than FF composer Nobuo Uematsu and FF orchestral arranger Shiro Hamaguchi.

Although it doesn't qualify as a fantasy comedy (It's more of a SciFi anime, but that's fantasy as well in a twisted and plotted way :E)

It does (in my opinion) qualify for the other requirements you asked for it ^_^
'Hoshi No Koe' <- It's a serious (love, but even then) story through time and space, the anime itself is beautiful and very well made and the characters (the main ones) are realistic.
If you haven't seen it yet, go check it out ^_^ You won't regret it I think.


Edit:
@misao; you buy the tickets :B

Wow, answers!

Let�s see...

@lonewolf
Thanks, but like Koenma said I don�t want a funny series this time. :)

@Koenma
Weird, I did not even consider Mononoke. Thanks for reminding me, I ought to watch this one day. And no~ I did not watch it... Damn this hellhole...

@kurohime
Hmm... correct me if I am wrong, but my first impression when seeing Fist of the North Star videos in stores was that of a fighting anime... And a few years back a friend of mine told me "Don�t watch this," with such determintation... Whom should I trust? o_O

@Evad-chan
I�ve been waiting for someone to come up with Lodoss. I�ve seen the OVA and read some of the mangas, but honestly at the moment I am taking a break from it. It�s just... too classic... after a while. But thanks anyway.
And I agree with Enkidoh... FF: Unlimited is not what I�m looking for... Don�t ask me to say why... the characters? The setting? Everything?

@Enkidoh
Though I am aware of the gretaness of Memories... I fail to see the 'fantasy' in it. ._.
As for Ah! My goddess in all its TV series, OVA and movie forms... I have not read or watched any of this beofre... and again, I don�t think it�s a fantasy series... It does not have more fantasy elements than most other stories...

@Tekno
Remind me that I take you to the cinema and show you what fantasy is. ;)

Originally posted by Misao


@Evad-chan
I�ve been waiting for someone to come up with Lodoss. I�ve seen the OVA and read some of the mangas, but honestly at the moment I am taking a break from it. It�s just... too classic... after a while. But thanks anyway.
And I agree with Enkidoh... FF: Unlimited is not what I�m looking for... Don�t ask me to say why... the characters? The setting? Everything?




Evad-CHAN ? Come on Misao, don't you know what chan means ? That should have been Evad-SAN because I'm a guy and older than you. That's basically the same than if I'd call you Mr.Misao...You're supposed to use chan for younger girls ...Therefore, "I" could call "you" Misao-chan :) Not the other way around lol

I understand you're taking a break from it, but do watch Chronicles of the Heroic Knight when you get the chance because I think it's even better than the OAV.

@Evad-chan
(Because you�ll also encounter chan after the name of small boys or people that are cute... and whenever someone tries to tease someone... which I certainly am...)

We~ll... I never really liked the end of the OVA very much, it seemed somehow stupid to me, so yeah. So the TV series must be better... otherwise I�ll sit down in a corner and cry. I�ll ask a friend. He owns the DVDs. :)

Originally posted by Misao
@Evad-chan
(Because you�ll also encounter chan after the name of small boys or people that are cute... and whenever someone tries to tease someone... which I certainly am...)

We~ll... I never really liked the end of the OVA very much, it seemed somehow stupid to me, so yeah. So the TV series must be better... otherwise I�ll sit down in a corner and cry. I�ll ask a friend. He owns the DVDs. :)


That's explained because of the fact that the OAV was supposed to tell the tale of the first novel only in 13 episodes.

When they realized the first book filled the first 8 episodes ( until Ghim's death ) but were left with many plot holes to fill in 5 other episodes they kinda rushed the 5 last ones to try and give a suitable end. So they changed a couple of things *spoiler ahead*( like how Beld really dies, it is not directly by Karla's hand, but rather by Kashue's , indirectly helped by Karla , also that Parn doesn't meet with Shiris and Orson until 5 years later like in the TV series, and Parn recieves the Holy Sword of Falis, Fahn's sword, from Fianna after defeating Karla ).

So, to enjoy a more close version of the story, you'd have to :

Watch the first 8 episodes of the OAV ( with episode 1 watched between episode 6 and 7, you'd know why if you watched the OAV ), not taking into account some facts that happened like regarding Beld's death and the meeting of Shiris and Orson. Also, for the benefits of truling understanding the TV series, ignore EVERYTHING that happens after episode 8, it is retold differently in the TV series more closely to follow the story of the novels.

Look on the web to learn more about what exactly happened during the 5 years that passed between Ghim's death and the beginning of the TV series ( there's only a few teasers about it in the series, so while you have some ideas of what Parn and Deedlit did it isn't explained in detail. You'll understand why Parn became the "Free Knight" ) or look into the DVD extras on DVD-Rom from the TV series, I believe they talk about it there.

Then watch the first 8 episodes of the TV series, after a certain important character dies in a tragic but oh so cool death, that a certain bad-ass dragon is killed ( you probably already know which one it is ) and a certain magical item ( once again you probably know what it is lol ) is destroyed.


It is not mandatory to take a break before viewing the rest of the series. 10 years are passing from episode 8 to 9 but not as much happens so there aren't questions that aren't really answered. You can still look on the web if you want more precise details but you'll understand perfectly what happened so it's not necessary to do so.

Then you watch the end of the TV series.

That way you should really fully enjoy the story of Lodoss.

Originally posted by Misao

As for Ah! My goddess in all its TV series, OVA and movie forms... I have not read or watched any of this beofre... and again, I don�t think it�s a fantasy series... It does not have more fantasy elements than most other stories...

I'm sorry, I misread your post. I thought you were just after a 'fantasy' anime in general, but really, it seems you're after what's referred to as 'heroic fantasy', or, more commonly, 'swords and sorcery'. Something along the lines of Lord of the Rings, correct?

Unfortunately, it seems most heroric fantasy in anime is comedic (Slayers, Bastard!, Those Who Hunt Elves, Sorcerer Hunters, etc), so most of the ones which would seem perfect would however be unsuitable because of their heavy use of gaining laughs out of the more ridiculous aspects of the plot (Lina's somewhat short stature and petite bust size in Slayers for example).

However, there are a few others which in hindsight may be what you're looking for, like Inu Yasha, Fushugi Yugi (I didn't really like those last two myself, but you may feel differently), Berserk (may be too bloodsoaked for your tastes though), and a new anime whcih I haven't seen yet but I've heard good things about called 12 Kingdoms.

Incidently, Record of Loddoss War and it's sequel, Legend of Crystania too are about the only 'true' heroic fantasy that I know of in anime.

And for the record, Oh, My Goddess! IS a fantasy. A romantic fantasy which, despite the engineering background which premates the series to the point where even myth and magic are given technological 'explainations' (the universe is run by a celestial computer named Yggdrasil and deities are effectively tech support, for example), it still deals with typically Norse mytholgical elements such as the inescapability of fate (Ironcially enough, the three main characters are the Norns - the Norse goddesses of Fate), and other supernatural beings such as demons and angels also appear.

Still, it's a very popular series,which is currently my favourite (as if you couldn't tell by looking at my sig! lol), and it's up to you whether you like or not.

And besides, only in fantasy would you be able to phone a goddess to grant you your heart's desire! lol

I've never seen it, but perchance Berserk? From what I've seen, it is quite serious, and has little humor :thumb:

Fist of the North Star isn't fantasy. It's really bad. O_o Avoid.
And Princess Mononoke isn't BORING, it's quite good, but not brilliant, or anything like that. ^_~
Fushugi Yugi's rather dull, also.

I can't really recommend an anime, though... just bash most of them. I think Record of Loddoss War would be rather good, however.

hmmm, hard to recommend an anime. especially when i don't even know which ones you've seen...

but Hack sign?
or maybe samurai deeper kyo(sp?)

i have yet to see the latter... -_- not even sure if it's fantasy.. but some ppl compared it to kenshin and stuffs... a perverted version of kenshin or something..

A perverted version of Kenshin?
Could have been me who said this.
I read the first three volumes of SDK, did not watch the anime, so I do not know if what I so loathe about the manga applies to the anime... It's that really every single character seems to be a crazed pervert who can only find happiness in grabbing at the female character's breast.
Besides that, I'd call it a mixture of fantasy and history, since it is set in Japan (1605 if I am not mistaken) but employs the usual fantasy elements like unnatural fighting abilities or monster-like enemies.

Alright Misao, I have two suggestions that are right up your alley, if you already havnt seen them before of course.

First off is Ninja Scroll - it certainly has no humor and is extremely dark and violent. Its art direction is fantastic with brialliant, eerily realistic characters with suitable and well acted voices. The movie does have some gratuitous violence here and there but over all an excellent package.

Nextly (if that is a word :-p) is the first OAV of Kenshin (Not the second one, it stinks) The first one chronicles Kenshins days as the Man Slayer, in which he is not the nice and loveable guy from the TV series. It has animation on par with the best stuff of today and is much more realistic than the TV show. Again its very dark and violent but that seems to be what you were leaning towards.. and get the DVD version because its spliced together to form basically a 3 hour movie. (BTW its called Samurai X, because you find out how he got the scar on his cheek)

I hope this was helpful.

:mew: Well I would suggest, for a movie, Princess Mononoke and for a series....well I'm watchin' Orphen very little comedy and It's really cool. Dragons and magic, and Escaflowne is good. Also if you're to watch ANY anime best to watch it in Japanese w/ subtitles.The Acting is WAY better.:D

:mew: Lol, I want a kuro neko...

Japanese acting is so much better and sounds cool too, subtitles are also what teaches me some japanese words and phrases.

For great anime, which I t really watch a lot is Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Matrix is pretty good, but the storyline is the strongest part of it. Complex characters, no comedy, beautiful art, two different openings for the series too. Little futuristic.2030 a.d

For Comedy I recommend, Mahoromatic. An android who used to fight, but if she does she'll die in about a month. If she becomes a maid she can live for a whole year before she dies, and she is not a good maid at first, and it's so funny, but a good storyline again and a it is better drawn the DBZ. (Of course)

Originally posted by Evad D'Aragon
Evad-CHAN ? Come on Misao, don't you know what chan means ? That should have been Evad-SAN because I'm a guy and older than you. That's basically the same than if I'd call you Mr.Misao...You're supposed to use chan for younger girls ...Therefore, "I" could call "you" Misao-chan :) Not the other way around lol

I understand you're taking a break from it, but do watch Chronicles of the Heroic Knight when you get the chance because I think it's even better than the OAV.

Actually, they'd probaly call her Misa-chan. lol.

Anyway, back to the topic. (not that I was on it before, Misa-chan ;))

The one's I suggest are The Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and anything else by Hayao Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli. I also suggest Magick Knights Rayearth. It is a purely fantasy anime about three girls who get sucked into an alternate dimension, and they have to save this world if they are to get back to Earth.

I would also have to STRONGLY RECOMMEND Fushigi Yuugi. Of all the anime I've watched Fushigi Yuugi is one of the best there ever was. If you think this one sucks, ther might just be something wrong with your head. j/k!

With shizloads of love,



Zachron

P.S. Jello, Misa-Chan!

I have to agree with Zachron... Spirited Away is brilliant. It has humourous elements, but there is always a dark undertone to it - an inescapable reality. Sure, it's only one movie...but if you haven't seen it, try to :)

The only anime series i've seen is NGE (damn Australian television...and my empty bank account...)... but that's the best anime in existence. It's just not fantasy :P

Well....Misa-chan......

You can go for spirited away, I need not add to what people said before me.....

You can also go for Fushigi Yugi...it's one of the best animes I've seen, Except that it has a little too much (Little too much?:p ) comedy in it.... But it's great......

You MIGHT like Ceres the celestial being or whatever it's called, it's the BEST in my openion. But it mihgt not be what you consider a fantasy...But it's a must see....So don't miss this one:D....

Well.....That's it..........

T.W.K.

Hmmmm I still have this anime to see... try Beserk. I looked at one of the rating sites and they said it got an 8... it's a fantasy as well. Looks fantasy, anyway. Another one is Armitage but that's not really fantasy.. it's tech.

The only ones I can think of are ones already said.

Fushigi Yuugi-Good amount of comedy but too sappy a story for me. It has magic and fantasy and stuff. Its a shojo or whatever you call anime meant for junior high girls

Ayashi No Ceres/Ceres Calestial Legend-I have only seen the first 3 or 4, which were good. I heard it is supposed to be similar to Fushigi Yuugi.

Escaflowne-This was ok, another sappy kind of story with a female main character that falls in love with everyguy that says hello to her. Fairly serious and its a fantasy, so...

Sorcerous Stabber Orphen-Haven't seen the series, but I will be getting it and Ceres soon. Played the game, which sucked, but someone before me said it was serious and magicy.

I would suggest El Hazard, but that is nothing but comedy. Since you didn't like Record of Lodoss War, which rules the swords and sorcery genre, then...

P.S. I am not much of a movie watcher, otherwise I would have a larger list for you. Only ones already suggested, like Spirted Away and Princess Mononoke, or any other of Miyazaki's brilliant masterpeices.

Can anyone reccomend to me any anime movies or shows that would be considered similar in style/story to final fantasy 7, especialy ones with deep and atmospheric storylines, and characters like Sephiroth, etc.?

I dont know any..... I wish I could! Final Fantasy rocks!

I'd recomend SCRYED but it's not completely a fantasy.
great animation.
great story.
great character development.

OR

Final Fantasy Unlimited. it's an ok story but some characters look a bit rushed. It's good for FF fans.

hmm ide have to say hellsing hellsing and more hellsing^^

Anna, have you seen Voices of a Distant Star? It's really short, and more futuristic then fantasy, but I thought it was fantastic, and I think you'd really like it.

.hack//SIGN
Exelent character designs and a story line that will keep you up for hours wondering, "Ok, wtf just happened here?":D

Originally posted by Rikku_Kitty
Hmmmm I still have this anime to see... try Beserk..

you mean Be"R"serk?
anyway... Vampire hunter D, Samurai X, Berserk, Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, Tenchi Muyo, and Blood!

yup.....

Escaflowne is a great fantasy title. Esca has great character developement and production values (nearly every aspect is memorable). The theme song, Yakusoku wa Iranai, is catchy (I love Maaya Sakamoto's vocals). It's pretty serious but it's not totally devoid of comedy. A big part of the storyline is a budding love triangle. Just don't watch it in English ( The Japanese voices are the best.)

OH OH I GOT ON flcl

I would also say Hellsing. Hellsing is really good

OMG you running out of ideas what to watch? XD

I'd recommend you Busou Renkin anime but since there isn't such a thing yet, I'll have to recommend you something else. Its a shame you don't like mechas though since there are lots of other anime besides Gundam which has mechas and its really good so I'll just recommend you Peace Maker Kurogane since you are a Shinsengumi fangirl and FullMetal Alchemist (hey the game sucked, but that doesn't mean that the anime suck too ;D ). Also, try Groove Adventure Rave but you should probably read the manga than watch the anime because the anime isn't complete and I heard that the company that is responsible for that anime had gone bankrupt or soemthing.

I'm not shure if you've seen it or not but I would suggest Night Walker the midnight detective. but thats if vampires are your thing. It's set in the modernday but deals with the olden country too. and also Vampire Hunter D. :cool:

I agree with Cloud1986 Night Walker the midnight detective,and Vampire Hunter D. are both very good,and like he said they are especially if you like vampires.They are interesting for other people also though.

Thank you all, and oo offense meant to anyone posting here, but I don't think there's much point in this thread anymore, ebcause most suggestions are... well... useless... because most suggestions don't consider the given specifications, going so far as to recommand Science Fiction comedies although I asked for serious fantasy.
That and I am no longer able to keep track of the thread anyway. And I believe there are enough threads to recommend/suggest ANY anime...