1988
Noah’s Barks pages covering things relating to the year 1988.
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Grave of the Fireflies
In stark contrast to their usual fantasy fare, Studio Ghibli attempt a down-to-earth drama about two Japanese children trying to survive during World War II. Can Studio Ghibli retain its level of quality even after stepping outside of their comfort zone? (read more)
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Frantic
Frantic is one of Polanski‘s first steps out of the darkness of his early work. From despair to mere cynicism. In what’s one of the director’s most Hitchcockian suspense tales, the nerdy side of Ford must unite with the naughty Seigner on an initially intriguing but quickly standard mystery. The plot lacks a sense of… (read more)
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Aim for the Top! Gunbuster
Hideaki Anno of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ fame directs studio Gainax’s gorgeous, intense mecha anime that would inspire hits like ‘Gurren Lagann.’ Heavily alludes to tennis anime ‘Aim for the Ace!’ (Includes ‘Science Lesson’) (read more)
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A.R. Kane – “Love-Sick”
"Green Hazed Daze" is good—and I mean damn good. One of the few essential dream pop tracks from the ’80s. Psychedelic, seaside, Beach Boys-esque dream pop. (read more)
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A Short Film About Love
A Short Film About Love contains much of Kieslowski’s human compassion and interest in fatalism. I find the story’s resolution to be disappointingly trite, as the display of a man driven mad by his inability to express his obsession is far more interesting than an idealistic, bogus love story from a deviant’s perspective. I really… (read more)
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Dead Can Dance – “The Serpent’s Egg”
Oh no, The Serpent’s Egg is the typical discography progression of following up the album where they hit their stride full of energy (Within the Realm of a Dying Sun) with the same tone but stripped back because the band is consciously aware they can’t repeat themselves but don’t have a genuine idea where to… (read more)
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Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack
‘Char’s Counterattack’, the climactic, final showdown between Amuro Ray and Char Aznable, feels like it deserves more than trite drama laced with "daddy issues." (read more)
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Armored Trooper Votoms: Red Shoulder Document – Roots of Ambition
‘Roots of Ambition’ is an ultimately superfluous document in Chirico’s story, but is entertaining due to giving its icons modern production values. (read more)
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Mission of Burma – “Mission of Burma” (1988)
As a compilation, I can’t leverage much of a complaint about this self-titled release. Here we get Vs. and Signals, Calls, and Marches, Mission of Burma‘s two best releases on one CD alongside other rarities. The one odd flaw with this is that the B-side of Academy Fight Song, “Max Ernst,” is inexplicably absent. All the more annoying… (read more)
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Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – “Tender Prey”
My favorite Nick Cave album, "Tender Prey" rocks the gallows. (read more)