13/01/2020: Rewind the 2000s

The 2000s gave many great shows of diverse genres. Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of anime to come out of the 2000s was the art style and design choices. Here are a few of the shows that I felt were representative of the decade.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the more prominent shows of the 2000s. And for good reason. It does many things right, from its great world building and action to its solid character development. The narrative is very tight. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a contender for one of the best animes from the 2000s, and beyond.

2. Clannad & Clannad: After Story (2008 – 2009)

Clannad is a really memorable slice of life anime. Like in most slice of life shows, there is no serious antagonist or any real source of conflict. The art style is very distinctive, with the characters’ eyes being huge, even for anime standards. It is one of those shows in which the sequel – Clannad: After Story – is better than the original. It is also one of the saddest shows of the decade.

3. Code Geass (2006 – 2008)

Code Geass is a show that encapsulates many of the defining features of the 2000s. Wacky character designs, giant robots, etc. What would the 2000s be without mecha (i.e. giant robots). Code Geass shines for many reasons. The biggest reason perhaps is that the protagonist, Lelouch Lamperouge, is a great anti-hero. Many of his actions have grey moral underpinnings. Yet, despite his moral flaws, you can’t help but root for him. The same reason why one would root for Deadpool, or Walter White. Simply put, it is exciting to see what they do next.

4. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)

If you have seen the 2016 movie Your Name, you may have heard of an earlier movie by the same director titled 5 Centimeters per Second. From the look of it, you could have never imagined that this movie came out in 2007. The photorealism and the quality animations make it incredibly pleasing on the eyes, even by today’s standards. This movie perfectly captures the melancholiness of drifting apart from and losing touch with an old friend from primary school or secondary school.

~Hideyoshi Kinoshita