If so many people like the Matrix, do you think anime could do better?

[Calhoun07]

Matrix is basically a live action anime movie. Given it's success, if a great anime title was given the proper exposure and marketed right, do you think that it could do better than it would have other wise? Do you think the Matrix could convert anybody over to anime?

[Kal-el]

That is a tough question. Anime has a definite following. Live action has a definite following. The two don't always cross over. Many people around my age (late 20's) don't know much about anime and dismiss it as merely a cartoon for kids. You look at films like Final Fantasy and Titan AE...many people didn't care to see them because they were a form of animation. I would certainly hope for it to happen. If anime became a mainstream cross-over medium, I'd be very happy. Mainly, IMO, it would have to be shown to be a viable and intelligent form of entertainment (not just a long commercial for a toy line) and not just something for kids to enjoy.

[Kal-el]

Hmmm. That couldn't have been the only possible opinion, could it?

[The Mad Hatter]

Unfortunately, the reactions to Titan AE, Atlantis and Final Fantasy, or rather the lack thereof, not to mention the lack of acceptance of Princess Mononoke even when every critic on the planet went ape over it, will prevent the US studios from taking a chance at a widescreen "serious" anime release for a loooooooooong time. Probably why Disney's doing squat with Spirited Away, even though it's earning truckloads of money in Japan.

Sigh...

[Calhoun07]

I am not talking about revitalizing the American market for animated movies over night. I am talking about people you know who liked the Matrix who may be unaware how much the creators of the movie were inspired by anime. Do you think that if you could get one of those people in a room to watch a great anime flick that they could be converted? I'm talking one fan at a time here!

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

I think if you knew each person's tastes and grabbed a library of anime to show each one, you'd eventually get them to like at least ONE of them.