Japanese animation is usually best known, at least in the West, for its stories of epic battles. They are usually stories in which life in the universe is always in constant danger.
In this universe there are also romantic anime. "Pink" stories where eventually, the protagonists have to save "the heart" and the world. All at the same time.
Romantic anime on the big screen
Teen dramas tend to take over most of the plots of romantic anime. But it is not the only thing. There is room for science fiction, with time travel included. There are also some philosophical dissertations, in addition to the traditional "forbidden romances".
Whispers of the heartby Yoshimi Kondo (1995)
Both visually and by dramatic structure, this film is a classic in Japanese animation. His style is reminiscent of old television productions such as Heidi o Marco. Although, unlike these series, the narrated story is less pessimistic.
Shizuku Tsukishima is a teenager fond of reading, who at times feels unable to achieve her most intimate desire: to become a writer. Thanks to a mysterious cat, she meets Seiji Amasawa, a young man whose desire is to be a violin maker. Shizuki is immediately enraptured by Seiji's determination in pursuit of his dream.
Whispers of the heart is directed by Yoshimi Kondo for the celebrated anime production house Studio ghigli, considered by critics and public, as one of the best in his art. They are also responsible for two of the animated titles made in Japan, most applauded around the world: Grave of the Fireflies y Chichiro's trip.
I've always liked youby Testuya Yanagisawa (2016)
One of the last romantic anime to hit theaters. Released in 2016, hardly known outside the Asian archipelago. A teenage romance, with all the classic elements of this cinematographic sub-genre. All details that, despite the notorious cultural differences, are usually the same in Tokyo, Kyoto, Madrid or Barcelona.
The story revolves around a group of friends about to drop out of high school to move on to college. Pressed because they don't have much time together, they decide to confess what they had denied so much. They have always been in love with each other.
The girl who leapt through time, by Mamoru Hosoda (2006)
More science fiction than romance, although this is an element present within the story. Makoto Konno is a seemingly ordinary girl, a senior at a Tokyo high school. He shares almost all of his time with his friends Kosike Tsuda and Chiaki Mamiya.
One day, just as he is about to die, he discovers that he can travel back in time. After the initial shock and despite the constant warnings he receives, he begins to use this power indiscriminately, dangerously altering reality.
Directs Mamoru Hosoda, an entertainer who has devoted much of his career to Digimon Adventure. Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, one of the masterminds behind Evangelion, drew up the character design. All from the homonymous novel written by Yasukata Tsumi, published in 1967.
From the hill of poppiesby Goro Miyazaki (2011)
Another production by Studio Ghibli. The story focuses on Umi Matsuzaki, a high school student in the Japanese capital. The year 1963 passed, when the country was still recovering from the disasters of war and preparing to host the 1964 Olympic Games.
The young protagonist must combine your academic activities with the management of a small inn. The girl also has to take care of her younger brothers and her grandmother. His mother is absent and his father was the captain of a navy ship that capsized, hit by an enemy missile.
Despite her multiple tasks and missing her father, she leads a quiet and happy life. But her routine changes radically when she meets Shun Kazuma, a student from the same house where she is studying and from whom falls in love almost instantly.
However, the friendship between the two, as well as the possible romance, must overcome a seemingly insurmountable challenge. A secret that Shun hides related to the death of Umi's father.
classmatesby Shoko Nakamuda (2016)
The theme "yahoo”Is very popular within the manga. This kind of story focus on relationships between men, but without showing explicit sex or something more than caresses and kisses.
dokyusei (Classmates), is based on a hit comic of the same name published in 2006, created by Asumiko Nakamura. It became the first "yaohi" movie to hit the big screen. It is one of the most successful romantic anime, inside and outside of Japan
The garden of wordsby Makoto Shinkai (2013)
Two strangers start to hang out in the middle of a park in Tokyo on rainy days. He, a 15-year-old boy, design student and obsessed with shoes. She, a mysterious woman who drinks beers and eats chocolates while reciting the odd verse. The relationship is in danger of being interrupted when winter ends and the sun no longer gives them excuses to get together.
The garden of words It is directed by Makoto Shinkai, one of the most celebrated anime film directors in Japan. A poetic and subtle story, despite the turbulence and the enigma that surrounds the protagonist.
summer warsby Hamoru Mosoda (2009)
Hamoru Mosoda and Yoshiyuki Sasamoto joined forces again to build, together with the scriptwriter Sateko Okudera, this wonderful fantastic world. A story born especially for the cinema. Without being based on a television anime or a manga.
Science fiction and adventure (visually full of some elements reminiscent of Pokemon), spiced with naive and youthful romance. Kenji Koise is the main character in the story. He is a 17-year-old boy, brilliant with mathematics and computer science, but his clumsiness with women is inversely proportional to his numerical ability.
As he has to fight to save the world from a sudden and ruthless attack at the hands of hackers, must pose as Natsuki Shinohara's boyfriend. She is the most popular girl in the institute where they both study. He is also Kenji's secret love.
Image Sources: YouTube / Animes Latinos / Fast Japan