Otaku Unite! [DVD]

Description

Product Description Explore the world of otaku, the devoted fans of Japanese animation. Otaku Unite! is the first documentary to follow the evolution of this phenomenon from its humble beginnings to its current state as a major influence of pop culture. desertcart.com Eric Bresler's Otaku Unite! (2005) is the first documentary to attempt to chronicle anime fandom in America. Unfortunately, it's an unfocused grab bag that tells the viewer far less than it should in 70 long minutes. The film opens with scenes of Kaju Big Battel (sic)--amateur wrestlers who perform in monster costumes--that have nothing to do with the subject. Robotech creator Carl Macek recalls the over-the-top reactions some fans had to his reworking of the Japanese source material, but no one discusses the legitimacy of substantially altering films and TV programs. Juxtaposed footage of talking heads and Cos Play contests leaves viewers with the impression anime fandom is the preserve of the obese and dweebish: the scenes of a flabby contestant doing a strip as Inu-Yasha, then complaining that the judging was rigged, are embarrassing. Authors Carl Gustave Horn and Frederick Schodt provide rare moments of articulate commentary. Otaku Unite! is the first feature to focus on anime fandom; the second one will almost certainly be better. (Unrated, suitable for ages 12 and older) --Charles Solomon