Anime
Strictly speaking, anime is simply the Japanese word for animation. In English, however, the term has become specifically associated with animation produced primarily for a Japanese audience. This includes feature films, television series, and direct-to-video OVAs (original video animation). Although anime can be aimed at children, the term often implies a level of sophistication that is missing from the word "cartoon," as much of anime is distinguished by its focus on mature themes and content. Anime's roots are found in Japanese comics known as manga, and its distinct style of exaggerated action and expressive faces with large, round eyes can be largely attributed to the work of artist/animator Osamu Tezuka, responsible for such classics as Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion. Though anime is sometimes stereotypically associated with sci-fi and violence, the category encompasses a wide range of themes, styles and topics, with selections as diverse as My Neighbor Totoro, Dragonball Z, Grave of the Fireflies, Akira, Cowboy Bebop and Sailor Moon . Once relegated to a limited cult following, the style and substance of anime has become increasingly influential and popular with Western audiences, thanks to exposure on Cartoon Network's "Toonami" and "Adult Swim" programming blocks as well as the wide availability of titles on DVD and video. One sure sign that anime had "arrived" in the U.S. was the 2002 Best Animated Feature Oscar win for Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away.
Featured Films:
 |  | ![Moeyo Ken [Anime OVA Series]](http://images.starpulse.com/AMGPhotos/dvd/cov150/drt500/t544/t54402sglbz.jpg) |  |  |  |
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