When we hear the word “animation” we often think of the cartoons of our youth – “Tom and Jerry” for example – or of the latest Dreamworks or Pixar production. However, for a growing number of people, “animation” has come to mean the distinct, Japanese style of expression known as “Anime”. Why has this particular type of animation become so popular among western audiences and GZAAT students who consider themselves to be discerning critics of popular culture? According to Junior Natalia Gvindadze, Anime should be viewed as a genuine art form: “Anime is something that may at first look like a bunch of simple cartoons made for children, however, in reality, it has its sub-genres, and extremely interesting plots and characters. Most importantly, my favorite Animes – and the ones that have gained success and critical recognition – have been mostly hand-drawn.”
English teacher (and a GZAAT graduate) Mariam Khidesheli, shares Natalia’s view and, because of her love for the genre, has revived the GZAAT Anime Club. When she was a student here, Anime Club already existed. She was part of it and liked it very much. Once she returned to the school in 2019 she found out that the Anime Club had disappeared. She thought it fit that one be made, so she took matters into her own hands and brought back the Anime Club once again. Mariam has been watching Anime since she was a little kid. The first time she was introduced to Anime, she was around the age of six. She enjoyed shows and movies without having any knowledge that they were different from other cartoons. Though once she was 9-10 years old, she started to understand that what she was watching was a separate genre altogether. She says that she became “obsessed” with the Anime shows “Candy Candy” and “Sailor Moon”. As you can guess, her passion for the genre lives on as of today.
So, what is it exactly that makes Anime different from other types of animation? The most straightforward answer is that, in its purest form, “Anime” is a product of Japanese culture. In fact, “Anime” is the Japanese word for “animation”. Japanese animation tends to look different from other kinds of animation. In Anime, for example, the characters’ features are more clearly defined and anatomically correct. The Anime Club members state that the graphics are beautiful and different. Anita Karalashvili, a junior high student, says that “Anime has a unique art style than any other animations.”
Many students remark that it is appropriate for all ages, not just young kids. Why is it meant for older people as well? Mariam’s answer is this: “Anime, even though amusing, is not meant solely for entertainment.” She goes on to suggest that Anime explores deeper truths and holds more profound meanings. Indeed, many Animes are well-known for their emotional impact on the viewer.
Mariam also compares anime to Japanese culture. Japanese people are more “quiet,” she says. They aren’t as direct. If they want to express their feeling and opinions, they might do so through paintings, sculptures, dances, songs. Or vice versa: they don’t merely paint something for the beauty of it, rather they are trying to send a message using this format. They are very subtle about what they say and do. And Mariam thinks anime is kind of the same.
Anime is a platform for expression, a form of art. There’s so much depth and meaning hidden beneath the surface. Sadly many people cannot see that. They assume that since it’s a “cartoon” it’s shallow and they don’t even try to unravel the mysteries of this genre.
That is what Anime Club wants to change. Mariam thinks that Anime can be underrated and overlooked. She thinks that it deserves more recognition and respect. This is one of the goals of the Anime Club: to show people how truly remarkable Anime is.
So far the club seems to be accomplishing this goal as it has already attracted a devoted group of students from all grade levels. Also, the club’s approach is more fun than serious and meetings tend to be pretty chill and laid back. Most members declare that their main reason for joining was to get good Anime recommendations and discuss such topics with peers who share the same interests. Ana Chelidze, an eighth-grader explains: “I joined the club to have some fun and have new friends with the same interests as me. I think this will be interesting.”
If you’re interested in joining the anime club contact Mariam Khidesheli at mkhidesheli@aat.ge. We meet up every Thursday at four o’clock in zoom.
Edited by: Mariam Begiashvili
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