- Secret of Kells
This movie by Cartoon Saloon is the story of a young Irish boy who wishes to complete a magical book. As a result, he has to leave the community he is walled within even as the enemy Vikings approach. It’s a story of friendship and courage that’s great for any age, and not only is it wonderfully colorful, but there’s a well-planned geometric aspect to it. This one’s on Netflix, to boot! (Also by Cartoon Saloon: Song of the Sea.)
- Tales of the Night
Tales of the Night is a French film directed by Michel Ocelot which is made purely of silhouette animation. That means that every object in the film is pure black, surrounded by beautiful and astonishing colors. A boy and girl meet together with an old technician every night to tell and perform tales of adventure. (Also by Michel Ocelot: Princes et Princesses)
- The Tale of Princess Kaguya
This classic Japanese tale (based off of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter) is directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli. It’s a hand-animated work of art, with stunning watercolor images and scenery.The Tale of Princess Kaguya is about a tiny girl found in a bamboo shoot whose discoverers think she’s a divine being. They do everything to make her royal, but she discovers that may not be what she truly wants. (Also by Isao Takahata: Grave of the Fireflies.)
- The Garden of Words
The second Japanese title on this list is by Makoto Shinkai. Known for hyper-realistic images, especially when it comes to lighting, it’s impossible not to be blown away by almost photographic images of natural scenery. The story follows a boy who wants to become a shoemaker who forms an unexpected friendship with a woman he meets on a rainy day in a garden. (Also by Makoto Shinkai: 5 Centimeters Per Second.)
- Waltz with Bashir
Unlike the other entries on this list, Waltz with Bashir is a mature and unflinching war documentary. Our main character is trying to reconstruct memories from his time as a soldier in the Lebanon War of 1982. With stark contrast and powerful images, this isn’t a movie to be taken lightly. Folman is both the director and main character. Waltz with Bashir was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 2009 Academy Awards and is officially banned in Lebanon.
