Wuxianime

Starship Troopers, the original book. Really, that's enough of a joke for anything.

• 80. I am making this post to the theme of "You've got the touch". One day I want to run down a busy city street in pretend slow motion with this playing loudly, just to freak people out. In fact, that, along with general "Get off your lazy arse" will be my New Years resolutions

So, I had an epiphany regarding Anime. It came to me when watching Hero. I checked a few other general swordsman movies to confirm my theory, but it seems to hold up.

Modern anime is (most of it, at least) a simple continuation of that style of storytelling. I apologise if this is common knowledge to everyone else involved, but it's only just occured to me. Obviously there are some exceptions in both genres, but let's look at some of the general themes (this list is stolen from wikipedia).

The 'generic' wuxia plot may be: "A common plot typically features a young male protagonist in ancient China who experiences a tragedy and goes through exceeding hardship and arduous trials to learn. Eventually the protagonist emerges as a supreme martial arts master unequalled (...), who then profeers his skills chivalrously to mend the ills of the (...) world."

While there are obvious counter examples, a large, LARGE number of the anime shows follow this sort of pattern. Replace 'martial arts' with whatever the focus is, and China with whatever applicable country (yes, I know anime is traditionally Japanese and Wuxia is traditionally Chinese).

The Code of Xia. Wikipedia uses the comparison of the Robin Hood mythology, an "honourable and generous person who has considerable martial arts skills which he puts to use for the general good rather than towards any personal ends, and someone who does not necessarily obey the authorities". Again, aspects common to alot of anime style shows.

Now, consider one of the more important parts of both things. The growth in 'power'. Usually both Wuxia and Anime have someone who has a general talent for the combat systems involved, but still must practise and grow in capabilities over a period of time, focusing themselves on their goal. Few other genres put so much importance upon the increase in combat abilities over time to the narrative, except perhaps roleplaying games.

I may be completely wrong, or discussing something everyone knows, but meh, it was interesting to me.