If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you already know that I watch animated shows, such as the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Just as I believe good children’s literature isn’t just for children, I believe that adults can appreciate good animation. This year Netflix has released two excellent animated shows that are not to be missed if you have the opportunity to watch them.
Hilda
Hilda is a magical show based on a series of graphic novels. Hilda is a brave, compassionate girl who can discover possibilities where other people only see problems. She lives in a sort of Scandinavian country, where she encounters trolls, giants, elves, nisse, and other weird and wonderful beings. Hilda is equal to any creature she meets, but she finds people a bit more difficult. Her greatest challenge is leaving the wilderness to live in the city.
For me, Hilda is comfort television, like a cup of hot chocolate. The world is one I’d want to visit, and I fell in love with many of the characters. You can’t help but want to sit down for a board game with Hilda and her mom. And you’ll find yourself wishing you could meet the Wood Man, even though he’ll walk into your house uninvited, make himself comfortable, and insult you. Like The Hobbit (the book) or Spirited Away, Hilda invites adults to embrace childhood wonder again.
So far, only one season of 13 episodes is available, though Netflix will eventually add a second season.
Aggretsuko
While Hilda is a children’s show that adults will love, Aggretsuko really is animation for adults. This is a side of Sanrio that was totally new to me. Think Hello Kitty gets drunk at an office party. This is not one you watch with your three-year-old.
Retsuko is a 25-year-old red panda who hates her job. Her boss is literally a sexist pig who delights in making her life miserable. A responsible woman, Retsuko quietly takes everything that is piled on her, but she has a secret outlet: after work, she goes to a karaoke establishment and releases her tensions through death metal.
In ten 15-minute episodes, Aggretsuko takes viewers through the ups and downs of Retsuko’s life as she tries to either escape her job or make peace with her boss. Like Hilda, this is a show with marvelous characters, including the fabulously cool Washimi; sweet but awkward Haida; and cute, calculating Tsunoda. Even if you’ve never had to deal with a boss like Retsuko’s, you’ll find yourself relating to some of the situations she faces. After all, we all have days when it would feel great to go into a room by ourselves and scream.
My child and I watched Aggretsuko in Japanese with English subtitles. It is also available in other languages, including English. Like Hilda, it will be renewed for a second season.