This is a very strange combination and yet I think it’s a great way to explain a concept in anime I have REALLY started to enjoy. Realism in anime. Now I’m not talking about plots that are realistic or realistic writings. I want to talk about Politics and Medicine. Now before you suddenly click off let me explain to you Doctor Elise and Log Horizon.
Anime can be boring. Sacrilege I know. But hear me out for a second. I find myself watching anime that put realism in concepts to the fore. What I mean is when an anime isn’t afraid to flavor its world with politics and medical information. I love learning about certain concepts when anime explains it.
Log Horizon: A Lesson in Diversion
My top two at the moment is Log Horizon with its focus on money and relations between players and NPCs. Its fresh and very down to earth. Drawing up plans for NPC rights and rules for players to follow. Laws if you will. When it comes to strange settings rules must be put in place to maintain order. And what’s nice is Log Horizon is unique in this aspect. They think they’re in a video game, but they aren’t. It is very clear very quickly that they are in a different world, and they must learn to treat it with respect.
It works so well when writers understand concepts and mesh that into their writing to make it feel more alive. Hence with Doctor Elise. This show has small flavor text explaining the procedures and how they impact the body. Sort and easily digestible bits of knowledge to help the viewer understand the scope of things. This is an area where tell don’t show works better.
Doctor Elise: No Magic, Just Skill
When she speaks you listen because you know she is a professional in this field and everything that comes from her mouth is law. That’s why its so well done. And I adore this anime for that. Sure, its weird that more people don’t question things but they realize her potential so choose ignorance in exchange for the greater good.
I enjoy the intellectual side of anime and in all my years I have indeed learned a lot about certain topics thanks to anime. Some useful, some just bits of knowledge to spout. But that’s what’s great about anime is that its often used as a device to explain knowledge. Anime is one of the only forms of media that makes me pay extreme attention to.
Normal films and tv shows can’t do that. Not anymore. And I must admit I am a fiend for knowledge and understanding of topics. And often I enjoy watching shows that can increase my knowledge on certain topics and aspects of life. And anime does this perfectly.
I hope this makes as much sense as I think it does. It’s a hard topic to go into depth as the examples don’t do it enough justice. I highly recommend watching these shows and maybe you might understand exactly what I’m talking about. Give it a try and let me know!