TV: IFC Anime Block

Lo and behold, the Independent Film Channel isn’t all Werner Herzog documentaries and Robert Altman retrospectives. The good folks over at the IFC have presently legitimized animation as a viable subdivision of film snobbery—if it wasn’t already. Until recently they were showing two great (and uncut) Japanese animes, “Gunslinger Girl” and “Basilisk,” on Friday nights. But “Gunslinger Girl”—its title a bit of a misnomer since, although there are moments of extreme violence, it’s not your typical anime bloodbath—recently ended its run on March 30 (be prepared for the inevitable DVD—one of these days).

Enter “Basilisk,” an ultra-violent Romeo and Juliet set in 1614 AD, the 19th year of the Keicho Era, in feudal Japan. This classic tale of warring ninja factions will satisfy those who like their anime the same way as their coffee … On second thought, forget that particular analogy. Like its mythical namesake—Bulfinch describes the basilisk as a “king of serpents” whose mere gaze causes instant death—the martial Kouga and Iga clans have deadly fighting styles and strange mutant powers. However, not all parties involved are hell-bent on mutual evisceration. Gennosuke of the Kouga and Oboro of the Iga share a forbidden love that has the potential to either unite or destroy. Can their affection for one another transcend the fell blades and streaking shuriken of their respective, rabidly-hostile camps? If Shakespeare is anything to go by, the answer is “probably not.”

The IFC’s anime block is a good way to spend a Friday night (starting at 11:30) if you’re too broke to go out. Or maybe you’ve been stood up by some girl who doesn’t respect the fact that you still live at home with your parents and watch cartoons. Engaging storylines, fantastic animation and explosive cartoon violence provide a nice alternative to the usual late-night television malaise. This is uncut, commercial free entertainment at its best and bloodiest.