Michael Arias isn’t a very Japanese name, is it? That would be because, genetically, Arias is a Chicano/Spanish American. He’s been living in Japan for years, though, and is pretty much as Japanese as an American-born person can be. His movies aren’t overly family friendly, but also not super-disturbing. His works are essentially middle of the road in relation to appropriateness.

Tekkon Kinkreet (2006)
Tekkon Kinkurīto (鉄コン筋クリート)

A good many people find beauty in the unique homeliness of the art-style of this anime movie and I am certainly one of them. The real gem here isn’t even the art-direction, but rather the unique and sordid story of two street urchins Kuro (Black) and Shiro (White) as they try to fight crime and deal with their own poverty. The story, while often departing from what one would normally refer to as reality, is truly a tour de force and is both touching and not to be missed. Whether or not you appreciate this anime’s visual style, I would still urge you to do yourself a favour and check it out.  This is not an anime for children, but viewers old enough to view R-rated anime are sure to be impressed.