Forgotten Island’s directors unpack their ‘very personal’ anime references
The new animated feature Forgotten Island blends contemporary 3D animation with nostalgic 2D anime influences. Directed by Januel P. Mercado and Joel Crawford, the film employs the polished three-dimensional style characteristic of major studios like Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks for its primary narrative, featuring detailed textures, lighting effects, and depth.
However, the film distinguishes itself by incorporating flat, hand-drawn 2D animation inspired by 1990s anime during key storytelling moments. When characters recount past experiences, their recollections unfold through comedically exaggerated visuals directly referencing classic anime series including Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, and Street Fighter. These stylistic shifts serve as visual representations of how characters remember and interpret their own histories, creating an entertaining contrast with the film’s primary aesthetic.
According to the directors, their selection of these three particular anime properties was deliberate and deeply personal, drawn from their own connections to these influential series. The creative choice reflects broader trends in animation where filmmakers blend multiple visual traditions to enhance storytelling and create distinctive visual identities. By integrating beloved anime references into Forgotten Island, Mercado and Crawford create moments that resonate with audiences familiar with these classics while adding layers of humor and character development to their adventure narrative.