Celebrating its 15th anniversary, producer and distributor of award-winning and artist-driven animation GKIDS announced the limited theatrical release of Keiichi Hara’s newest film, LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR.
KEIICHI HARA’S LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR
The film is directed by Keiichi Hara known for Miss Hokusai, Colorful, & The Wonderland. The film features animation from the lauded A-1 Pictures, and is adapted from the beloved novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura. The film is set to screen in select theaters nationwide on June 21 and 22nd only.
The film held its International Premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, making it the first time a Japanese animated feature was selected for the festival. Additionally, had its US premiere at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. The film was also nominated for the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year, and was a box office hit during its domestic release in Japan in December 2022, grossing over one billion yen (approx. 7.3 million USD).
Director Keiichi Hara has worked with various past collaborators on the project, including screenwriter Miho Maruo and composer Harumi Fuuki who also worked on Miss Hokusai & The Wonderland, in addition to acclaimed artist Ilya Kuvshinov (The Wonderland) for visual concept and castle designs.
In Theaters Nationwide
GKIDS will release LONELY CASTLE IN THE MIRROR theatrically in both its original Japanese language with an all-new English dubbed version in select theaters nationwide on June 21 and 22nd, tickets are now on sale here. GKIDS also handles North American distribution for Keiichi Hara’s films, including his previous features Summer Days with Coo (2007) and Miss Hokusai (2015).
Film Synopsis
Shy outcast Kokoro has been avoiding school for weeks when she discovers a portal in her bedroom mirror. She reaches through and finds herself transported to an enchanting castle where she is joined by six other students. When a girl in a wolf mask explains that they have been invited to play a game, the teens must work together to uncover the mysterious connection that unites them. However, anyone who breaks the rules will be eaten by a wolf.
Learn more about on the official website, LonelyCastleMovie.com. You can read the novel by Mizuki Tsujimura here or listen to it in audiobook. Lonely Castle in the Mirror, by Mizuki Tsujimura is a heartfelt drama about the pains of growing up and the unlikely bonds that can bring people together.
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