The Jujutsu Kaisen franchise returns to the big screen with a colossal new theatrical feature, JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution. Fans across North America will get the first chance to witness the chaos when the film debuts exclusively in IMAX theatres for one night only on December 3, followed by a nationwide rollout beginning December 5, presented by GKIDS in both Japanese and English-dubbed versions.
For the first time ever, JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution unites the franchise’s two most intense arcs—“Shibuya Incident” and “Culling Game Part 1”—into a single cinematic experience designed for the big screen. The feature serves as a special compilation of the Shibuya Incident saga, reimagined for theatrical presentation, and includes the world premiere of the first two episodes of Season 3, ahead of their January 2026 streaming debut.
The IMAX screening event will feature one exclusive showing across 100 screens nationwide on December 3, giving fans an early-access experience before the film opens widely. A new IMAX-exclusive poster was also unveiled in celebration of the announcement.
About JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution
Released in Japan under the title JUJUTSU KAISEN: The Movie – Shibuya Incident Special Edition x Culling Game Advance Screening on November 7, 2025, the feature brings the franchise’s most ambitious story arc to life. Produced by TOHO animation and animated by MAPPA, the film continues the legacy of Gege Akutami’s best-selling manga published by Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump.
Since its 2020 debut, JUJUTSU KAISEN has evolved into a global phenomenon—earning “Anime of the Year” at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards and amassing millions of fans worldwide. Earlier this year, GKIDS released JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie, grossing over $3.25 million in North America. The previous film, JUJUTSU KAISEN 0, went on to exceed $188 million globally.
A veil abruptly descends over the busy Shibuya area amid the bustling Halloween crowds, trapping countless civilians inside. Satoru Gojo, the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, steps into the chaos. But lying in wait are curse users and spirits scheming to seal him away.
Yuji Itadori, accompanied by his classmates and other top-tier jujutsu sorcerers, enters the fray in an unprecedented clash of curses — the Shibuya Incident.
In the aftermath, ten colonies across Japan are transformed into dens of curses in a plan orchestrated by Noritoshi Kamo, the most wicked sorcerer in history. As the deadly Culling Game starts, Special Grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu is assigned to carry out Yuji’s execution for his perceived crimes.
The desperate confrontation between Satoru Gojo’s two beloved students comes to the big screen with an early preview. Be the first to experience Yuji and Yuta’s fateful battle with the hotly anticipated kickoff to Season 3 in theatres nationwide.
Fans can experience the ultimate Jujutsu Kaisen spectacle early with IMAX Fan Event screenings on December 3. The film then expands to standard theatres nationwide starting December 5.
Be among the first to witness JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution — where the Shibuya Incident reaches its devastating climax and The Culling Game begins.
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2K DCP Restoration of Anno’s 1998 Live-Action Debut Hits New York and Los Angeles THIS month!
In a groundbreaking moment for anime fans and Japanese cinema enthusiasts alike, Hideaki Anno’s LOVE & POP, his first-ever live-action feature, will have its first-ever North American theatrical release. The 1998 film, originally shot with handheld digital cameras, will be presented in a newly restored 2K DCP format with technical adjustments for its upcoming screenings.
LOVE & POP will debut at the IFC Center in New York City on February 21, followed by a release at the American Cinematheque’s Los Feliz 3 in Los Angeles starting February 23, with additional cities to be announced soon.
The premiere of the new restoration took place on February 1 at New York City’s Japan Society, marking a significant step in bringing this underappreciated gem to a wider audience.
Film Synopsis:
Set in July 1997, LOVE & POP follows Tokyo schoolgirl Hiromi and her friends as they spend their summer dating older men for money. With just a cellphone in hand, Hiromi embarks on a mission to raise ¥128,000, aiming to buy an expensive topaz ring before the mall closes for the day.
Based on the novel by Ryū Murakami, LOVE & POP is a daring exploration of youth and identity from Anno, best known as the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion. The film’s radical approach to storytelling—filmed using handheld digital cameras, distorted lenses, and a mix of unconventional angles—offers a raw, immersive portrait of Japanese teenage life on the cusp of the 21st century. Despite being largely overlooked for years, LOVE & POP stands as a unique snapshot of a generation’s struggles with alienation and self-discovery.
Running Time: 110 minutes Theme Song: “Ano subarashii ai wo mouichido” by Asumi Miwa
LOVE & POP promises to be a visual and emotional experience for audiences, highlighting Anno’s bold approach to filmmaking before his iconic contributions to anime. Fans of his work in Evangelion will find much to appreciate in this unique live-action debut.
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GKIDS, the Academy Award®-winning distributor renowned for its dedication to high-quality, artist-driven animation, has announced its acquisition of the theatrical distribution rights for the highly anticipated Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-. The film is set to hit North American theaters on February 28, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in the Gundam franchise.
This project represents the first major collaboration between EVANGELION creator Hideaki Anno’s studio khara and Sunrise, the legendary studio behind the Mobile Suit Gundam series. With an all-star lineup of creators from some of the most iconic anime productions of the last three decades, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- is poised to be a must-see cinematic experience.
Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, known for his work on EVANGELION and FLCL, the film brings together renowned screenwriter Yoji Enokido (who worked on Revolutionary Girl Utena, Bungo Stray Dogs, and FLCL) as Series Supervisor and Screenwriter. The acclaimed Hideaki Anno also joins the project as a screenwriter, bringing his distinctive vision to the Gundam universe.
Character designs are handled by illustrator Take (known for Katanagatari, Zaregoto, and the Pokémon series), while the mechanical designs are being crafted by Ikuto Yamashita, a veteran of the EVANGELION series and Shin Kamen Rider.
The Gundam GQuuuuuuX film is a re-edited version of episodes from the upcoming TV series Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, which was first announced in Japan on December 4th, 2024, along with character and mechanical designs, and a theatrical teaser. The film will debut in Japan on January 17, 2025, with the TV series’ release information still to be announced.
David Jesteadt, President of GKIDS, shared his excitement about the project, saying,
“The incredible talent involved in this collaboration on such an iconic series makes Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX an unmissable event for anime fans. We are thrilled to bring this exciting new project to North American audiences in a way that does justice to the cinematic experience it deserves.”
– via press release
Film Synopsis
Set in the vastness of space, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- follows Amate Yuzuriha, a high school student living in a peaceful space colony. Her life changes when she meets Nyaan, a war refugee who introduces her to Clan Battle, an illegal mobile suit dueling sport. As Amate enters the battle arena under the name “Machu,” she pilots the powerful GQuuuuuuX mobile suit. But her world is further shaken when an unidentified Gundam mobile suit appears, pursued by both the space force and police. Its pilot, a boy named Shuji, may hold the key to changing the course of their world forever.
Fans of the supernatural comedy manga Ghost Cat Anzu are in for a treat with the upcoming animated film adaptation. However, this film isn’t just a direct translation of the manga — it’s taking a bold new approach. While the original manga series charmed readers with lighthearted, comedic antics, the film adds a more adventurous twist to the familiar story of Anzu, the mischievous ghost cat.
Meet The Makers
The film is a collaboration between directors Kuno Yoko and Nobuhiro Yamashita. Kuno Yoko is responsible for the animated segments, while Nobuhiro Yamashita directs the live-action segments used in the rotoscoping process.
Often compared to Aki Kaurismäki, known for his films centering on characters who are usually left alone facing the consequences, Nobuhiro Yamashita is best known for his first 35mm film, Linda Linda Linda (2005), about a group teenagers who form a band to cover songs by the Japanese punk rock band the Blue Hearts. The film was a popular success that brought him squarely into the realm of commercial cinema.
Kuno Yoko is a talented animator and manga creator recognized both nationally and internationally. She began creating manga in high school, and her debut publication, The Horn and Love of Yuiko Amagi (2017), won second prize for debut works at the Japan Media Arts Festival, where she also became the first artist to win two First Work prizes in different categories.
Credit: John Salangsang for AIF
She was a rotoscoping animation director known for her work on Shunji Iwai’s The Case of Hana and Alice (2015) and for directing the opening film for the puppet show Gara Piko Pu in 2016. She also worked as a character designer for Shiriri in Alien Shiriri from the Crayon Shin-chan series, created animations for Crayon Shin-chan: Kung-fu Boys Ramen Scrimmage in 2017, and directed episodes of Houseki no Kuni / Age of Crystals, earning significant international recognition. Ghost Cat Anzu marks her feature film directorial debut.
Rotoscoping Ghost Cat Anzu
The film is stands out from most anime films as the production team used a technique called rotoscoping. Rotoscoping involves artists tracing over live-action footage, one frame at a time, to make the animations look more realistic.
This method helps animators capture lifelike movements and is often used to blend animated characters with live-action scenes. While time-consuming, rotoscoping is great for creating detailed, realistic animations.
As you watch the film, you can hear the actors’ voices as if they were recorded along with the live-action scenes, and that’s because they were! The characters’ voices were captured on-site, which enhances the authenticity of the film’s sound design. This blend of live-action and animation creates a unique viewing experience, with real locations being animated over to create a surreal effect.
INTERVIEW
We had the pleasure to briefly speak with director Kuno Yoko and producer Keiichi Kondo at this year’s Animation Is Film Festival,
The Ghost Cat Anzu manga is loved for its fun, slice-of-life style, revolving around Anzu, a mischievous bakeneko (ghost cat), and the residents of his town. The lighthearted interactions between characters are shown with simple and defined artwork, where humor and charm come from Anzu’s everyday situations. The manga focuses on episodic stories instead of one continuous plot. But the film takes the story in a different direction…
The film diverges from the manga by focusing on a complete, full adventure with Aznu and a new character, Karin, a precocious tween who unexpectedly moves to rural Japan to live with her grandfather.
Karin’s distrust of Anzu becomes a central theme in the movie, which contrasts with the lighter and more comedic tone of the manga. Karin actively resists Anzu’s attempts to help her, giving the film a more rebellious and adventurous feel. It’s essential to highlight that the film incorporates various short stories from the manga, adding Karin to the mix while significantly altering other pivotal characters like Anzu’s “mother” and Tetsuya.
According to directors Kuno Yoko and Nobuhiro Yamashita,
In the original work, Anzu is a ghost cat living with a monk in a temple. Unlike the typical expectations associated with ghost cats, which are supposed to surprise and scare people, Anzu behaves like an idle old man: he aimlessly sleeps, works part-time as a massage therapist, and is seen urinating in front of the temple. To present Anzu in a more appealing light, the film required a character to contrast with him. This is how we introduced the original character of Karin into the film, a girl as difficult to deal with as Anzu.
– Via Press Release
What Fans Can Expect from the Film
The film promises a blend of comedy, action, and emotional depth, with Karin and Anzu having to face the demonic consequences of Karin’s impulsive and rebellious actions. Fans can expect intense action scenes and dramatic tension that weren’t present in the manga while still holding onto the comedic elements that make Ghost Cat Anzu beloved.
Fans of the original manga will observe significant shifts in the tone, character dynamics, and stakes of the story. While the manga presents a relaxed, slice-of-life narrative, the film elevates the emotional stakes, infuses dramatic action, and establishes a more compelling plot arc. Despite these transformations, the film preserves the essence of Ghost Cat Anzu by maintaining its comedic core.
That being said, the film faces challenges with narrative coherence and structure; for a runtime of 97 minutes, the film would have been better as short film. However, for fans of the manga the film delivers a cinematic interpretation that skillfully balances humor, adventure, and emotional resonance. This new adaptation presents an innovative perspective on Ghost Cat Anzu, providing an enjoyable experience for both dedicated fans and those new to the series.
GKIDS, known for bringing beloved animated films to North American audiences, is thrilled to share the exciting news: Studio Ghibli’s latest masterpiece, “THE BOY AND THE HERON,” has clinched the prestigious Oscar for Best Animated Feature from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. This victory marks a significant achievement for the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, who adds yet another Oscar to his collection after his groundbreaking “Spirited Away” triumph in 2003. Miyazaki, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, received well-deserved recognition at the 2014 Governors Awards for their exceptional contributions to cinema.
“Spirited Away” and “THE BOY AND THE HERON” are the only hand-drawn films to secure this honor since the category’s inception in 2002. This win also signifies the first Oscar triumph for producer Toshio Suzuki, adding to Studio Ghibli’s impressive track record, which boasts seven nominations and two wins.
For GKIDS, this win is particularly sweet, marking their first victory after an impressive 13 nominations in the Best Animated Feature category. Their journey began in 2010 with “The Secret of Kells” and includes notable titles like “Ernest & Celestine,” “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya,” and “Wolfwalkers.”
“THE BOY AND THE HERON” has not only broken records as GKIDS’ highest-grossing release but is also Studio Ghibli’s top-earning film in North America, with over $46 million at the box office and the highest-grossing original Japanese animated film domestically. To celebrate, GKIDS plans a re-release across North American theaters later this month.
Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, presenting from the Dolby Theater, graciously accepted the award on behalf of Miyazaki and Suzuki, who remained in Japan. Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima conveyed producer Toshio Suzuki’s heartfelt appreciation backstage in Los Angeles,
“As producer of The Boy and the Heron, I am extremely honored to receive the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Academy. I would also like to give my thanks to those who were involved in the production of this film, and to all those who worked to distribute the film worldwide. This film began with director Hayao Miyazaki retracting his retirement statement. Following that, we spent seven years in the production of this work. It has been ten years since Hayao Miyazaki’s previous film, The Wind Rises, during which time there have been dramatic changes in the environment surrounding films. This film was truly difficult to bring to completion. I am very appreciative that the work that was created after overcoming these difficulties has been seen by so many people around the world, and that it has received this recognition. Both Hayao Miyazaki and I have aged a considerable amount. I am grateful to receive such an honor at my age, and taking this as a message to continue our work, I will devote myself to work harder in the future. Thank you very much.”
– Toshio Suzuki via Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima
In response to this landmark win, GKIDS CEO Eric Beckman and President David Jesteadt expressed gratitude to the Academy and Studio Ghibli, reflecting on their longstanding partnership and dedication to bringing masterful animation to worldwide audiences.
With the passing of founder Isao Takahata in 2018, Miyazaki and Suzuki remain the driving forces behind Studio Ghibli’s legacy. Their combined efforts have garnered numerous Oscar nominations, solidifying their place in animation history.
GKIDS’ impact on cinema extends beyond Studio Ghibli, introducing audiences to a diverse array of master filmmakers from around the world. From Mamoru Hosoda to Makoto Shinkai, their catalog showcases the artistry and storytelling prowess of animation.
“THE BOY AND THE HERON” made waves internationally, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival to sold-out screenings and rave reviews. It has since garnered accolades from BAFTA, Golden Globe, and various critics’ associations. Adding to the excitement, the film’s IMAX debut and its star-studded English-language version continue to captivate audiences worldwide, proving once again the timeless appeal and artistic excellence of Miyazaki’s storytelling.
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GKIDS the renowned producer and distributor celebrated for bringing captivating animation from diverse corners of the world to audiences, has unveiled a teaser featuring insights from Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. In this interview, Suzuki delves into the visionary mind of Hayao Miyazaki, shedding light on Miyazaki’s latest creation, “The Boy and the Heron,” and offering glimpses into the future landscape of animation.
Video content created by GKIDS
“The Boy and the Heron” recently won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, adding to its accolades with a nomination for Best Original Score. The film has garnered further acclaim with nominations at the British Academy Film and Television Awards and the Critic’s Choice Awards, while also vying for recognition in multiple categories at the Producers Guild Awards, Art Directors Guild Awards, Cinema Audio Society Awards, and the ASIFA-Hollywood Annie Awards.
The international debut of “The Boy and the Heron” was a landmark event, serving as the Opening Night Gala of the 48th Toronto International Film Festival. The demand for tickets was unprecedented, with all five screenings at TIFF selling out rapidly. Following its success in Toronto, the film continued to captivate audiences worldwide, with premieres in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. These screenings, held at esteemed venues such as the New York Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival, further solidified its global appeal.
The film has garnered widespread acclaim from critics, winning Best Animated Feature at numerous prestigious award events, including those presented by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, New York Film Critics Circle, Chicago Film Critics Association, and many others across various regions such as San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, San Diego, Philadelphia, Dallas Ft. Worth, Florida, New Mexico, and Greater Western New York.
This hand-drawn animated masterpiece marks Miyazaki’s return to the director’s chair after a decade, featuring an original story crafted and directed by the master himself. Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki led the production serving as the film’s producer. The musical score was created by Miyazaki’s longtime collaborator, Joe Hisaishi, who worked on Studio Ghibli titles such as Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, to mention a few. Furthermore, the captivating theme song “Spinning Globe” is performed by the acclaimed J-pop sensation Kenshi Yonezu, adding another layer of allure to this cinematic experience.
Photo by Kazuhei Kimura
The English dubbed version of the film, features the voices of renowned star-studded English language cast, Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh. It’s worth noting that the English language dub was created in compliance with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.
GKIDS takes charge of distributing Studio Ghibli’s renowned collection across North America, ensuring these beloved classics reach audiences through theaters, home video, digital, and streaming platforms. GKIDS also promotes recent releases like “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya” and “When Marnie Was There,” alongside beloved favorites such as “From Up on Poppy Hill.”
Since 2017, GKIDS has organized Ghibli Festannually, a nationwide celebration showcasing Studio Ghibli films in over 800 theaters. This year’s festival highlights the unmatched cinematic legacy of Hayao Miyazaki, inviting audiences to delve into the timeless wonders of his storytelling prowess.
Additionally, GKIDS is the founder and host of ANIMATION IS FILM, the annual LA-based film festival which embraces animation as a cinematic art form, and is a vocal advocate for filmmakers who push the boundaries of the medium to its fullest range of artistic expressions.
One Piece Film RED English Cast at AiFF 2022
Dir. Jane Wu and producers Michael Green & Amber Noizumi at AiFF 2023 | Photo Credit, John Salangsang for AIF
Mamoru Hosoda at Animation is Film Festival 2021 in Hollywood, CA
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GKIDS has released the English dub trailer of Oscar-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s new feature, THE BOY AND THE HERON. The highly anticipated film features an all-star English language dub cast featuring the voices of Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh.
The new trailer features a first look at the vocal performances of the film’s all-star English language cast. The English language dub was produced in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.
GKIDS will release THE BOY AND THE HERON in theaters nationwide on December 8, 2023, featuring both the original Japanese and English language versions. This highly anticipated film is the latest creation from Studio Ghibli, the renowned animation house from Japan. Prior to its wide release, it will have special preview screenings in New York and Los Angeles starting from November 22.
Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, this hand-drawn animated feature marks his return to filmmaking after a decade. The movie tells an original story and is produced by Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli and an Academy Award nominee. The musical score is composed by Joe Hisaishi, a long-time collaborator of Miyazaki, and the theme song, titled “Spinning Globe,” is written and performed by the popular J-pop artist Kenshi Yonezu.
THE BOY AND THE HERON had its international debut as the Opening Night Gala at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. The film received tremendous support, with tickets for all five screenings selling out rapidly. Furthermore, it garnered glowing reviews and secured a spot in the top three for the TIFF People’s Choice Awards. After its successful premiere, the film went on to have its U.S. premiere at the prestigious New York Film Festival, its European premiere as the Opening Night film at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, its UK premiere at the highly regarded BFI London Film Festival, and its Los Angeles IMAX premiere as the Opening Night film at the Animation is Film Festival.
GKIDS, the producer and distributor of award-winning animated films from across the globe, has revealed the voice cast for acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece, “THE BOY AND THE HERON.”
The English dubbed version of this film will feature an impressive lineup of talented actors, including Christian Bale (known for his roles in “Ford v Ferrari” and “The Pale Blue Eye”), Dave Bautista (recognizable from “Dune” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”), Gemma Chan (famous for her performances in “Eternals” and “Crazy Rich Asians”), Willem Dafoe (seen in “At Eternity’s Gate” and “The Florida Project”), Karen Fukuhara (known for her work in “The Boys” and “Suicide Squad”), Mark Hamill (renowned for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker and his voice work), Robert Pattinson (upcoming star of “The Batman” and “Tenet”), and Florence Pugh (notable for her roles in “Black Widow” and “Little Women”).
Additionally, Luca Padovan joins the cast as the character Mahito Maki, while Mamoudou Athie, Tony Revolori, and Dan Stevens lend their voices to the Parakeets in the film.
GKIDS handled casting and produced the English version in close consultation with Studio Ghibli, to produce the English version, collaborating with ADR director Michael Sinterniklaas at NYAV Post and English script adapter Stephanie Sheh. The English dubbed version adheres to the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement, ensuring quality and authenticity.
GKIDS is set to release THE BOY AND THE HERON in theaters nationwide on December 8, 2023. This eagerly awaited animated film from Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio, will be available in both the original Japanese version and an English-language version.
Photo by Nicolas Guérin
The movie is an original story written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. This is Miyazaki’s first feature film in 10 years, with the previous film being The Wind Rises in 2013. Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, will be the producer, while long-time musical collaborator Joe Hisaishi will provide the mesmerizing musical score.
Photo by Kazuhei Kimura
The theme song titled “Spinning Globe” will performed by the internationally acclaimed J-pop sensation, Kenshi Yonezu. This film marks Miyazaki’s highly-anticipated return to feature filmmaking after a 10-year hiatus.
Opening to rave reviews at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, THE BOY AND THE HERON made an impressive international debut. With sold-out screenings and a top three spot in the TIFF People’s Choice Awards, the film captivated audiences. It also received acclaim at the New York Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival.
The film is set to be exclusively in theaters on December 8th. The film will also be presented in IMAX at LA’s Chinese Theater on October 18 as the Opening Night of the Animation is Film Festival, an event we will cover.
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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.
Lonely in the Castle ENG KeyartLonely in the Castle Author, Mizuki Tsujimura.
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).
Keiichi Hara in 2011 at the Salón del Manga in Barcelona, Spain | (C) Mutari
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 canread 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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Acclaimed producer and distributor, GKIDS announced it has acquired North American right for SPIRITED AWAY: Live On Stage, during the hit production’s 2022 run at the historic Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, Japan. The production is a live stage performance of Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award®-winning animated feature of the same name.
The live stage production was adapted and directed for the stage by Tony Award®-winner John Caird, Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, who gained international acclaim for adapting and directing the world premiere of the landmark production Les Misérables.
GKIDS is set to release two separate filmed performances of the production, starring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, double-cast as the lead heroine Chihiro.
Actor Mari Natsuki, who voiced previously voiced the sorceress Yubaba and her twin sister Zeniba in the original motion picture, returns to her original role, accompanied by voice actor Romi Park. They are accompanied by a star-studded cast of Japan’s finest actors.
SPIRITED AWAY: Live On Stagewas created in association with Studio Ghibli, and presented by Toho Co., Ltd. The deal was negotiated between GKIDS and Toho. GKIDS will release the stage production theatrically in spring 2023.
GKids President David Jesteadt stated the following,“We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity for Studio Ghibli fans in America to experience the stage production that wowed Japanese press and audiences last year,” He added“This imaginative stage adaptation by the legendary John Caird, featuring two wonderful performances by lead actors Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, helps bring to life one of the greatest films of all time in a dazzling new way.”
Via Press Release
Live Stage Synopsis
While traveling to their new home, Chihiro and her family stumble into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. When her parents are turned into pigs and she is put to work in a magical bathhouse, Chihiro must use her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents, and return to the normal world.
Full Cast
Chihiro: Kanna Hashimoto/Mone Kamishiraishi
Haku: Kotaro Daigo /Hiroki Miura
No Face: Koharu Sugawara/Tomohiko Tsujimoto
Lin/Chihiro’s Mother: Miyu Sakihi/Fu Hinami
Kamaji: Tomorowo Taguchi/Satoshi Hashimoto
Yubaba/Zeniba: Mari Natsuki/Romi Park
Aniyaku/Chihiro’s Father: Kenya Osumi
Chichiyaku: Sunao Yoshimura
Aogaeru: Obata no Oniisan
GKIDS has yet to announce the official theatrical release date.
We’ll keep you updated on the theatrical release; meanwhile, subscribe to our articles below, and don’t miss any upcoming exclusive content!
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