Tag Archives: Hideaki Anno

Hideaki Anno’s LOVE & POP Gets Its First-Ever North American Theatrical Release

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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.

Film Credits:

  • Directed by: Hideaki Anno
  • Written by: Akio Satsukawa
  • Original Novel by: Ryū Murakami
  • Executive Produced by: Toshimichi Otsuki
  • Produced by: Miyuki Nanri
  • Cinematography by: Takahide Shibanushi
  • Music by: Shinkichi Mitsumune
  • Edited by: Hiroshi Okuda

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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EVANGELION:3.0+1.01 THRICE UPON A TIME – IN US THEATERS FOR THE FIRST TIME

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GKIDS is collaborating with Fathom for Exclusive Event Showings of the Finale of the Historic “EVANGELION” Property. GKIDS will bring the highly anticipated fourth and final installment of the new theatrical “Rebuild” editions of the EVANGELION franchise to theaters nationwide. In partnership with Fathom Events, screenings will only be on December 6th, 8th, and 11th.

Tickets will be available beginning November 2nd at FathomEvents.com, GKIDS.com/EVANGELION and participating theater box offices.

EVANGELION:3.0+1.01 THRICE UPON A TIME was released in Japanese theaters in 2021, where it was a critical and box office success becoming the highest-grossing film of the year with ¥10.28 billion (~$85 million) at the local box office. The release marks the first time the film will be available in theaters in North America since its domestic release in Japan. The film has won numerous awards, including, The 45th Japan Academy Film Prize, Tokyo Anime Awards, and Best Original Screenplay and Director (Hideaki Anno) categories at the Tokyo Anime Film Festival.

Created by Hideaki Anno, the NEON GENESIS EVANGELION franchise is considered one of the most influential animated sagas of all time. Since the 1995 premiere of the original television series, the story of teenager Shinji Ikari has remained one of the most iconic titles in animation history and a global pop culture phenomenon.

Last year, GKIDS released the original twenty-six-episode television series, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, as well as the films EVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)2 and THE END OF EVANGELION on Blu-ray and digital download-to-own for the first time in North America. GKIDS also handles North American distribution for creator Hideaki Anno’s prior series, NADIA: The Secret of Blue Water.

Film Synopsis

From legendary director Hideaki Anno, EVANGELION:3.0+1.01 THRICE UPON A TIME is the fourth and final installment of the REBUILD OF EVANGELION films, bringing an epic conclusion to the story of Shinji and his fellow Eva pilots, with the stunning visuals and thought-provoking storytelling that has made EVANGELION a global pop culture phenomenon.

Misato and her anti-NERV group Wille arrive at Paris, a city now red from core-ization. Crew from the flagship Wunder land on a containment tower. They only have 720 seconds to restore the city. When a horde of NERV Evas appear, Mari’s improved Eva Unit 8 must intercept. Meanwhile, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei (Provisional Name) wander about Japan.

During an interview by Moshi Moshi Nippon in July 2021, Evangelion creator and director Hideaki Anno, gave a message for the film’s international release on Amazon Prime Video,

Photo: Moshi Moshi Nippon | https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/479515

“Not only Evangelion, but my work basically deal with themes unique to Japan, aimed at people who grew up in Japan. I am really grateful and honoured that such works are seen and loved by people all over the world. Thank you so much for supporting Evangelion, and I hope you enjoy the film”

– Hideaki Anno via Moshi Moshi Nippon | July 2021

Tickets will be available beginning November 2nd at FathomEvents.com, GKIDS.com/EVANGELION and participating theater box offices.

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