The upcoming anime film Fureru — from the creative group that includes director Tatsuyuki Nagai, writer/director Mari Okada and artist Masayoshi Tanaka — revealed a new visual today of the cute creature from the film that will introduce to audiences to the film's namesake: the spiky Fureru. Fureru (pictured above) is a creature that has been passed down for generations to people on the island where the three main male characters are from. The creature has the mysterious power of telepathy through the action of “fureru,” which while not specified what the action is, can translate to “touch” or “sway.” Related: Mari Okada, Tatsuyuki Nagai, Masayoshi Tanaka's Fureru Anime Film Teases Heartwarming Story in First Character Look CloverWorks will produce the Fureru. anime movie, scheduled for a fall 2024 release . The Super Peace Busters creative team previously made Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day , The Anthem of the Heart and Her Blue Sky together.
- 4/9/2024
- by Daryl Harding
- Crunchyroll
A first look of the characters of the much-anticipated newest work from the Super Peace Busters — the creative group that includes director Tatsuyuki Nagai, writer/director Mari Okada and artist Masayoshi Tanaka — was released today for the original anime film Fureru at AnimeJapan today during a special stage event . The panel gave us the first peek at childhood friends, who are now in their 20’s and are living their lives in downtown Tokyo. Aki Onoda Ryo Sobue Yuta Inohara Related: Mari Okada, Tatsuyuki Nagai, Masayoshi Tanaka Reunite for Original Anime Film Fureru CloverWorks will produce the Fureru anime movie, scheduled for a fall 2024 release . The Super Peace Busters creative team previously made Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day , The Anthem of the Heart and Her Blue Sky together. Fureru is described as a coming-of-age film set in present-day Tokyo surrounding the Shinjuku area. The movie centers on childhood friends...
- 3/23/2024
- by Daryl Harding
- Crunchyroll
This October, Yoshiko Shimamura's novel Ganbatte Ikimasshoi will be adapted into a theatrical anime film. Today, we get our first look at the youth rowing club saga, as well as the actors behind its five main cast members. Check out the poster for the film: Related: Trapezium Anime Film Releases Main Trailer with Key Visual, Cast Announcements The main cast, from left to right, consists of: Miyoko Hyoudou: Akari Kito (Nezuko in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ) Riina Takahashi: Rie Takahashi (Megumin in Konosuba ) Eiko Murakami: Sora Amamiya (Aqua in Konosuba ) Hime Saeki: Miku Ito (Miku Nakano in The Quintessential Quintuplets ) Mayumi Inomoto: Ikumi Hasegawa (Ikuyo Kita in Bocchi The Rock! ) Hear them in action in the film's first trailer: Related: Mari Okada's Maboroshi Anime Film Wins Niigata International Animated Film Festival's Kabuku Award Yuhei Sakuragi ( Ingress the Animation ) directs Ganbatte Ikimasshoi , which is being animated at Studio Moe and Reirs.
- 3/21/2024
- by Kara Dennison
- Crunchyroll
When Adam Changes, a Canadian animated film about an awkward teenager in suburban Quebec, won the Grand Prix at the Niigata International Animation Film Festival (Niaff).
The festival, now in its second year, ran from March 15-20 in Niigata, a port city two hours north of Tokyo.
Written and directed by Joël Vaudreuil, When Adam Changes premiered at last year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival. “Coming here and meeting so many people, and being able to meet and talk with the other competition directors was a gift in itself,” said Vaudreuil, acceping the award at Niaff’s closing ceremony.
The festival, now in its second year, ran from March 15-20 in Niigata, a port city two hours north of Tokyo.
Written and directed by Joël Vaudreuil, When Adam Changes premiered at last year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival. “Coming here and meeting so many people, and being able to meet and talk with the other competition directors was a gift in itself,” said Vaudreuil, acceping the award at Niaff’s closing ceremony.
- 3/21/2024
- ScreenDaily
On the final day of the Niigata International Animated Film Festival, an award and closing ceremony was held to celebrate the films entered into competition over the past week, with the judges making their selection and announcing the winners on Wednesday night in Japan. Mari Okada's latest film Maboroshi was awarded the festival's Kabuku Award , which the festival committee describes below: The Kabuku Award is given to a work that is not constrained by conventional values, but challenges and creates something novel and innovative. Kabuku is an old Japanese verb, from which the word Kabuki is derived. The award derives from the term ‘kabuki-mono’, which was used around the 16th century (the Samurai period) to refer to those who dressed or acted in flamboyant ways that deviated from the norm. Director Mari Okada after accepting the award (Image via Comic Natalie ) This award marks the second for the film...
- 3/20/2024
- by Humberto Saabedra
- Crunchyroll
By Ben Warnock
In only their fourth theatrical film production, anime juggernauts Studio Mappa team up with legendary screenwriter Mari Okada of “Toradora!” fame to create a haunting allegory for the indecision of adolescence in “Maboroshi”. The feature won the award for Best Animation Film at the Mainichi Film Awards and was picked up for global distribution by Netflix.
Click the image below to follow our Tribute to Netflix
When a mysterious explosion occurs in a small factory town, time becomes frozen as its residents find themselves trapped and unable to age within its confines. Masamune Kikuiri is a high-school student who witnesses the explosion alongside a group of his friends and soon finds himself at the centre of the mysterious events happening in the town. Approached by classmate Atsumi Sagai, he is tasked with helping to look after a feral girl who is not a part of their world...
In only their fourth theatrical film production, anime juggernauts Studio Mappa team up with legendary screenwriter Mari Okada of “Toradora!” fame to create a haunting allegory for the indecision of adolescence in “Maboroshi”. The feature won the award for Best Animation Film at the Mainichi Film Awards and was picked up for global distribution by Netflix.
Click the image below to follow our Tribute to Netflix
When a mysterious explosion occurs in a small factory town, time becomes frozen as its residents find themselves trapped and unable to age within its confines. Masamune Kikuiri is a high-school student who witnesses the explosion alongside a group of his friends and soon finds himself at the centre of the mysterious events happening in the town. Approached by classmate Atsumi Sagai, he is tasked with helping to look after a feral girl who is not a part of their world...
- 3/11/2024
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Maboroshi Movie Review Rating:
Star Cast: Junya Enoki, Reina Ueda, Misaki Kuno, Koji Seto, and Kento Hayashi.
Director: Mari Okada
Maboroshi Movie Review ( Photo Credit – Netflix Anime / YouTube )
What’s Good: The quality of the animation is quite impressive and proves that Mappa is just working at the peak of its abilities.
What’s Bad: The story never manages to set up characters and stakes in the proper way. Thus, when the climax arrives, it feels hollow.
Loo Break: The second act is a perfect loo break as the plot meanders between different characters and struggles to get to the point.
Watch or Not?: Watch only if you’re a Mappa fan.
Language: Japanese (with English subtitles).
Available On: Netflix
Runtime: 112 Minutes.
User Rating:
It is without question that Mappa is the most famous and most important studio in the anime medium, thanks to their many popular adaptations of famous manga,...
Star Cast: Junya Enoki, Reina Ueda, Misaki Kuno, Koji Seto, and Kento Hayashi.
Director: Mari Okada
Maboroshi Movie Review ( Photo Credit – Netflix Anime / YouTube )
What’s Good: The quality of the animation is quite impressive and proves that Mappa is just working at the peak of its abilities.
What’s Bad: The story never manages to set up characters and stakes in the proper way. Thus, when the climax arrives, it feels hollow.
Loo Break: The second act is a perfect loo break as the plot meanders between different characters and struggles to get to the point.
Watch or Not?: Watch only if you’re a Mappa fan.
Language: Japanese (with English subtitles).
Available On: Netflix
Runtime: 112 Minutes.
User Rating:
It is without question that Mappa is the most famous and most important studio in the anime medium, thanks to their many popular adaptations of famous manga,...
- 1/21/2024
- by Nelson Acosta
- KoiMoi
Netflix's Maboroshi has left fans stunned thanks to a gripping and emotional ending.
After first streaming in Japan in 2023, the anime arrived on Netflix across the globe, telling a poignant story about what it means to be alive and doing what one can in life with the precious time they have.
Written and directed by prolific anime writer Mari Okada, Maboroshi centers on a town taken out of reality after a shocking industrial accident and the emergence of a mysterious girl who may be the key to this reality-breaking circumstance.
Read full article on The Direct.
After first streaming in Japan in 2023, the anime arrived on Netflix across the globe, telling a poignant story about what it means to be alive and doing what one can in life with the precious time they have.
Written and directed by prolific anime writer Mari Okada, Maboroshi centers on a town taken out of reality after a shocking industrial accident and the emergence of a mysterious girl who may be the key to this reality-breaking circumstance.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 1/16/2024
- by Klein Felt
- The Direct
Mutability is the quintessential essence of life itself, which imparts meaning to existence through its various shades. What does life amount to if that very signifier somehow gets lost? Are hopes and dreams valid concepts in an existence that is perennially halted in stasis? And can we find something to sustain us even in such unimaginable suffering? These are a few of the many philosophical queries Mari Okada’s recent sci-fi anime feature Maboroshi or Alice to Therese no Maboroshi Koujou raises while weaving an intricate, complex tale of human emotions and relationships, which has time and again characterized her body of work.
As a celebrated manga and anime creator, Mari Okada’s prolific works are often seen to be influenced by elements of her own experience of growing up—isolated and emotionally suppressed thanks to the whims of the world outside. As a result, her key works, Anohana and Maquia,...
As a celebrated manga and anime creator, Mari Okada’s prolific works are often seen to be influenced by elements of her own experience of growing up—isolated and emotionally suppressed thanks to the whims of the world outside. As a result, her key works, Anohana and Maquia,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
It’s going to be a great start to the New Year on Netflix. With the arrival of the Marineford Arc in the One Piece anime, Mappa’s latest release, and a return to the Seven Deadly Sins franchise, there’s not much anime fans will want to miss on Netflix in January 2024.
N = Netflix Original
Below is the scheduled list of anime coming to Netflix US in January 2024:
One Piece (Season 20)
New Episodes: 39
Genre: Action, Adventure | Runtime: 24 Minutes
Cast: Mayumi Tanaka, Akemi Okamura, Kazuya Nakai, Kappei Yamaguchi, Hiroaki Hirata
Netflix Release Date: January 1st, 2024
Fans experiencing One Piece for the first time through Netflix are in for one dramatic roller coaster of action and emotion.
Ace, Luffy’s sworn brother, is due to be executed at any moment, resulting in the Whitebeard Pirates moving on Marine HQ. As Ace’s life hangs in the balance, Luffy is racing...
N = Netflix Original
Below is the scheduled list of anime coming to Netflix US in January 2024:
One Piece (Season 20)
New Episodes: 39
Genre: Action, Adventure | Runtime: 24 Minutes
Cast: Mayumi Tanaka, Akemi Okamura, Kazuya Nakai, Kappei Yamaguchi, Hiroaki Hirata
Netflix Release Date: January 1st, 2024
Fans experiencing One Piece for the first time through Netflix are in for one dramatic roller coaster of action and emotion.
Ace, Luffy’s sworn brother, is due to be executed at any moment, resulting in the Whitebeard Pirates moving on Marine HQ. As Ace’s life hangs in the balance, Luffy is racing...
- 1/8/2024
- by Jacob Robinson
- Whats-on-Netflix
When Netflix debuts the limited animated series “Oni: Thunder God’s Tale” on Friday, Oct. 21, it will be the culmination of a longtime goal for creator-director Daisuke “Dice” Tsutsumi to bring characters from Japanese folklore to a global audience.
“Oni,” written by Mari Okada and Tsutsumi, follows the story of Onari, a free-spirited girl living in a world of strange gods and monsters who is determined to help save her village from a looming threat. It features an international cast of voices including Momona Tamada as Onari, “Jojo Rabbit” star Archie Yates as her best friend Kappa, Craig Robinson as her protector Naridon and George Takei as her teacher Mr. Tengu.
Tsutsumi and his Tonko House partner Robert Kondo first talked with Variety about the project in early 2019 but the genesis of the idea began earlier than that. “It was about five years ago when Robert asked me, if I could draw anything,...
“Oni,” written by Mari Okada and Tsutsumi, follows the story of Onari, a free-spirited girl living in a world of strange gods and monsters who is determined to help save her village from a looming threat. It features an international cast of voices including Momona Tamada as Onari, “Jojo Rabbit” star Archie Yates as her best friend Kappa, Craig Robinson as her protector Naridon and George Takei as her teacher Mr. Tengu.
Tsutsumi and his Tonko House partner Robert Kondo first talked with Variety about the project in early 2019 but the genesis of the idea began earlier than that. “It was about five years ago when Robert asked me, if I could draw anything,...
- 10/20/2022
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” and Kid Cudi’s “Entergalactic” are among the titles that will be teased at Netflix’s inaugural Annecy International Animation Film Festival showcase next month.
The streamer is also bringing masterclasses and the world premiere of Chris Williams’ sea monster adventure “The Sea Beast,” starring Karl Urban and Dan Stevens, to the festival, which takes place in France.
Netflix’s showcase will offer an exclusive first look at del Toro’s upcoming stop-motion adaptation of “Pinocchio,” with the filmmaker attending in person to discuss the project, as well as the first look at “Entergalactic,” the adult animated project from Kid Cudi (Aka Scott Mescudi) and Kenya Barris, which is based on Cudi’s album of the same name.
The showcase will also include a behind-the-scenes look at David Fincher’s “Bad Travelling,” which will be included in vol. 3 of Tim Miller’s series “Love, Death + Robots...
The streamer is also bringing masterclasses and the world premiere of Chris Williams’ sea monster adventure “The Sea Beast,” starring Karl Urban and Dan Stevens, to the festival, which takes place in France.
Netflix’s showcase will offer an exclusive first look at del Toro’s upcoming stop-motion adaptation of “Pinocchio,” with the filmmaker attending in person to discuss the project, as well as the first look at “Entergalactic,” the adult animated project from Kid Cudi (Aka Scott Mescudi) and Kenya Barris, which is based on Cudi’s album of the same name.
The showcase will also include a behind-the-scenes look at David Fincher’s “Bad Travelling,” which will be included in vol. 3 of Tim Miller’s series “Love, Death + Robots...
- 5/25/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The BFI today announce full details of a hotly anticipated two-month season dedicated to Anime, running at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX from 28 March – 31 May. Originally planned for summer 2020 as part of the BFI’s major survey of Japanese cinema BFI Japan, the season arrives, at long last, to entertain and delight anime fans and novices alike.
The programme will include:
· A broad mixture of classic films such as Akira, Ghost In The Shell, Belladonna Of Sadness, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie and Tekkonkinkreet, as well as an early shorts programme spotlighting work from 1917-1946· Previews of new releases including the thrillingly original Inu-oh, high-octane urban fairy tale Bubble and the powerful and thought-provoking short Summer Ghost (2021) followed by a Q&a with director loundraw· Much-loved recent work by major auteurs Mamoru Hosoda, Makoto Shinkai (Your Name) and the late great Satoshi Kon· A spotlight on emerging female talent Naoko Yamada...
The programme will include:
· A broad mixture of classic films such as Akira, Ghost In The Shell, Belladonna Of Sadness, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie and Tekkonkinkreet, as well as an early shorts programme spotlighting work from 1917-1946· Previews of new releases including the thrillingly original Inu-oh, high-octane urban fairy tale Bubble and the powerful and thought-provoking short Summer Ghost (2021) followed by a Q&a with director loundraw· Much-loved recent work by major auteurs Mamoru Hosoda, Makoto Shinkai (Your Name) and the late great Satoshi Kon· A spotlight on emerging female talent Naoko Yamada...
- 3/15/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Anime Limited are delighted to announce that Screen Anime, their curated channel dedicated to showcasing the pinnacle of Japanese animated films past and present, can now be enjoyed on the big screen at home or on the go with apps for Android and Amazon Fire TV devices available to download and watch now, with apps for iOS and Apple tvOS coming soon.
Since its launch in May 2020, Screen Anime has offered fans of the growing medium and film at large the opportunity to enjoy a rotating, curated monthly line-up of 4 films and 1 TV series that have ranged from recent smash-hits, to vintage classics, and cult curiosities, from only £3.98 a month.
Until 25th November, Screen Anime is hosting the expanded online line-up of Scotland Loves Anime, an annual film festival that had to scale back its physical events this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, two-thirds of all membership...
Since its launch in May 2020, Screen Anime has offered fans of the growing medium and film at large the opportunity to enjoy a rotating, curated monthly line-up of 4 films and 1 TV series that have ranged from recent smash-hits, to vintage classics, and cult curiosities, from only £3.98 a month.
Until 25th November, Screen Anime is hosting the expanded online line-up of Scotland Loves Anime, an annual film festival that had to scale back its physical events this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, two-thirds of all membership...
- 11/14/2020
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
In a year that has proven challenging for films and the venues that show them, the Screen Anime channel is delighted to announce that it will host the digital line-up of Scotland Loves Anime, a celebration of Japanese animation that has attracted tens of thousands of visitors over 11 years, and help to support the local cinemas that host it.
Andrew Partridge, CEO of Anime Ltd and founder of Scotland Loves Animation explains, “Supporting cinemas through what has been a tough year is something really important to all of us at Anime Limited and Scotland Loves Animation. We can’t wait to show off what the festival has to offer on Screen Anime and help out our friends at both the Filmhouse and the Glasgow Film Theatre as much as we can.”
From 25th October until 25th November 2020, enjoy a celebration of two iconic franchises – Monkey Punch’s charismatic master thief Lupin III,...
Andrew Partridge, CEO of Anime Ltd and founder of Scotland Loves Animation explains, “Supporting cinemas through what has been a tough year is something really important to all of us at Anime Limited and Scotland Loves Animation. We can’t wait to show off what the festival has to offer on Screen Anime and help out our friends at both the Filmhouse and the Glasgow Film Theatre as much as we can.”
From 25th October until 25th November 2020, enjoy a celebration of two iconic franchises – Monkey Punch’s charismatic master thief Lupin III,...
- 10/21/2020
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Makoto Shinkai may have been recognized as the new Miyazaki, but he is not the only one carrying the torch of the Japanese master. Director Tatsuyuki Nagai, writer Mari Okada and chief animator and character designer Masayoshi Tanaka (aka Super Peace Busters) have also been sending significant ripples in the anime world, with titles like “Toradora”, the recent “Her Blue Sky” and this particular title, being on an equal level with the Shinkai’s blockbusters, at least contextually.
“Anthem of the Heart” is streaming on Screen Anime
As a child, Jun Naruse was excitable and talkative, to the point that the word “chatterbox” accompanied her quite frequently. One day, however, she saw her father exit a love hotel, accompanied by another woman, and not understanding the situation, she told her mother. Her actions resulted in their divorce, and her father blaming her for it. Her reaction to his rather despicable...
“Anthem of the Heart” is streaming on Screen Anime
As a child, Jun Naruse was excitable and talkative, to the point that the word “chatterbox” accompanied her quite frequently. One day, however, she saw her father exit a love hotel, accompanied by another woman, and not understanding the situation, she told her mother. Her actions resulted in their divorce, and her father blaming her for it. Her reaction to his rather despicable...
- 7/21/2020
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Anime Limited is delighted to announce the UK digital premiere of Makoto Shinkai’s smash hit “Weathering with You“, which will headline the June line-up of their Screen Anime online anime film festival from 25th June 2020. With a curated theme of “extra-ordinary high school life”, “Weathering With You” will be joined by a showcase of the unique experiences that can unfold within one of anime’s staple and most enduring settings.
Experience Makoto Shinkai’s break-out hit with the body-swapping sensation “Your Name“, discover your voice with “Anthem of the Heart“, an emotional drama from screenwriter Mari Okada (Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms), or elope with the youthful summer of “Fireworks“. Those wanting a more tranquil youth, however, can enrol in the rather more agricultural themed school of this month’s bingeable TV series, the hilarious “Silver Spoon“, based on the manga by Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa.
Following...
Experience Makoto Shinkai’s break-out hit with the body-swapping sensation “Your Name“, discover your voice with “Anthem of the Heart“, an emotional drama from screenwriter Mari Okada (Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms), or elope with the youthful summer of “Fireworks“. Those wanting a more tranquil youth, however, can enrol in the rather more agricultural themed school of this month’s bingeable TV series, the hilarious “Silver Spoon“, based on the manga by Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa.
Following...
- 6/16/2020
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
After working with screenwriter Mari Okada for a number of years, producer Kenji Horikawa needed to learn to work with the artist in a different way, as she set out to make her directorial debut with Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms. An ambitious anime that conjures up a singular, fantastical world, the Oscar-shortlisted feature centers on Maquia, an immortal girl who takes a newborn baby boy out of dire circumstances, raising him as her own, and watching the relationship blossom into myriad complexities over the years.
Certainly, Maquia was an ambitious project for any director to take on, and particularly for a fledgling helmer. “It was such a big project that a lot of people weren’t sure that she could do it, so there was some resistance met there, and that was also a challenge to push through,” Horikawa reflects. “A lot of really amazing talents came together for this film,...
Certainly, Maquia was an ambitious project for any director to take on, and particularly for a fledgling helmer. “It was such a big project that a lot of people weren’t sure that she could do it, so there was some resistance met there, and that was also a challenge to push through,” Horikawa reflects. “A lot of really amazing talents came together for this film,...
- 12/12/2018
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The critically acclaimed film Maquia: When The Flower Blooms hits Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download on February 5 via Eleven Arts Anime Studio and Shout! Factory. Marking the directorial debut of screenwriter Mari Okada (The Anthem of the Heart), the feature is also composed by Kenji Kawai.
The storyline [...]
The post Animated Tale ‘Maquia: When The Flower Blooms’ Hits Blu-Ray And DVD In February appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The storyline [...]
The post Animated Tale ‘Maquia: When The Flower Blooms’ Hits Blu-Ray And DVD In February appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 10/24/2018
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
As I have mentioned before, the spirit of Hayao Miyazaki is bound to be carried onwards in the anime industry for many years to come. Mari Okada in her directorial debut seems to have drawn from “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” for the base of a film that takes its basic premise much further, though.
“Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms” is part of the Asian selection at Fantasia International Film Festival
The Lolph are a race of weavers, which spend the centuries their lives last weaving their stories and their thoughts into a special cloth named Hibiol, in their secluded kingdom. One of the children among them is Maquia, an orphaned girl whose life is filled with sorrow for her lack of a family, and is best friends with Leilia, another girl who is the exact opposite of her in terms of character. One day, the neighboring...
“Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms” is part of the Asian selection at Fantasia International Film Festival
The Lolph are a race of weavers, which spend the centuries their lives last weaving their stories and their thoughts into a special cloth named Hibiol, in their secluded kingdom. One of the children among them is Maquia, an orphaned girl whose life is filled with sorrow for her lack of a family, and is best friends with Leilia, another girl who is the exact opposite of her in terms of character. One day, the neighboring...
- 7/29/2018
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
“I won’t cry, I promise,” vows the ethereal, long-living Maquia (voiced by Manaka Iwami) to the little mortal boy she is raising as her son. “I’m a mother!” she says, beating her fist lightly against her belly in a gesture of defiance that makes the boy smile. But mother or no, it’s a promise any viewer of this gorgeously rendered, acutely sentimental animated phantasmagoria would be foolhardy to make.
“Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms” is the directorial debut of prolific and successful anime screenwriter Mari Okada (“Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”), and though set in a medieval-styled, distinctly “Game of Thrones”-esque fantasy world of dying dragons, imprisoned princesses, warring kingdoms, and mystical cloth into which is woven the stories of our lives, the trembling, overflowing heart of the film is a story of motherhood, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness that is informed by Okada’s...
“Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms” is the directorial debut of prolific and successful anime screenwriter Mari Okada (“Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”), and though set in a medieval-styled, distinctly “Game of Thrones”-esque fantasy world of dying dragons, imprisoned princesses, warring kingdoms, and mystical cloth into which is woven the stories of our lives, the trembling, overflowing heart of the film is a story of motherhood, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness that is informed by Okada’s...
- 7/20/2018
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix’s cutest death-metal fan is returning for more face-melting good times. The streaming service announced Monday at Anime Expo it has renewed “Aggretsuko” for Season 2.
The charming anime series follows 25-year-old red panda Retsuko, who works an oppressive office job by day and vents her frustrations through death metal karaoke at night. The series examines micro-aggressions, sexism, and the pressures society puts on people to conform to a specific “good” person image.
In the Season 1 review, IndieWire noted, “As it stands, this delightful season is more like filling up on Costco samples than a more substantial series binge. That’s no doubt part of its charm. If Netflix sees fit to renew it for another season, however, there’s definitely an appetite for meatier fare.”
Watch the sizzle reel below:
“Castlevania” Season 2
At the expo, Netflix also revealed “Castlevania” Season 2’s release date in addition to some first-look photos below.
The charming anime series follows 25-year-old red panda Retsuko, who works an oppressive office job by day and vents her frustrations through death metal karaoke at night. The series examines micro-aggressions, sexism, and the pressures society puts on people to conform to a specific “good” person image.
In the Season 1 review, IndieWire noted, “As it stands, this delightful season is more like filling up on Costco samples than a more substantial series binge. That’s no doubt part of its charm. If Netflix sees fit to renew it for another season, however, there’s definitely an appetite for meatier fare.”
Watch the sizzle reel below:
“Castlevania” Season 2
At the expo, Netflix also revealed “Castlevania” Season 2’s release date in addition to some first-look photos below.
- 7/6/2018
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
It’s a busy Fifth of July for Netflix on the animation front. The streamer has ordered a pair of new anime series — Ultraman and Kengan Ashura — renewed rookie Aggretsuko and set premiere dates for three other new series and one sophomore.
Season 2 of Castlevania will kick off October 26, and launch dates are final for the new series Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (July 18), Dragon Pilot (September 21) and Cannon Busters (April 1). Read their descriptions below.
Ultraman, which will launch in the spring, is an action drama centered on a man possessing the spirit and DNA of the legendary hero Ultraman as he wears a metallic ultra suit and fights against evil. Kenji Kamiyama and Shinji Aramaki direct the series from Production I.G and Sola Digital.
Kengan Ashura, from Larx Entertainment, follows Kazuo Yamashita is an ordinary 56-year-old man who one day is summoned by the chairman of his...
Season 2 of Castlevania will kick off October 26, and launch dates are final for the new series Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle (July 18), Dragon Pilot (September 21) and Cannon Busters (April 1). Read their descriptions below.
Ultraman, which will launch in the spring, is an action drama centered on a man possessing the spirit and DNA of the legendary hero Ultraman as he wears a metallic ultra suit and fights against evil. Kenji Kamiyama and Shinji Aramaki direct the series from Production I.G and Sola Digital.
Kengan Ashura, from Larx Entertainment, follows Kazuo Yamashita is an ordinary 56-year-old man who one day is summoned by the chairman of his...
- 7/6/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
wide
Patrick [pictured]
Mandie Fletcher directs this family comedy about a woman (Beattie Edmondson) whose life is turned upside down when she inherits a dog. Cowritten by Fletcher and Vanessa Davies.
find cinemas
Adrift
Shailene Woodley stars as a woman who faces disaster on a sailing adventure. (male director and screenwriters)
find cinemas
limited
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Mari Okada writes and directs this animated fantasy drama about a near-immortal woman (the voice of Manaka Iwami) who adopts a mortal (male) child.
my review | find cinemas
The Bookshop
Isabel Coixet writes and directs this historical drama about a woman (Emily Mortimer) who opens the eponymous establishment in a small conservative town in 1950s England.
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Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Mari Okada writes and directs this animated fantasy drama about a near-immortal woman (the voice of Manaka Iwami) who adopts a mortal (male) child.
my review | find cinemas
The Bookshop
Isabel Coixet writes and directs this historical drama about a woman (Emily Mortimer) who opens the eponymous establishment in a small conservative town in 1950s England.
find cinemas
Leave No Trace
Debra Granik writes and directs this drama about a teenage girl (Thomasin McKenzie) who lives off the grid with her Ptsd-afflicted veteran father.
find cinemas
Please let me know if...
- 6/29/2018
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
In a fantasy world a lasting bond that transcends time and the tragedy of being immortal is explored in a emotional tale. Welcome to the story of Maquia.
Anime screenwriter turned director, Mari Okada brings us her debut feature and passion project; Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms.
Set in a fictional fantasy world of sprawling steampunk and vast acreage, where immortal beings and dragonkin creatures aren’t a thing of myth, the tale follows our protagnist Maquia; a woman of young appearance who is part of the centuries old Iorphian race of beings that are near immortal and weave their legendary stories into cloth known as Hibiol. After the peaceful civilization is attacked by the army of the King of Mezarte, who is desperate to find out the secret of their everlasting life, Maquia is thrust into the outside world where time progresses at a much more contrasting pace.
Anime screenwriter turned director, Mari Okada brings us her debut feature and passion project; Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms.
Set in a fictional fantasy world of sprawling steampunk and vast acreage, where immortal beings and dragonkin creatures aren’t a thing of myth, the tale follows our protagnist Maquia; a woman of young appearance who is part of the centuries old Iorphian race of beings that are near immortal and weave their legendary stories into cloth known as Hibiol. After the peaceful civilization is attacked by the army of the King of Mezarte, who is desperate to find out the secret of their everlasting life, Maquia is thrust into the outside world where time progresses at a much more contrasting pace.
- 6/29/2018
- by James Perkins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Mari Okada, who has written the screenplays for some 20-odd animated films, including the iconic Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, debuts as one of Japan’s rare female anime directors in the melancholy and poetic Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana o Kazarou). Set in a medieval fantasy world that recalls The Hobbit and The Game of Thrones, the story describes how an immortal girl called a lorph is abducted to the world of humans and adopts a baby, only to watch him grow up and age, while she remains the same.
Known for ...
Known for ...
- 6/27/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mari Okada, who has written the screenplays for some 20-odd animated films, including the iconic Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, debuts as one of Japan’s rare female anime directors in the melancholy and poetic Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana o Kazarou). Set in a medieval fantasy world that recalls The Hobbit and The Game of Thrones, the story describes how an immortal girl called a lorph is abducted to the world of humans and adopts a baby, only to watch him grow up and age, while she remains the same.
Known for ...
Known for ...
- 6/27/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
MaryAnn’s quick take… Epic yet intimate, this is a visual gorgeous and emotionally lush fantasy drama about love and hope set in a violent but beautifully realized invented world. I’m “biast” (pro): desperately seeking movies about women
I’m “biast” (con): not a huge fan of anime
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto) women’s participation in this film
(learn more about this)
Renowned and prolific Japanese anime TV writer Mari Okada makes a visual gorgeous and emotionally lush feature directorial debut with the enrapturing Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms. She’s written the script, too, of course, for this labor-of-love passion project, and here creates a beautifully realized fantasy world that echoes with the familiar — Tolkien and steampunk are major touchstones — while also carving out a fresh and uniquely lovely vision.
Maquia (the voice of Manaka Iwami) is a near immortal,...
I’m “biast” (con): not a huge fan of anime
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto) women’s participation in this film
(learn more about this)
Renowned and prolific Japanese anime TV writer Mari Okada makes a visual gorgeous and emotionally lush feature directorial debut with the enrapturing Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms. She’s written the script, too, of course, for this labor-of-love passion project, and here creates a beautifully realized fantasy world that echoes with the familiar — Tolkien and steampunk are major touchstones — while also carving out a fresh and uniquely lovely vision.
Maquia (the voice of Manaka Iwami) is a near immortal,...
- 6/27/2018
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
This female-centred story set among dragons and ancient clans is a sentimental tale of motherhood and ageing
A couple of years ago, Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura brushed aside the idea of hiring a female director at the legendary studio. Talking to the Guardian, he blundered on about women being the realistic sex and not idealistic enough for fantasy. With this ambitious debut, Mari Okada – a woman directing in the predominantly male business of Japanese anime – proves Nishimura wrong. Heart-meltingly lovely in places, with some cracking battle scenes, her film is set in a universe of dragons, ancient clans and medieval-looking armies familiar from Jrr Tolkien and George Rr Martin.
Maquia is a female-centred story focusing on a blond-haired race of ethereal waifs called lorphs, who live for hundreds of years peacefully weaving tapestries. The story’s heroine is Maquia, a melancholy lorph snatched during a raid by soldiers. Abandoned in a field,...
A couple of years ago, Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura brushed aside the idea of hiring a female director at the legendary studio. Talking to the Guardian, he blundered on about women being the realistic sex and not idealistic enough for fantasy. With this ambitious debut, Mari Okada – a woman directing in the predominantly male business of Japanese anime – proves Nishimura wrong. Heart-meltingly lovely in places, with some cracking battle scenes, her film is set in a universe of dragons, ancient clans and medieval-looking armies familiar from Jrr Tolkien and George Rr Martin.
Maquia is a female-centred story focusing on a blond-haired race of ethereal waifs called lorphs, who live for hundreds of years peacefully weaving tapestries. The story’s heroine is Maquia, a melancholy lorph snatched during a raid by soldiers. Abandoned in a field,...
- 6/26/2018
- by Cath Clarke
- The Guardian - Film News
Film is directorial debut of anime screenwriter Mari Okada.
Los Angeles-based Eleven Arts Amime Studio has acquired North American rights to Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms.
Hakuhodo Dy Music and Pictures is handling international sales on the film, which was previously sold to the UK and France (Anime Limited), Germany (Universum) and Russia (Capella Film), among other territories.
The directorial debut of anime screenwriter Mari Okada (Anthem Of The Heart), the film is set in a mystical land where people live for centuries. When they are invaded by an army seeking the secrets of long life, an orphaned girl...
Los Angeles-based Eleven Arts Amime Studio has acquired North American rights to Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms.
Hakuhodo Dy Music and Pictures is handling international sales on the film, which was previously sold to the UK and France (Anime Limited), Germany (Universum) and Russia (Capella Film), among other territories.
The directorial debut of anime screenwriter Mari Okada (Anthem Of The Heart), the film is set in a mystical land where people live for centuries. When they are invaded by an army seeking the secrets of long life, an orphaned girl...
- 4/13/2018
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
The film is the directorial debut of anime screenwriter Mari Okada.
Japan’s Hakuhodo Dy Music & Pictures has closed several sales on its animated feature Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms, including to Germany (Universum) and Russia (Capella Film).
The film has also gone to Dark Wingz for the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt and Oman. It was previously sold to Kaze for the UK and France, which is planning theatrical releases in both territories over the summer. Japanese release is scheduled for February 24, followed by the film’s international premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival next month.
The directorial debut of anime screenwriter Mari Okada (Anthem Of The Heart), the film is set in a mystical land where people live for centuries. When they are invaded by an army seeking the secrets of long life, an orphaned girl escapes into the forest and adopts a baby with a human life-span.
Hakuhodo Dy Music & Pictures, the film and TV arm of Japanese advertising giant Hakuhodo, also handles the international distribution of animated TV series.
The company’s Efm slate also includes live-action features including My Dad Is A Heel Wrestler, adapted from a best-selling children’s book, and Does The Flower Bloom?, adapted from a “boy’s love” (shonen ai) manga. Boy’s Love is a popular genre of manga that depicts relationships between gay men, but has a huge audience amongst teenage girls.
Japan’s Hakuhodo Dy Music & Pictures has closed several sales on its animated feature Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms, including to Germany (Universum) and Russia (Capella Film).
The film has also gone to Dark Wingz for the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt and Oman. It was previously sold to Kaze for the UK and France, which is planning theatrical releases in both territories over the summer. Japanese release is scheduled for February 24, followed by the film’s international premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival next month.
The directorial debut of anime screenwriter Mari Okada (Anthem Of The Heart), the film is set in a mystical land where people live for centuries. When they are invaded by an army seeking the secrets of long life, an orphaned girl escapes into the forest and adopts a baby with a human life-span.
Hakuhodo Dy Music & Pictures, the film and TV arm of Japanese advertising giant Hakuhodo, also handles the international distribution of animated TV series.
The company’s Efm slate also includes live-action features including My Dad Is A Heel Wrestler, adapted from a best-selling children’s book, and Does The Flower Bloom?, adapted from a “boy’s love” (shonen ai) manga. Boy’s Love is a popular genre of manga that depicts relationships between gay men, but has a huge audience amongst teenage girls.
- 2/20/2018
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
Fans of Gundam will be happy to hear Toonami announced a recent acquisition of a series for its lineup later this year! Looks like Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans will make its debut sometime soon on Toonami! Here's a description:
The series will take the closest-ever look in Gundam’s 35-year history at the bonds and clashes between its protagonists and the drama of their growth to adulthood, telling the story of a band of young boys and the changes their own maturation spurs in the “Gundam”.
Led by Anohana director Tatsuyuki Nagai and written by Mari Okada, Iron-blooded Orphans will feature an all-star staff of mechanical design by Naohiro Washio, Kanetake Ebikawa, Ippei Gyoubu, Kenji Teraoka, and Tamotsu Shinohara, with character concepts by Yu Ito designed for animation by Michinori Chiba and music by Masaru Yokoyama.
It's been awhile since we've seen a Gundam show on American television so I'm hyped for this!
The series will take the closest-ever look in Gundam’s 35-year history at the bonds and clashes between its protagonists and the drama of their growth to adulthood, telling the story of a band of young boys and the changes their own maturation spurs in the “Gundam”.
Led by Anohana director Tatsuyuki Nagai and written by Mari Okada, Iron-blooded Orphans will feature an all-star staff of mechanical design by Naohiro Washio, Kanetake Ebikawa, Ippei Gyoubu, Kenji Teraoka, and Tamotsu Shinohara, with character concepts by Yu Ito designed for animation by Michinori Chiba and music by Masaru Yokoyama.
It's been awhile since we've seen a Gundam show on American television so I'm hyped for this!
- 5/12/2016
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
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